Thursday's MCFC Transfer News

According to the Guardian, Manchester City have joined the race for highly-rated Southampton left-back Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old has featured regularly under Maricio Pochettino this season, featuring in 24 of Southampton's 27 league games. Manuel Pellegrini is said to be unconvinced with the defensive abilities of Aleksandar Kolarov and sees Shaw as a long term investment, however, Chelsea remain in pole position for the Englishman's signature. 

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo report that Víctor Valdés will have to choose between AS Monaco and Manchester City in the summer. The Barcelona stopper was set for a move to Ligue 1 before Manuel Pellegrini registered his interest, citing Eric Abidal's move to the French giants as inspiration for a summer move. However, Valdés is believed to have an excellent relationship with former Barcelona and current City director Txiki Begiristain which may sway the Spaniard's decision in favour of a switch to Manchester. 


(Decisions: Valdés will have to choose between Manchester and Monaco this summer)

In Other News
In other news, Javi Garcia has reflected on his time at the club so far and has revealed his excitement ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final. The midfielder has enjoyed more playing time under Manuel Pellegrini and believes he is finally settling into English football.

"It was hard last season because I was only involved occasionally and I found it difficult to get into a rhythm because I might play one or two games and then I wouldn't play for the next two or three - or be on the bench,” Garcia told Sky Sports.

"That makes it impossible to get to the level you know you are capable of. That only comes when you have a run of games, so last season was very stop-start for me."

"There have been times when it hasn't been so easy. Sometimes in the quieter moments of a game, you can hear the fans maybe aren't happy with you.

"But things have been different recently and I know I have heard them getting behind me which helps me more."

(Garcia has featured in 18 City league games this season)

The Spaniard also had praise for Wembley stadium, which he described as 'one of the best' he's ever played in.

"I played against Chelsea at Wembley (in the FA Cup semi-final) last season and it was the first time I'd been there in the flesh,” Garcia stated.

"I was in awe, if I'm honest, and it is one of the best stadiums I've ever played in.

"Now we have the opportunity to play there against Sunderland and if we can beat Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals we'll be going there again - so we'll be doing our best to make sure we have three Wembley appearances this season."

And finally, Sergio Agüero and Samir Nasri were pictured signing along to Beyonce this week as the singing sensation wowed the Manchester Phones4U Arena. Hopefully the pair will have halo's hovering over their heads on Sunday afternoon!

Wednesday's MCFC Transfer News

According to the Sun, Manchester City are preparing a three-year contract extension for Samir Nasri. The Frenchman has established himself as one of City's key players under Manuel Pellegrini this season, recording an impressive tally of four goals and three assists from 22 Premier League games. Nasri was criticised for his lack of effort and inability to influence games last year, but the arrival of Pellegrini has helped the talented midfielder return to the form of his Arsenal days. 

Caught Offside believe that Liverpool will make a summer move for out-of-favour midfielder James Milner. The Englishman has made just seven league starts for the blues this season, and despite impressing with a number of cameos, Milner possibly hasn't done enough to convince Roy Hodgson that he is deserving of a place on his plane to Brazil. Brendan Rodgers is said to be an admirer of the industrious midfielder and has made him a target in his quest to strengthen his side. 

(Milner starred in City's 3-2 comeback against Bayern Munich earlier this season)

The Daily Star report that Barcelona have entered the race for highly rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with the blues this season with reports suggesting Manuel Pellegrini would consider a £40m bid for the player, however, with Barcelona now etching themselves into a list already containing Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain, City's chances of acquiring the 23-year-old continue to decline.

In Other News

In other news, reported Manchester City target Antoine Griezmann has held informal talks with Paris Saint Germain. Talksport report that the exciting Frenchman has been in contact with the Ligue 1 giants ahead of a possible summer transfer, but City, Manchester United and Chelsea all remain interested. The Real Sociedad midfielder has scored an impressive 15 league goals this season.

And finally, in possibly the best news of the day, Sergio Agüero was pictured training with the first team yesterday and could be fit to face Sunderland in the Capital One Cup final this weekend. The blues have scored just three goals in five games since the Argentine's latest injury and Manuel Pellegrini has been left begging for goals to return to the ranks of his side. 

