Preview
Manuel's minions will march into Moscow on Wednesday evening - but will they actually get to play some football?
Concerns regarding the shambolic state of CSKA's pitch have already been raised with Manchester City's £34m midfielder Fernandinho leading the complaints.
In a pre-match press conference, the Brazilian said 'I am worried about the pitch. If you don't have a good pitch it could be very hard for us. I am hoping it will be a good game but that depends on whether the pitch is good or not'.
CSKA Moscow's pitch was covered in sand on Tuesday afternoon in an attempt to dry out the sodden playing surface.
Manuel Pellegrini echoed his player's comments branding the pitch 'unacceptable'. With his side due to play Chelsea on Sunday, the Chilean has reason to be troubled ahead of the huge Champions League clash and his squad selection may well be affected.
The two sides go into Wednesday's clash level on points after both recording victories over Viktoria Plzen and losses to reigning champions Bayern Munich. The blues will be looking to redeem themselves after suffering a barbaric Bavaria bashing, but CSKA have nothing to lose and will be relying on a ferocious home crowd to steer them to an unlikely victory.
The CSKA Moscow stadium is known for its hostile atmosphere and the resolve of Manuel Pellegrini's men will be tested to the maximum in the light of their poor away form this season. However, City's 3-1 win at Upton Park on Saturday will give the blues confidence and belief that they can pull results out of the bag away from home.
Tomorrow's early kick-off has already been showered with speculation, but what's certain is that both sides need the result. It's early days, but misery in Moscow could see the Mancunians miss out on the next round once again.
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Line-Up
Vincent Kompany will not travel to Moscow despite growing rumours that the Belgian is fit to play. Pellegrini is likely to have Sunday's tie with Chelsea in mind and Javi Garcia could retain his spot in central defence after an impressive display against West Ham at the weekend.
Javi Garcia could line up with Matija Nastasic in Kompany's absence.
Jack Rodwell is also set to miss out on the trip to Moscow with a hamstring problem.
Key Men
Seydou Doumbia
The Ivorian speedster has already netted 6 times for CSKA this season and is reportedly on the radar of Arsene Wenger. Javi Garcia isn't known for his pace and could be targeted on Wednesday evening.
Yaya Toure
Another Ivorian who will have a profound effect on tomorrow's game is Yaya Toure. We've said it all before but his pace, power and ability to completely dominate the midfield is second to none when he wants to turn up. The pitch won't be in tip-top condition, and so control in the midfield will be crucial for City.
