MAN CITY v Barcelona – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team

23 Feb

The main selection dilemma for Manuel Pellegrini is whether he opts for Pablo Zabaleta or Bacary Sagna at right back. The Argentine is far superior going forward, but Sagna has the edge defensively and, crucially, got the nod against twice against Franck Ribery and then Eden Hazard, attackers whose styles of play are similar to that of Neymar. Martin Demichelis and Gael Clichy are expected to replace Eliaquim Mangala and Aleks Kolarov.

Sergio Aguero is 6/1 to score the first goal. Vincent Kompany is 41/1 to do the same. That must be worth a little flutter!

With Yaya Touré suspended, Fernando is likely to step in to the centre of midfield. Jesus Navas is almost certain to come in to the side, with Edin Dzeko dropping to the bench as Pellegrini looks to bolster midfield. James Milner is fit again and available, but will probably start on the bench.

Here is the side Pellegrini could select:

Manchester City 4-2-3-1 football formation

Referee: Felix Brych.

Prediction: MAN CITY 1 – 2 Barcelona – The tie last season was close than the scoreline suggested, but whilst City have improved, I still feel we will come up just that bit short. Barcelona’s trio of attackers can all create something from nothing, and with City’s defence having looked vulnerable all season, a clean sheet is unlikely. I’m going for Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to get on the scoresheet.

Jesus Navas is pretty much a guaranteed starter and he’s 22/1 to grab the opener with Ladbrokes!

Think it might be a 1-1 draw? That’s 7/1 with Paddy Power, where new customers can claim a £25 free bet!

13 Responses to “MAN CITY v Barcelona – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team”

  1. Siamack 23/02/2015 at 7:32 pm #

    I love Martin D. and the fact that he has been so consistent when called upon but for this one, I would pick Mangala over MD. Barca front 3 are fast players with great footwork. Portuguese league is very similar to Spanish league that does not have English physicality. Due to Mangala playing in a similar league for some years, he is a perfect fit for this game.

    • Blue 23/02/2015 at 9:52 pm #

      Good point about Mangala.

  2. kitumesh 23/02/2015 at 8:16 pm #

    Start James instead of fernado

    • alphie_izzett 24/02/2015 at 7:24 am #

      Isn’t James Milner injured?

      As for CH, it’s Demic for me. We will do a lot of defending and it will call for calm reading of the game and instinctive positioning. Mangler is very fast and I think will become a great CH in time, but I much doubt that City will have the sort of possession that will keep the CH’s on a high line, needing to leg it back against the breaks, and that is where mangler would have more than an edge.

      • Blue Bullet 24/02/2015 at 5:29 pm #

        Mangala can be a little rash at times as well which you dont want in a game like this

  3. Glenn Kavanagh 23/02/2015 at 9:19 pm #

    Two – nil with mascarano sent off, cool heads nothing rash there just men like us with talent. Good call for sagna who needs to watch the cross field ball..he is very quick mind you, good luck men.

  4. jac 23/02/2015 at 11:58 pm #

    Really looking forward to this game, we should play 442, but wont. Silva has been scoring lately so 4231 should work for us. I expect us to win 3-1.

  5. alphie_izzett 24/02/2015 at 7:27 am #

    Maybe you were rude Blue?
    This isn’t Bluemoon you know!

    • alphie_izzett 24/02/2015 at 7:29 am #

      Mm!
      Looks like your post moaning about your post being removed has been removed Blue.

  6. bluemush 24/02/2015 at 7:42 am #

    Going to be a tricky game of we can go over there without conceding we should have a great chance come lads just think Malaga

  7. JLK 24/02/2015 at 8:49 am #

    Milner for Nasri otherwise Clichy will be exposed. Come on City!

  8. Nick Johnson 24/02/2015 at 1:12 pm #

    We should play Zabaleta at RB with Milner on the right in front of him, offers loads of protection, particularly if he plays Fernando at CM.
    If I was the manager I would go with
    HART
    ZABS KOMPANY DEMECHELIS CLICHY

    LAMPARD FERNANDINHO
    MILNER NASRI

    SILVA

    AGUERO

  9. chetak dalvi 24/02/2015 at 1:42 pm #

    Should be starting Dzeko instead of Navas, and the den may be bring in Bony in the 2nd half.Dzeko was great against Newcastle

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