UEFA Champions League Match Preview:
Coming into this match on the back of an impressive against the Premier League side Newcastle, Manchester City would be as confident as ever to get a positive result out of this fixture. While there form in 2015 has been far from decent, Manuel Pellegrini would be hoping that the recent humbling of Newcastle would spur his players ahead of their most important fixture of the season.
Here is how they’re expected to lineup against Barcelona on Tuesday: –
Joe Hart
Having kept 8 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, the Premier goal-keeper of the reigning Manchester City will make his 6th appearance in the Champions League this season. However, with just 1 clean sheet in the competition, Hart hasn’t been in his best form in the competition.
Pablo Zabaleta
Although Barcelona have a trio of South American players at their front, Manchester City aren’t lagging behind as their team against Barcelona will contain 3 players from the South American continent in their starting lineup. However, with Neymar battling Zabaleta on the right hand side, it might be a long 90 minutes for the Argentine on Tuesday.
Gael Clichy
While Alexander Kolarov started in that recent 5-0 win for Manchester City on the weekend, the pace that will be at showcase by FC Barcelona will force Manuel Pellegrini to start the Frenchman on the left side role.
Vincent Kompany
Being an important member of the Manchester City squad that trumped Liverpool for their 2nd title in 3 years, the form of the Belgian has dropped a bit in the Premier League this season. But with Eliaquim Mangala slowly setting foot in England, the Belgian has looked more comfortable of late.
Eliaquim Mangala
For a player who has committed the most number of errors amongst the Manchester City players, Mangala would be the weak point and Luiz Enrique would definitely eye him as a factor that can be exploited with relative ease. But with Martin DeMichellis on the wrong side of 30, Mangala might get the nod from Manuel Pellegrini.
Yaya Toure
Although Manchester City has 4 to 5 players of World class level at the helm, the Ivorian has served as the bond that keeps them together. While he was playing the African Cup of Nations in his native land, Manchester City failed to win a single game during that period.
Samir Nasri
When Manchester City signed Samir Nasri from Arsenal in the summer of 2012/13, he was seen as nothing more than a benchwarmer for the Premier League giants. However, the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini has paid dividends for the Frenchman and he is now becoming a dispensable figure for the reigning Premier League Champions.
Fernandinho
At a time when teams like Chelsea and Manchester United were going for attacking talent in 2014/15 summer transfer window, Manuel Pellegrini enshrined his interest in the Brazilian to add cement to his back four. He will start alongside Yaya Toure in the center midfield role.
David Silva
Although his form last season wasn’t the best in his long and illustrious career, the dawn of this season has turned his fortunes for Manchester City. Being the 2nd top-scorer for Manchester City this season with 9 goals in the Premier League, he will start on the left wing role.
Sergio Aguero
A fortnight from this match, Sergio Aguero was on a 5 match barren run, however give credit to his nature of a World-class player, Aguero has come back with a bang in the last two matches. He is now just 1 goal away from the Premier League top-scorer Diego Costa, and with 3 goals in last 2 matches, Aguero has been pumped up for this fixture.
Edin Dzeko
When Manchester City signed Wilfried Bony from Swansea in January, it was thought that this will be the end of road for Dzeko. But as his recent form suggests, Dzeko is refusing to give his place with ease.
Manchester City Vs Barcelona will be played at the Etihad, on Tuesday 24th February at 20:45 GMT [Match Center]
UEFA Champions League: How will Manchester City lineup against FC Barcelona
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