(Sergio Agüero trains with teammates this week)

Tuesday's MCFC Transfer News

It's a big week for the blues, but before we kick on with our preparations for the Capital One Cup final on Sunday, I believe a huge congratulations is in order.

Manchester City EDS star Emyr Huws has earned his first call up to the Wales national squad ahead of their upcoming friendly with Iceland. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Birmingham City, has impressed Chris Coleman this season and made an appearance for City's first team in their 5-0 FA Cup third round win over Blackburn Rovers in January. Coleman is excited to hand Huws his chance, and believes Aaron Ramsey's injury gives the youngster the perfect opportunity to show everybody what he can do.

''He is a young player who deserves his chance. He has done very well through the ranks at Manchester City and now, recently, has really done well on loan at Birmingham City.

''With Aaron Ramsey still being unavailable, it is a good chance to have Emyr with us and show us what he can do in training."

Well done, Emyr!

Ahead of City's visit to Wembley on Sunday afternoon, captain Vincent Kompany has revealed how he was left devastated by his side's 1-0 loss to Wigan Athletic in the final of the FA Cup last season. In an interview with the Daily Star, the Belgian claimed the result made him 'stronger' and insisted that the painful memory will push his side to be at their best this weekend.

“In the back of my mind, I still have the defeat against Wigan last season.

''It's not a negative, it has been my drive and is possibly the best thing that has happened in that it has given me even more hunger, the skipper said.

(Kompany is determined not to let his side suffer yet another cup final upset)

“You realise how precious it is to you and your people. It’s alright saying the FA Cup is this, or the Capital One Cup is this, but it really matters.

“And it doesn’t feel nice to go all that way and then, just before the end, you see it taken away from you.

“There are no hard feelings in the sense that we didn’t deserve it that day, but obviously with the talent we have in this squad, you just want to make sure everyone puts in a performance on the day.

“All I know is that it will be a football game like any other, and I just want the whole team to be at its best on the day.

“Emotionally it was tough, and it was something I took on board. I learned a lot from it. After that game, I have never wanted to win trophies so badly.”

In Other News

In other news, the Mirror report that alleged Manchester City target Víctor Valdés would prefer a move to the Premier League this summer. The Spaniard's contract expires at the end of the season and French giants Monaco have previously been named as favourites to capture the Barcelona stopper's signature. However, the Mirror understands that Valdes has told his advisers to sound out a potential move to the Premier League which may have Manuel Pellegrini's alarm bells ringing.

(Víctor Valdés could be on his way to the Premier League next season)

Monday's MCFC Transfer News

According to Football Direct News, Manchester City will make an attempt to sign Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the summer. The blues have made it clear that they will not offer Joleon Lescott a new contract at the end of the current campaign and have already begun pursuing defensive targets to pair up with Vincent Kompany next season. Vermaelen has started just seven games this season with Arsène Wenger preferring a defensive duo of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, but could offer City some real solidity alongside fellow Belgian Vincent Kompany. 

Another day, another Sergio Agüero rumour, and Spanish giants Real Madrid appear to be sniffing around yet again. The Sunday People believe Carlo Ancelotti's side will make the Argentine their number one target in the summer to replace PSG-bound striker Karim Benzema. Agüero has netted a total of 26 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, a tally that has caught the eye of a number of European giants.

(Wanted: Manchester City expect bids to be made for their prized asset in the summer)

In Other News

In other news, Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that his top striker could be back in time for City's Capital One Cup final clash with Sunderland on Sunday. Agüero has been out with a hamstring injury but could return to fire his side back to their old goalscoring ways at the weekend.

''Agüero can give us all a huge lift, not just for the Capital One Cup final but for the rest of the season because, for me, he is one of the top five players in the world,” Pellegrini told journalists after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City.

"He has been unlucky this season to have some injuries. He has had two long injuries but when he's fully fit, he is a player who can make the difference."

