The Citizens visit the Camp Nou to play their second leg of Champions League Round 16 eyeing a commanding win over the ruthless Barcelona.
In the first leg, at the Etihad, the Catalans ran riot and earned a 2-1 victory which is their third against the English champions in the last three encounters.
With all the statistics and conditions against them, the City squad travel to Barcelona only with their hope and confidence that they can get a positive result. The English side has never won a knockout stage of CL before.
With all the statistics and conditions against them, the City squad travel to Barcelona only with their hope and confidence that they can get a positive result. The English side has never won a knockout stage of CL before.
TEAM FOCUS
Barcelona
The Spanish leaders are in breathtaking form this year, thanks to the excellent MSN combination. The trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr are nick-named as MSN and the combination show no mercy. So it is going to be a tough day for Manchester City.
The absence of Sergio Busquets may be a concern, but the midfield looks complete without him. Experienced veteran Xavi may start in the middle and Ivan Rakitic will partner the legend. Andres Iniesta will do his magic as usual and when he combines with the MSN up front, they are unstoppable.
Barcelona have conceded just six times in CL this season which shows their strength in the defense department. And their impressive records against Manchester City also justify their strength.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba - Ivan Rakitic, Xavi, Andres Iniesta - Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr.
Substitutes
Pedro, Rafinha, Seri Roberto, Adriano Correira, Marc Bartra, Jeremy Mathieu, Claudio Bravo.
The City squad is full of quality and there is no doubt that they can beat any team. The attacking unit is highly explosive; Sergio Aguero being the main man, the Argentine is City’s main weapon.
The return of veteran Yaya Toure is a big boost and Fernandinho will partner the African. The two powerhouse midfielders can turn the fortunes of City. Jesus Navas may be preferred ahead of James Milner since the Spaniard’s experience in own country could help them. David Silva needs no introductions as he is one of the best creativity sources in the world. The added threat of French man Samir Nasri makes the attacking unit a world-class.
At least one of Manchester City’s defenders have been sent off in the previous three encounters against the Spanish side which shows their inability in controlling the Barcelona forwards especially Lionel Messi. The suspension of Gael Clichy means that Manchester city have to play their backup LB. Martin Demichelis could be benched this time for his torrid time against Barcelona and Eliaquim Mangala will get a chance.
Predicted XI
Joe Hart - Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna - Fernandinho, Yaya Toure - Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri, David Silva - Sergio Aguero
Substitutes
Edin Dzeko, Wilfried Bony, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Aleksander Kolarov, Martin Demichelis, Willy Caballero.
0 comments :
Post a Comment