Barcelona v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
11 Mar
The dilemma facing Manuel Pellegrini ahead of this second leg is one of balance. He must decide whether it is better to attack Barcelona immediately and try to ruffle their feathers or, despite the necessity to overturn the 2-0 deficit, whether his side would be best served containing for around an hour so as to stay in the game, and then pour forward with nothing to lose later on.
Either way, Joe Hart will return in goal, with Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott and Aleks Kolarov likely to form the back four. Lescott will leave the club in the summer but with Martin Demichelis suspended and Matija Nastasic injured, he will be given the opportunity to feature in this mouthwatering encounter.
If Pellegrini decides to solidify the midfield, Javi Garcia could come into the side, with Yaya Touré pushed into a more advanced role, but the expectation is that Yaya and Fernandinho will form the barrier in front of the defence, with Samir Nasri, David Silva and either Jesus Navas or James Milner ahead of them. Such is the threat of Dani Alves bombing forward from the right, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Milner deployed in his containing winger role, capable of supporting Kolarov defensively but also adding spirit and directness to the side. Both Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo are struggling for form at the moment, so Sergio Aguero could be selected to lead the line on his own.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Stéphane Lannoy.
Prediction: Barcelona 3 – 2 MAN CITY – This has the potential to be a memorable night, but Barcelona’s two goal lead and their ability to dictate the tempo of the game means it’s unlikely City will produce the dramatic comeback of which we dream. I’m sure we will have a go at some point and create some chances, but I think it’s a step too far to expect progression to the next round. Goals to be scored by Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas.
not got a prayer tie over in the first leg… still sick about Sunday might feel a little better tomorrow when I have calmed down.
I like the team and formation you’ve selected…
After shambolic Sunday if city win I we won’t be impressed if the lose I won’t be impressed & if they draw ii still be pissed so I guess I’m in a bit of a pickle, it all depends which city turn up good city 70s deniro- hormonal city deniro for the last 20 odd years, lescott with the ball at his feet is like Britney spears singing live… A disaster, might look good on the runway but when your up close the lack of ability is glaring & I like lescott, kolarov & milner might be our big men, kolly to score a free kick, milner to torment alves (& get him sent off) I believe we can win the game 1-3… But regardless of the result don’t forget your roots boys, attitude should be bang on regardless of team|stadium if you can’t do that yaya dezko then piss off & play for somebody else regardless of the goals you scored….look at robben now, no longer a show puppy & works like Kim kardasin plastic surgeon…. Desire & plenty of bigballs please just don’t do it looking in my direction… Chielini off juve, zanetti, & the immortal Kevin Moran f*** me he was as hard as f***- so quiet your girly shit & get a pair.
Messi the magical Manc destroyer extraordinaire!.