Saturday's MCFC Transfer News

According to the Daily Mail, Manuel Pellegrini has set his sights on Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to fill the void in the centre of his defence. The Slovakian signed a contract extension with the club in August 2012 but is expected to seek a move away from Anfield should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League this season. With the blues able to offer the defender the promise of European football this year, Skrtel could be tempted to make a move to the Etihad and would certainly provide a cheaper option than Eliaquim Mangala.

Certain to make way for the arrival of a defender in the summer is Joleon Lescott. The Mail believe the former England international will complete his move to Besiktas at the end of the season after being forced to see out his contract at the Etihad in the January window. Lescott was expected to leave the club last month, but City's failure to bring in a defender blocked any potential departure. The 31-year-old confirmed that he would leave Manchester at the end of the season after the club opted not to hand the centre-back a new contract.

(Joleon Lescott's 5-year stay with Manchester City will come to and end in the summer)

In Other News

In other news, the blues have yet again been linked with Spanish superstar Isco. Marca believe Manuel Pellegrini will make a second attempt to sign the playmaker after watching his former player struggle for first team football at Real Madrid. City lost out to Los Blancos for the £25m signature of the ex-Malaga prodigy last summer, but could offer him an escape from his Real Madrid nightmare at the end of the season. 

However, the Metro believe Arsenal will challenge the blues for the 21-year-old's services after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler.

(Isco has made just 15 league starts for Real Madrid this season)

Manchester City v Stoke City

                                                               

Preview
Manuel aims to beat Barca blues with a win over Hughes.

Is the pressure finally beginning to scratch itself into the tough skin of Manuel Pellegrini? One uncharacteristic outburst, and the media have answered that question with a resounding 'yes'. One can imagine the journalist wiping away the grease from his forehead and perching his sizable buttocks on the edge of a swivel chair, just waiting for the cool Chilean to finally break his icy persona - and they were on it in a flash. Yes, just one unfamiliar grumble directed at a poor refereeing performance and the pressure is suddenly piling up on Manuel Pellegrini - the same manager who could take his side to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Stoke City on Saturday.

The Manchester City boss displayed an incensed show of disapproval on Tuesday night as he watched Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson award a controversial penalty to Barcelona which utlimately sealed the blues' demise in the last 16 of the Champions League. Pellegrini accused the multi-millionaire of partiality and insisted that a free-kick should have been awarded to his side in the build up to Martin Demichelis's illegal swipe on Lionel Messi in the 54th minute. 

True to his character, the South American issued an apology to the Swede for his furious outburst, but unlike the media, managers tend not to be afforded forgiveness for such knee-jerk reactions. 

(Manuel Pellegrini was charged for comments made about referee Jonas Eriksson after his side's 2-0 loss to Barcelona)

Although Manchester City's Champions League dreams may have been pulverized by the right boot of Dani Alves, their Premier League ambitions remain very much in-tact. Draws for both Arsenal and Chelsea provided a rare spark on a relatively dull Wednesday for the blues last week as the misfortunes of the Manchester weather postponed their Capital One Cup final dress rehearsal against Gus Poyet's Sunderland. Manuel Pellegrini's side now have a game in hand on their title rivals, and if results continue to go their way, the Chilean's 'under pressure' performers could be gazing upon the Premier League from the top of the table this weekend. 

However, with just one win in their last four games in all competitions, Pellegrini's Premier League pursuers certainly have some confidence to restore. Losses to Chelsea and Barcelona accompanied by a miserable 0-0 draw with Norwich City have made February a month of heartache rather than romance for the blues, but a win against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon could shoot Cupid's arrow right back into the path of City's title push. 

(City have struggled for form this month)

Perhaps under more pressure than Manuel Pellegrini is Stoke City manager Mark Hughes - the man who could see his side slump into the relegation zone with a negative result this weekend. The Potters have won just two of their last 10 league games and sit only three points ahead of 18th placed Sunderland who also have a game in hand on the Welshman's team. However, Hughes's men will be buoyed by their most recent encounter with a Mancunian club.

