Champions League 2014/15: Manchester City v Barcelona – Match preview

The English champions are set to host the Spanish giants at the Etihad stadium for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Citizens lost 2-1 on home soil when the both teams played in the same stage of the competitions’ last edition. Barcelona knocked out Manchester City by 4-1 on aggregate.

The Premier League champions are trailing in the title race with leaders Chelsea 5 points ahead of them. But in Champions League, the team’s performance was not appreciable as they only managed to get 8 points from a possible 18, scoring 9 goals in the way.

While Barcelona are also trailing behind Real Madrid in the La Liga, their champions League performances are impressive with the Catalans being the group winners with 15 points, scoring as many goals in the process.

TEAM FOCUS

Manchester City

The hosts are in a great touch as they thrashed New Castle United 5-0 in their last match. The impressive form of David Silva is surely an edge and their talisman Sergio Aguero is back to scoring mode which strengthens the already well packed attacking unit. With Yaya Toure not available through suspension, Fernandinho will take the responsibility.

Samir Nasri, James Milner and Jesus Navas are expected to be at their prime best while the new signing Wilfred Bony will be an important force at the front. Club captain Vincent Kompany will master the defense unit with the experienced Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta providing support from the sides.

Predicted starting lineup

Goalkeeper - Joe Hart

Defenders - Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala, Gael Clichy

Midfielders - Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri, Fernandinho, David Silva

Forwards - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko

Substitutes

Willy Cabalerro, Martin Demichelis, Aleksandar Kolarov, Frank Lampard, Fernando, James Milner, Wilfred Bony.   

Barcelona

Barcelona are expected to recover from their shock defeat at the hands of Malaga at the Camp Nou. They will try to use this match as a booster to power them up for the final stages of the season. The threat of the attacking trio Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez is unstoppable and will thrash anyone, even at bad times.

The midfield is almost perfectly packed with the creativity of Andres Iniesta and the all-rounder Ivan Rakitic. Sergio Busquets adds physicality and solidity at the center of the park. Gerard Pique will step up in the heart of the defense supported by the experienced Daniel Alves and the reliable Jordi Alba.

Predicted starting lineup

Goalkeeper - Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Defenders - Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba

Midfielders - Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets

Forwards - Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr.

Substitutes

Claudio Bravo, Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya, Xavi Hernandez, Sergi Roberto, Rafinha, Pedro Rodriguez.  

Whether the Citizens take revenge over the Catalans or the Spanish giants will continue their dominance over their English opponents? The answer awaits and will be revealed tonight.

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