FC Barcelona vs Manchester City: Preview & Prediction
By Zaid Khan
Manchester City face an alluring trip to Spain to face European heavyweights Barcelona in a fixture which could possibly decide the fate of their season.
Facing the appalling prospect of ending this season without winning a single trophy, Manuel Pellegrini is under immense pressure to deliver the goods against the Catalan giants and inspire a remarkable comeback. There is a possibility that the Chilean’s future might be in serious doubt if his side lose against Luis Enrique’s men, but he wont be concentrating on that aspect just as yet, for he has to believe in his abilities as a seasoned manager with lots of experience and galvanize the Citizens for this humongous cup tie.
Given the recent run of form City have experienced, it is difficult to give them any shot of staging an upset against Lionel Messi and co. However, if the players in the squad step up, sense an opportunity, assume responsibility and get into their own at the Camp Nou, there is no denying that Barca will be in for a tough night.
Much of City’s failure since the turn of the year has been due to the lackluster form of their star players. Key performers like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri have been disappointing to say the least and if they ever wanted an opportunity to turn a corner, this encounter gives them the perfect opportunity of doing so.
The future of many players and the manager might be decided according to the outcome of this fixture.
Luis Enrique’s side on the other hand have been absolutely boisterous, running rampage and shredding the opposition’s defense, courtesy of their attacking riches.
Currently enjoying a three match winning streak and a one point cushion over bitter rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, Barcelona come into this fixture with form and history heavily on their side.
English teams have fared ridiculously in Catalonia, having recorded a solitary win in 28 games. Lets have a look at some important facts, figures, opinions and team news surrounding this eagerly anticipated clash.
Team News:
Manchester City :-
Probably the only factor which favors City in the build up to this clash is the team news. The Citizens are set to be given a much-needed boost by the return of their talisman Yaya Toure in midfield, but will miss the services of Gael Clichy who was sent off in the first-leg of this encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
James Milner and Samir Nasri could also be incorporated by Pellegrini if the Chilean decides to switch from his much-criticized 4-4-2 setup to a more attacking formation, which, to be honest, is the need of the hour.
Predicted starting eleven: (4-3-3) – Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Silva, Nasri; Milner, Navas, Aguero.
Credits (Lineup Builder)
Barcelona :-
The hosts are set to miss the services of midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets who suffered a horrific ankle injury in a league game, and Thomas Vermaelen who is out with a long-term injury problem. Barca can welcome full backs Dani Alves and Jordi Alba back in the first team fold after the duo missed the Catalan giants’ weekend fixture against Eibar. Players like Javier Mascherano, Andres Iniesta and Xavi can feature against City as well, having been rested during the weekend.
Predicted starting eleven: (4-3-3) – Bravo; Montoya, Mascherano, Pique, Alba; Xavi, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suarez.
Credits (Lineup Builder)
Key Facts & Stats:
- 16 of Barcelona’s 17 goals in the Champions League this season have been scored from open play.
- Manchester City have lost four of their last five Champions League against Spanish opposition (D1). Their only away win came against Villarreal in November 2011 (3-0).
- Barcelona have made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 11th consecutive campaign.
- They Catalans have always made it at least to the quarter finals of the Champions League in the last seven seasons.
- Sergio Agüero has scored 11 goals in his last 10 Champions League games.
Prediction:
Even though the odds are heavily stacked against Manchester City, I get a feeling that this could be the game which can turn the Citizens’ season around. As mentioned above, if key players like Kompany, Toure, Aguero and Nasri step up and take their game a notch higher, there’s no reason as to why City cannot trounce Barcelona. On the assumption of the aforementioned players performing to their abilities, I will go for a 2-0 victory for City.
Do you agree with our prediction? Let us know in the comments section below.