Stoke continued to stack the weight on Manchester United's quest for European football with a 2-1 victory over David Moyes' side three weeks ago, but with only six wins to shout about so far this season, Mark Hughes won't be bragging too energetically about his team's latest triumph. An unbeaten month has undoubtedly installed a curative injection of confidence into the league's 14th placed side, but the maintenance of their impressive record could confront an impenetrable obstacle at a ground they have never won at on Saturday.

The likes of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi will be replaced by Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch on Saturday afternoon, and although the change in personnel may provide some relief for the blues, yet another Premier League disappointment will not be tolerated.

Prediction: 2-0

Line-Ups

Samir Nasri has reached full fitness and could make his first start in eight weeks for the blues, however, Manuel Pellegrini may be reluctant to drop Jesus Navas in a game where his pace could be crucial. Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho made a swift return to first team action against Barcelona on Tuesday night and is expected to retain his place, whilst Stevan Jovetić could be drafted back into the side to make up a 4-4-2 formation.

Matija Nastasić remains unavailable with a knee problem and Sergio Agüero is nearing full fitness.

(Back for good: Fernandinho started for the blues against Barcelona on Tuesday)

Oussama Assaidi (knee ligament damage) and City striker John Guidetti (loan) will play no part for the Potters.

Possible line-ups

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Nasri, Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, Silva, Jovetić, Negredo

Stoke City: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Odemwingie, Adam, Walters, Whelan, Arnautovic, Crouch

Head to Head Stats

• Stoke City have never won or scored at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League
• In five league meetings at the Etihad Stadium, the blues have scored 14 goals compared to Stoke's 0
• The last meeting at the Etihad ended in a 3-0 victory for City, with Pablo Zabaleta, Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero netting for the blues
• Stoke's last away win against City came in October 1997
• In 11 Premier League meetings, City have won 5, drawn 5 and lost just one game against the Potters

Premier League stats

• Manchester City (68) have scored 41 more goals than Stoke City (27) this season
• The Potters (41) have conceded 14 more goals than the blues (27)
• City (86%) have completed 10% more of their passes than Stoke City (76%) this season 
• The blues also have a better disciplinary record, picking up 46 yellow cards compared to Stoke's 59
• City are yet to see a man get sent off in the league, but their visitors have already had three players see red
• Manchester City (353) have created an incredible 144 more chances than Stoke City (209)

Friday's MCFC Transfer News

There may only be one Sergio Agüero, but according to today's reports, Manchester City will try to sign the next best thing in the summer.

The Daily Mirror believe the blues will bid for San Lorenzo's 18-year-old striker Ángel Correa at the end of the season, but won't be the only top side chasing the Argentine's signature. Atletico Madrid have reportedly already lodged a bid for the exciting talent whilst Barcelona, Napoli and Arsenal are also believed to be interested in the forward. 

Manuel Pellegrini sent scouts to Buenos Aires to watch the 'next Sergio Agüero' on Wednesday night, and San Lorenzo's owner Marcelo Tinelli is unlikely to sell his prized asset for anything less than £10m. 

The Daily Star report that Barcelona stopper Víctor Valdés could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season after his proposed move to AS Monaco hit the rocks. The 32-year-old failed to meet a deadline to sign a pre-binding contract with the French side and the Spaniard's future has been thrown into the air once again. Manuel Pellegrini is ready to make a bid for the Spaniard should his move to France not be possible. 

(Valdes kept a clean sheet at the Etihad on Tuesday night)

Reports this morning suggest Manchester City's interest in FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala has not ended, and that the blues would be willing to pay over the odds for the Frenchman in the summer. Football Direct News believe Manuel Pellegrini could offer a fee over the £40m asking price for the centre-back to warn other potential suitors away. 

Another defender who could be on his way to the Etihad is Celtic's Virgil van Dijk. The 22-year-old Dutchman was linked with a move to Manchester earlier this year and the Telegraph believe the defender is still on Manuel Pellegrini's radar. Manchester United are also interested.

