Preview
Qualification looms for Manuel's blues as Manchester City prepare to delve into the last sixteen of the Uefa Champions League.
The reverse fixture in Moscow proved to be a bittersweet outing for Pellegrini's side who recorded a crucial 2-1 victory, but were also subject to racist abuse from a section of prehistoric Russian fans.
Yaya Toure courageously voiced his concerns to Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan and although UEFA proceeded to 'punish' the Russian club, their reaction to the €50,000 fine was viciously ignorant.
Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero report racist abuse directed at the Ivorian in Moscow.
However, the blues have the opportunity to inflict a punishment of their own on Tuesday night, knowing that a win will almost seal CSKA Moscow's demise in the Champions League group stages. With Bayern Munich all but through to the last sixteen, second place in Group D is likely to be decided by a titanic tug of war at the Etihad.
City have flourished in the comfort of their home after a rugged three week trip on the road. Seven goals against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon highlighted the potency of City's strike force and sent out an intimidating message to the handful of budding Premier League Champions who may have thought the blues were trailing behind. Magic has also returned to the wand of David Silva and his performance on Saturday was reminiscent of his scintillating form in City's 2011/2012 title winning campaign.
David Silva put in a Man of the Match performance against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.
Since their 2-1 loss to Manchester City back in October, the Russian Champions have scored seven goals in two wins in the Russian Premier League. The Russian's come into Tuesday's tie in full confidence knowing that anything other than a win will almost certainly reveal an exit from Group D.
The Chilean Chancellor was appointed for his mastery in the Champions League and qualification on Tuesday night will only solidify his credentials.
The last sixteen looms; the only domain in which City can truly prove themselves as one of the 'big boys'.
Line-Up
Vincent Kompany and Stevan Jovetic were not involved in training yesterday and will not return to the squad for another three weeks according to Manuel Pellegrini. Javi Garcia appears to have shaken off a knock and Alvaro Negredo's early exit from the 7-0 victory on Saturday was, fortunately, only down to fatigue levels.
Alvaro Negredo is fully fit and will be in line for a starting place on Tuesday night.
Joe Hart's stint out of the starting line-up is set to continue with Manuel Pellegrini confirming that Costel Pantillimon will start between the sticks once again tonight. Pellegrini believes Hart needs 'rest' after such a long spell in the side and Pantillimon will consider recent developments as a career developing opportunity.
Key Players
David Silva
The magician's luxurious performance on Saturday was a joy to watch and the Spaniard will be hoping to produce yet another stunning display on Tuesday night. His ability to weave in and out of players whilst holding on to the ball is spellbinding and something that CSKA Moscow will have difficulty in dealing with.
Keisuke Honda
City may have Silva, but CSKA Moscow have a little wizard of their own. The Japanese international, who possesses a similar style to the Spaniard, will be in control of the Russian's midfield and will want to help his side progress before a January move to AC Milan.
