The game will make for compelling viewing…
Manchester City have another quickfire game the Etihad Stadium after their 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle United on Saturday, as they face Barcelona in their Champions League last 16 first leg game.
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Here is how the Citizens are likely to lineup against the Catalan giants:
GK: Joe Hart
The goalkeeper is City’s safest pair of hands and hasn’t really put a foot wrong in his time on the pitch recently.
RB: Pablo Zabaleta
One of the first names on the team-sheet, Mr. Consistent for his side and will be looking to get revenge on Barcelona after they knocked the Blues out last season.
CB: Vincent Kompany
The captain is fit and unlikely to miss out, overcame a wobble in form earlier this season and hasn’t looked back since.
CB: Martin Demichelis
Likely to be recalled as he is a safer pair of hands than Elaquim Mangala. Has a lack of pace, but his experience and reading of the game makes up for that and will be a much calmer partner than the varied Mangala.
LB: Aleksandar Kolarov
An experienced full-back who loves to get forward. Kolarov will cause Barcelona problems down the left flank and exploit inevitable gaps left by Dani Alves, but will also provide defensive cover.
RW: James Milner
Will inevitably be seen as the safe option as Manchester City will be desperate not to concede an all-important away goal. Milner will work tirelessly to win the ball back and rarely leave his full-back exposed which will be vital when facing the likes of Neymar, Suarez and Messi.
DMC: Fernandinho
A mainstay of City’s midfield this season, he will continue to mop up loose balls in their third and get stuck in to win the ball back, not giving Barcelona’s attackers a moments peace.
LW: David Silva
One of the most gifted players in the world, he can produce moments of brilliance but is often accused of forgetting his defensive responsibilities by not tracking back and leaving his full-back exposed. Manchester City will be reliant on him to produce a spark in what is likely to be a nervy game.
AMC: Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri scored a great goal in the 2-0 away win against Roma which helped see his side through to the latter stages. Pellegrini will be hoping he can reproduce something like that against the Catalan club.
ST: Sergio Aguero
The Argentine is arguably the best player in the Premier League and has scored 22 goals in 26 games this season. To leave him out would be suicide as he can create something out of nothing without breaking stride. If Manchester City are to progress to the next round, Aguero will be key.
ST: Wilfried Bony
Making his first start for his new club and it couldn’t come in a much tougher game. Bony made his name scoring goals at Swansea and will look to nick one in one of the games he moved to Manchester for.