(The Dutchman has been in fine form for Celtic this season)

In Other News

The Manchester Evening News report that Gareth Barry's permanent move to Everton at the end of the season could be off. City would prefer to move Barry to their franchise in New York where he would be a likely candidate for captaincy of the club. The player's £110,000-a-week wages have also provided a stumbling block in Everton and Arsenal's pursuit of the holding midfielder.

And finally, Sergio Agüero has revealed he hopes to return to training next week and has targeted a comeback in time for City's League Cup final clash with Sunderland on 2nd March. 

Great news!

(City's top scorer could be back for the League Cup final)

Thursday's MCFC Transfer News

According to Caught Offside, Micah Richards' nightmare of a 2014 in Manchester could be approaching an end. The defender, who has suffered with numerous injury troubles this season, has been continuously linked with a move to boyhood club Arsenal, and the rumours have resurfaced again this morning. Arsène Wenger is known to be a keen admirer of the full-back and with Bacary Sagna set to leave the club at the end of the season, Richards could provide the perfect replacement.

Talk Sport report that reported Manchester City target Blaise Matuidi is set to sign a new deal with Paris Saint Germain. The French midfielder netted his side's first of four goals against Leverkusen in mid-week and has featured regularly in Laurent Blanc's side despite the arrival of Yohan Cabaye and is set to be rewarded for his impressive form. FC Porto's Fernando is now believed to be Pellegrini's main target. 

(Matuidi opened the scoring with a 2nd minute strike against Leverkusen on Tuesday)

In Other News

In the aftermath of Manchester City's 2-0 loss to Barcelona on Tuesday night, Martin Demichelis says he does not blame the referee for sending him off. The Argentine brought down Lionel Messi in the 54th minute of the game, denying the forward a clear opportunity on goal. 

And finally, Samir Nasri believes the 2-0 deficit can be recovered and has called on his team-mates to replicate the performance they managed in Munich earlier this season.

(The blues managed a 2-3 victory in the Allianz Arena earlier this season and will take inspiration from the result ahead of their trip to the Nou Camp)

Wednesday's MCFC Transfer News

In the aftermath of Manchester City's controversial defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday night, the media have had their say on the decision that swung things in the visitor's favour. Although the blues deserved to lose and see out the game with ten men, many have questioned whether Martin Demichelis's last ditch tackle on Lionel Messi really warranted a penalty.

According to the IBTimes, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is likely to face a lengthy ban after questioning the impartiality of referee Jonas Eriksson. The Chilean reacted in unfamiliar fashion to the 2-0 loss, and launched a scathing attack on the Swede in his post-match press conference.

(Outraged: Manuel Pellegrini reacted furiously to Jonas Eriksson's refereeing on Tuesday night)

"The referee decided the game. He was on Barcelona's side from the beginning until the end," said Pellegrini.

"Before the penalty, which was outside the area, there was a foul on Jesus Navas. He didn't control any of the game.

"I think it was not a good idea to put a referee from Sweden in charge of such an important match, and a referee who made an important mistake against Barcelona in a previous match. Today he arranged it.

"The more important mistake is the foul against Navas, and secondly the penalty.

"Contact was outside the box - that is the foul, you cannot continue the foul. The first foul is outside the box. Before the penalty Barcelona did not have chances and we were preparing the way to score."

The manager's outburst is unlikely to be ignored by UEFA.

In Other News

In other news, Daily Mail columnists Martin Keown and Graham Poll have also had their say on the tie.

Keown believes Manuel Pellegrini sent out a message of respect to Barcelona by playing both Aleksandar Kolarov and Gaël Clichy down the left-hand side of the pitch. However, the former Arsenal defender also praised the blues and said ''with Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez playing down that side, he wanted to make sure they stifled that threat and, until the last minute when Barca scored as City chased the game, they did well.''

(The blues gave a spirited performance, but it wasn't enough against an excellent Barcelona side)

Former Premier League referee Poll added that 'Barcelona's penalty was rightly awarded' and explained why in a detailed analysis of Demichelis's challenge.

“There was a question over the exact position of the foul. I was taught that experienced defenders make last ditch tackles knowing they are just outside the area.

