(Image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manchester City host four-time European champions FC Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League for the second consecutive year on Tuesday evening, but one gets the feeling that the visually arresting tie will be anything but predictable.
A 4-1 aggregate win for Gerardo Martino's side delivered to Manchester City yet another severe reminder of their naivety in Europe. The Blues proceeded confidently into the identical home fixture last term - a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup equipping Manuel Pellegrini's men with a potent shot of morale - but the Champions League is an entirely different entity to the Premier League that City have had to play catch up in to claim in the last three years.
Over 38 games, there is room for error; over two, there is not - especially against Barcelona.
Once again, the English champions will head into their meeting with the Spaniards with belief. Comprehensive victories over Stoke City and Newcastle United in their last two games have helped to extinguish a miserable run of form that saw City go five games without a win in all competitions. The return of Samir Nasri from injury has certainly played its part in the resurgence; the Frenchman has combined excellently with David Silva and Sergio Agüero in the last two weeks and City's brutality in front of goal has reappeared.
(Samir Nasri has been impressive since returning from injury - image via MCFC Official Facebook)
And one feels the Blues may have to utilise their new-found venom in the final third in order to seize a famous result. Although Luis Enrique's team boast the third most impressive defensive record in Europe's top five leagues having conceded only 14 goals this season, their attacking prowess convincingly outweighs their defensive capabilities. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez hold membership in arguably the world's most ferocious attacking trio and have scored an incredible 68 goals between them in all competitions this term. Sergio Agüero, Stevan Jovetić and Edin Džeko (32) have managed less than half of that total, but Wilfried Bony's strength combined with Agüero's pace and movement could trouble the ungainly legs of Gerard Piqué and Javier Mascherano. The City faithful are yet to see that partnership flourish, and Džeko's spirited display against Newcastle United at the weekend could leave them waiting a little longer.
The intimidating prospect of a front three consisting of Messi, Neymar and Suárez may tempt Manuel Pellegrini into employing the experience of Martin Demichelis. The 34-year-old Argentine infamously gave away a penalty and saw red in last year's meeting, but his form has improved considerably since that date. City will require patience and composure against the intricacies of their skilled opponents - characteristics £31.8m signing Eliaquim Mangala has failed to demonstrate since moving joining from FC Porto.
(Martin Demichelis could be preferred over Eliaquim Mangala despite being sent off in last year's tie - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Barcelona's front three will receive the overwhelming majority of publicity in the build up to the tie, but the importance of Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitić must not be overlooked. The duo provide grit in a side known for technique, but also epitomise the team's intelligence in possession. Between them, the pair have a 91% pass accuracy average in the league and have created 36 chances. Without Yaya Touré, who will miss the game through suspension, City may have to field three central midfielders to combat their influence.
Manchester City were accused of paying too much respect to their Spanish foes last season and Manuel Pellegrini has vowed not to make the same mistake again. However, although the Chilean may be encouraged by their shock loss to Malaga at the Nou Camp on Saturday, he and his team must not underestimate Barcelona. Prior to the loss, Enrique's men netted 23 goals in five league games and the disappointment of that result will inevitably provide even more motivation for a tenacious display in Manchester.
Confidence is high at the Etihad Stadium, but Manchester City must learn from last years' mistakes if they are to pull off the victory they are capable of on Tuesday night.
Prediction: 2-1
Potential Line-Ups
Manchester City
Barcelona
Statistics
(Image via @Squawka)
