Can Aguero spearhead City to an historic victory?
Here’s the side we think City boss Manuel Pellegrini could start with tonight against Barcelona at the Nou Camp…
GK) Joe Hart
Of course, Hart will start between the sticks for City barring a late injury.
DR) Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine right-back is one of the first names on the team sheet, but will have to be careful to tame his attacking instincts with Pedro or Neymar possibly starting down Barcelona’s left.
DC) Vincent Kompany
City’s captain put in a heroic display during the first leg, but it wasn’t enough to stop his side falling to a 2-0 defeat. He’ll know if his side have any chance of progression, he’ll have to play even better tonight.
DC) Joleon Lescott
Martin Demichelis is suspended after he was sent off for fouling Lionel Messi in the first leg, meaning with Matija Nastasic also rated as doubtful, Pellegrini has little choice but to deploy Lescott alongside Kompany. He has the unenviable task of dealing with the Argentine sensation.
DL) Aleksandar Kolarov
Pellegrini could also select Clichy on the left of the back four, but we think he’ll go with the Serbian who offers a more direct counter attacking option down the flank.
AMR) Samir Nasri
The mercurial Frenchman is expected to get the nod ahead of the more pacey Jesus Navas down the right. If City need to chase the game late on (which is more than likely) Navas’s fresh legs and great speed could cause Barca problems from the bench.
MC) Yaya Toure
Toure should start against his former club, and will have to be at his very best if City are to get a fair share of the midfield. Luckily for him though, Andres Iniesta will probably miss out, although Fabregas, Busquets and Xavi should start.
MC) Fernandinho
The Brazilian midfielder will be charged with winning his side back possession, and restricting service into Lionel Messi’s feet in the final third. When City have the ball, he will look to feed the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero who will try to make runs into the channels.
AML) David Silva
City’s best creative player, Silva was rested for the FA Cup shock defeat to Wigan, so should be fresh and ready for tonight. With Dani Alves regularly bombing forward, Silva will be desperate to take advantage of any space he leaves behind.
FC) Alvaro Negredo
The Spanish forward is extremely powerful, and will look to harry Barcelona’s defenders when they pass the ball around the back, while winning his aerial battles, too. Edin Dzeko could similarly be deployed in this role.
FC) Sergio Aguero
City’s best chance of a result probably lies with their best player. Aguero is capable of genius, and he’ll need to take any chance he gets at the Nou Camp tonight.