“However, in my opinion contact continued until at least the line marking the penalty area and further, meaning awarding a penalty was a correct decision. 

“If there is doubt then a referee should give it outside. You can’t guess a penalty. Eriksson must have been sure and if you look at the foul from the assistant referee’s position, he will have seen contact had occurred inside.”

Manchester City 0 - 2 Barcelona

MANCHESTER CITY 0 - 2 BARCELONA

                                                                                 Messi 54' (pen), Alves 90'

Demichelis disaster makes things Messi at the Etihad

Champions League expectations cruelly quashed. It's been a familiar headline for Manchester City fans in recent years, and a courageous performance on Tuesday evening was effortlessly weaved in-and-out-of by the incomparable elegance of Barcelona's enchanting midfield. But controversial refereeing from Jonas Eriksson sabotaged the magic of the mid-week's headline act when Martin Demichelis was sent off after denying Lionel Messi a clear shot on goal. We won't argue with the dismissal, but the three yards separating the challenge and the penalty box is likely to ruffle some feathers.

Towering displays from Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré and David Silva were undeserving of the loss, but the blues made the mistake of bowing down to their fearsome foes early in the first half. An admirable avidity was installed into the team after half time, and the Catalan giants began to crack under the pressure of the ravenous home side, but it wasn't to be. The aching legs of Manuel Pellegrini's team were worn down by Barcelona's extra man and Dani Alves increased the incline of City's next European outing with a goal in the dying minutes.

(Dani Alves scores Barcelona's second of the game)

The visitors unsurprisingly took hold of proceedings in the first half with their lateral one-touch passing serving as a monotone for the early play. Misplaced passes characterised a nervous City side, and the long ball towards Álvaro Negredo became a preferable methodology for the blues. However, despite maintaining a firm grasp on possession, Gerardo Martino's men created very little. Opting for a five-man midfield proved to be an inspired decision from Pellegrini, and the solidity of Fernandinho, Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis denied Barcelona any penetration. 

As the nerves settled, the home side began to assert their own authority on the game, exhibiting the fluidity they have imposed so brutally on the Premier League this season. The physical presence of Álvaro Negredo gave the blues a valuable outlet up top, but his efforts on goal were calmly collected by Victor Valdes. The four-time European champions strolled into the break without ever stepping out of first gear, but the smell of blood was growing stronger inside the Etihad.

With the threat of Lionel Messi and Neymar dominating the headlines in the build-up to Tuesday night's clash, Andrés Iniesta was allowed to ghost around the field untouched. Just nine minutes into the second half, the superb Spaniard sliced open City's defence with a delectable through ball into Lionel Messi. Aware that the world's best finisher was almost certain to score, Martin Demichelis unleashed a wild swipe on the Argentinian, but clearly outside the penalty box. The red card shown to the 33-year-old received no complaints, but the penalty awarded in the aftermath certainly did. Down to 10 men, Manchester City watched on as Messi rolled in his first goal in a Premier League stadium.

(Martin Demichelis sees red after bringing down Lionel Messi in the 54th minute)

The prospect of playing another 35 minutes against Europe's most prolific passers cast an aura of dread around a pounding Etihad stadium, but the blues never gave up. Joleon Lescott filled the defensive vacancy at the expense of Aleksandar Kolarov and technique was swapped for speed as Samir Nasri ran on in place of Jesus Navas - and the blues began to play without fear. 

Content with their away goal, Martino's side allowed their hosts to present them with some football of their own, and an excellent move involving Yaya Touré and Pablo Zabaleta almost saw David Silva volley home City's equaliser. As the legs tired, Dani Alves raced forward to smash through Joe Hart's legs and deliver a bruising blow to the hosts who watched their Champions League hopes condense into the cold Manchester air.

One goal may have been repairable, but coming back from a deficit of two may just be a task too far for Manchester City. However, with Sergio Agüero set to make an appearance at the Nou Camp, you try telling us City fans 'it's over'. 

Player Ratings

 Joe Hart 6 - Barcelona's dominance resulted in very little penetration, and the England No.1 had very little to do. Leg position was unfortunate for Dani Alves' late strike.

 Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Solid performance from the South American who kept Cesc Fabregas relatively quiet. Got involved with most of City's attacking play and his delicate ball into Silva nearly resulted in a memorable goal.

 Vincent Kompany 9 - Absolutely faultless from the captain who didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Kept Messi at bay and terrified the visitors with his physicality.

 Martin Demichelis 6 - Solid up until his second half clanger, but Messi was always going to ruin the veteran's day.

 Gaël Clichy 7 - Defensively excellent, but could do with some crossing lessons from Kolarov.

 Jesus Navas 6 - Failed to exploit the flanks, but effort (as always) was commendable.

 Fernandinho 7.5 - His presence in the midfield was vital, and he did a great job of spoiling Barca's flow in the second half

 Yaya Touré 8 - Turns up at the big games and played a pivotal role in City's resurgence in the second half with his brute strength. Wasn't allowed to get forward as much as he'd have liked to.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 5.5 - A poor game for the Serbian, but the man is not a midfielder. Put in the side for his quality delivery which he exhibited none of.

 David Silva 8 - Magical in City's midfield and showed a different side to his game as he relentlessly pressured Barcelona's back four.

 Álvaro Negredo 7 - Troubled Pique and Mascherano with his strength and held up the ball well, but still no goals for Spaniard.

Substitutes

Joleon Lescott 6 - Struggled with Barcelona's one touch passing in the final third

Samir Nasri 6 - Gace City some composure

Edin Džeko 5 - Couldn't affect the game and his touch was awful

Match Stats

Shots on target: Manchester City 3 - 4 Barcelona

Shots off target: Manchester City 4 - 3 Barcelona

Blocked shots: Manchester City 2 - 3 Barcelona

Corners: Manchester City 1 - 4 Barcelona

Fouls: Manchester City 19 - 10 Barcelona

Pass Completion: Manchester City 82% - 92% Barcelona

Tackle Success: Manchester City 28% - 21% Barcelona

Possession: Manchester City 39% - 61% Barcelona

Manchester City v Barcelona

                                                  
Preview
Manuel eyes an upset in Champions League historic headline act.

'50 years ago today...', blah, blah, blah.

Yes, we've all heard the persistent hum-drum of Manchester City fans who still have to pinch themselves every time they see David Silva pirouette round a defender, and although City's rise to the top has been nothing short of miraculous, isn't it time we started living in the present?

Paul Dickov's injury time equaliser against Gillingham in May 1999 still dances through my dreams every night. The ghostly look on Gary Neville's face after watching Shaun Goater pick-pocket him for a 2-1 lead in November 2002 still entertains me more than any comedian ever could. But we've progressed, and we've progressed rather incomparably.

Although the history many bitter football fans love to ridicule should never be ignored, reference to it in the build up to Tuesday night's titanic tie should be kept to a minimum. Long gone are the days of 'Typical City', and the irritating proverb must be discarded to make way for the new Manchester City; a Manchester City certainly capable of beating Barcelona.

(A change in times: Manchester City have established themselves as a true force in European football)

The moment Luis Figo's fingers dipped into the hat, the blue half of Manchester became paralysed with anticipation. The inevitability of a mammoth fixture seemed to overwhelm the room, and although ties against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid may have presented the blues with a pricklier prospect, there's just something about Barcelona. 

Whether it be Lionel Messi; the world's best player, his apprentice Neymar; possbily the world's next best player, or the fact that the Catalan giants have won a total of four Champions League trophies - Barcelona unarguably possess the most intimidating semblance of any club in world football. The tika-taka style of play Martino's side have imposed on football is a style many teams have tried and failed to replicate, and Manchester City have been one of the few side's able to install a similarly slick method of moving the ball around the field. With both sides set to promulgate their awe-inspiring approaches in Tuesday night's clash, it's difficult to keep the mouth from salivating. 

