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What to Watch For: Manchester City Head to Barcelona in UCL Showdown

By Larry Henry

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) talks with Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) during a team training session at Manchester City Football Academy Campus in Manchester, north west England, on October 18, 2016 ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group C football match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on October 19. / AFP / Anthony Devlin (Photo credit should read ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) talks with Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) during a team training session at Manchester City Football Academy Campus in Manchester, north west England, on October 18, 2016 ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group C football match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on October 19. / AFP / Anthony Devlin (Photo credit should read ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 18: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks to the media during the Manchester City Press Conference at Camp Nou on October 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 18: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks to the media during the Manchester City Press Conference at Camp Nou on October 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /


Following a 1-1 league draw against Everton last Saturday, Manchester City turn their focus back to the UEFA Champions League. 

Their opponent on Matchday #3 is Luis Enrique‘s Barcelona, who they will face at the Camp Nou. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be returning to face a team he managed from 2008-2012, and led to 14 trophies in several competitions.

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Manchester City were dominant in most aspects of their 1-1 draw against Everton on the weekend, but Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero both had penalties saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.  Vincent Kompany returned to the squad but was an unused sub, while Raheem Sterling, David Silva, and Nolito all featured. Heading into Wednesday, Guardiola should have a full squad to choose from despite the likes of Bacary Sagna and Fabian Delph who are injured.

Barcelona currently are fourth in La Liga with 16 points from their opening eight matches. Over the weekend, they defeated Deportivo 4-0 at the Camp Nou behind goals from Rafinha, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi.

One thing for sure is that Manchester City will be ready for a challenge on Wednesday. According to ESPN FC, Kevin De Bruyne says his side will not fear the Catalan giants. “We do not fear. The style of play is very dominant and we have not played badly [against Everton]. We just have not scored more, that’s all.”

However, Manchester City’s defenders will need to be ready for constant pressure and possession by Barca. Luis Suarez, Leo Messi, and Neymar are all world-class players who can score a number of ways. Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan bring skill to the team in midfield, while Andres Iniesta brings experience and leadership.

Heading into Wednesday’s UCL showdown, here are three things to watch for the match.

1.) Manchester City defenders HAVE to be at their best. 
Barcelona is a team that punishes sides that make mistakes. Manchester City can ill afford to make mistakes against the Spanish giants at their home. John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi need to have their communication sorted out and need to be ready to defend for their lives. Even Vincent Kompany needs to be ready to start, due to his valuable experience to the side. Turnovers need to be at a minimum, and City will need to be ready to counter Barca at all costs.

2.) Penalty Kick Debacle needs to be sorted out. 
After two saved penalty kicks on Saturday, Guardiola needs to make a change with who takes the PK’s. Both De Bruyne and Aguero shot to the left of Stekelenburg on Saturday which were easily saved by the Dutch keeper. If Manchester City earn a PK on Wednesday, they have to make the most of their chances. Barcelona isn’t a team that you can left off the hook.

3.) Claudio Bravo needs to be 100% ready to go. 
After leaving Barcelona for City before transfer deadline day, Bravo has shown good growing signs at MCFC. He will be returning to the Camp Nou for the first team since leaving his former club. He knows the specialties of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez and should be able to let his teammates know as well. However, he too can ill afford any mistakes with his feet or hands because Manchester City will need him at his best against a dominant attacking side.

Next: Manchester City Injury Update: Sagna, Delph, & CL Squad


My prediction for the match is a 2-2 draw between Barcelona and Manchester City. I believe that City can do enough to hold Barca for a point at the Camp Nou which Guardiola will take after Saturday. Goals by Silva and Aguero will cancel out opening goals by Messi and Suarez. In the end, the Citizens fly back to Manchester with a hard-earned point.

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