(Luis Figo confirms Manchester City's meeting with FC Barcelona back in December)

A recent dip in form has bruised Manuel Pellegrini's preparations somewhat, but Saturday's 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup will provide the South American with some hope. The blues' voracity in front of goal was soothed with a fortnight of failure against José Mourinho's Chelsea and Chris Hughton's Norwich City two weeks ago, but a glimmering performance at the weekend suggested the undesirable results were nothing more than a blip. Stevan Jovetić's neat finish gave City their first goal in 196 minutes of football before Samir Nasri made an optimal return to action to catapult the blues into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. 

Sadly, Sergio Agüero will not be afforded an on-pitch reunion with close friend Lionel Messi as the Argentine continues to recover from a hamstring injury, but Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has been included in Manuel Pellegrini's squad to face Los Cules. The Chilean has promised to attack Gerardo Martino's side, and the majority of a 48,000 Etihad crowd will be squealing for yet another attacking masterclass from their boys in blue.

(Fernandinho is nearing full fitness and could make a surprise start against Barcelona)

As for the Catalonian competitors, a run of four wins from four has seen them climb to the top of La Liga, and one man in particular has propelled that surge. Since returning from a 59-day absence induced by injury, Lionel Messi has netted 10 times in as many games to put him on 24 goals for the season. The Argentine's brilliance has undoubtedly infused Martino's men with an imperative confidence as the league draws to a conclusion, and Barcelona now wield arguably the most in-form and dangerous player in world football ahead of their trip to the Etihad.

Fifteen goals in their last five games has seen Barcelona surpass Manchester City's tantalising total of 68 goals in 26 league games and the battle of Europe's most prolific representatives has been perfectly prepared. It may not be the biggest game Manchester City have been involved in; but it could well be the most exciting.

Prediction: 2-2

Line-Ups
Sergio Agüero has been ruled out of Tuesday's clash as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, however, the Argentine is believed to be nearing fitness and could make an appearance in the reverse fixture at the Nou Camp.

(Sergio Agüero will play no part in Tuesday night's fixture)

However, Fernandinho has passed fit for the Champions League tie and could make a return to the starting line-up alongside Samir Nasri who made a swift return to the team with a game against Chelsea on Saturday. The Brazilian's presence has been sorely missed in the heart of City's midfield and his availability will delight Manchester City fans.

Gerardo Martino has no fresh injury concerns, and Brazilian trickster Neymar is likely to form a deadly duo with Lionel Messi.

Possible line-ups
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Kompany, Kolarov, Nasri, Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, Silva, Negredo, Jovetić

Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Bartra, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas, Sanchez, Pedro, Messi

Links
The aura of expectation surrounding the monumental tie has been indubitably amplified by the links established between the two clubs this year:

Soriano and Begiristain
The appointment of the celebrated couplet last year was greeted with disapproval from Barcelona's controversial president Sandro Rosell. In January 2013, the Spaniard accused Manchester City of attempting 'to entice a number of staff from the Nou Camp'. He also alleged that the blues went about their business in an 'offensive' way. The reunion of the three former colleagues will certainly add an awkwardness to proceedings.

Agüero to Barcelona rumours
Manchester City's star striker Sergio Agüero has been linked with the Catalan side on numerous occasions this season with Barcelona reportedly ready to submit a £40m bid for the Argentine. Despite Sergio's inisistence that he is 'happy' in Manchester, the striker's agent is believed to have held talks with Barcelona representatives. Although things seem to have silenced in recent weeks, there is a feeling that the story has not yet ended.

Agüero - Messi friendship
Sergio Agüero and Lionel Messi have made no attempt to hide their strong friendship from the media and the Argentinian accomplices will be delighted with news that a reunion is on the cards in 2014. Both players are currently injured, but will hopefully be available to illuminate the clash in February.

Head to Head Stats

• Barcelona (69) have scored one more goal than Manchester City (68) in the league this season

• The Catalonian side (17) also have a better defensive record, conceding 10 less goals than City (27)

• However, the blues (17) have been a danger from set pieces this season, scoring 7 more goals from set pieces than their Tuesday night rivals (10)

• Barcelona (56%) have a superior shot accuracy percentage to Manchester City (45%)

• Barcelona (15,406) have completed more passes than any other European team this season