Barcelona emerged victorious when the two sides met in the Champions League last season. Both the sides come into this match in good form. Despite suffering a defeat in their last outing, Barcelona have been in incredible as of late whereas Man City have also returned to top form having dismantled Newcastle in their last match.
All this paves the path for a scintillating encounter which among other things will be decided based on the tactical decisions made by the two managers as well as a few battles on the pitch.
TACTICAL DUELS
Barcelona's combative trio against Man City's vulnerable defence
Barcelona's revival in recent months has been very much down to their attacking trio which has seemingly started to get along. Messi and Neymar in particular have formed a formidable partnership and have been very hard to contain. Suarez on the other hand has shown glimpses of what he is capable of but is yet to hit the ground running. However his energy and aggression upfront is something the Barca side of yesteryears had been lacking and is something which will bode in their favour on Tuesday.Man City on the other hand will have a few concerns especially as far as the centre back pairing is concerned. Vincent Kompany is certain to start but it remains to be seen who will partner him in the heart of the defence. Mangala's lack of experience might result in him being benched on Tuesday. However it is important to remember that it was Demichelis' mistimed challenge on Lionel Messi which changed the course of the game when the two sides met in the same fixture last season. As a result of the foul, Barcelona were awarded a penalty from which they scored and Demichelis was shown his marching orders with more than 30 minutes left on the clock.
Pellegrini's tactical dilemma against an attacking Barca side
Barcelona's potent attacking side can wreck the most disciplined of defences and it is for this reason that teams adopt a defensive strategy when playing against the Spanish giants. However neither Man City or Pellegrini are known for parking the bus and it remains to be seen what tactical approach the Chilean will adopt.Having spent nine years in La Liga, Pellegrini is well aware of what the Barcelona side is capable of. It will be interesting to see whether he will encourage his side to be more adventurous on home soil or whether he will chose to adopt a more defensive strategy and make use of the limited opportunities his side gets.
David Silva vs Sergio Busquets
Described by teammate Edin Dzeko as the best player in the Premier League, Spanish international David Silva has all the skills to hurt Barcelona. Silva has been in incredible form for the Citizens and capped a wonderful performance against Newcastle with two goals.Sergio Busquets has been a very important member of the Barcelona side in recent years and he will have to produce a top performance if his team is to get anything out of the match. Busquets will have to ensure he tracks Silva's movements and does not allow him much time on the ball.
Fernandinho vs Iniesta
Even though Iniesta's appearances have yielded very few goals and assists this season he has played a very important role for his team. The Spaniard has pulled the strings from the middle of park very effectively this season and whereas the front three cause all the damage he is the one who ensures the ball keep ticking. Brazilian international Fernandinho will have a huge task at hand to keep Iniesta at bay. He is an effective play breaker and must perform his duties to aplomb if Man City are to earn a positive result.Sergio Aguero vs Gerard Pique
Aguero's performances this season have been marked with a fair bit of inconsistency. When on song, the Argentinean is unplayable but can be useless on a bad day. However the former Atletico Madrid man has produced fine performances in his last two appearances and he will be eager to bring his A game for the match against Barca.Gerard Pique has been impressive for a Barcelona side which has conceded just 14 goals in 24 matches in the league and he will be the man responsible to ensure that Aguero is not allowed much freedom.
STATISTICS
Man City
Man City have won 38%, drawn 38% and lost 23% of their last 13 home European games.
Man City have kept a clean sheet in 1 of their last 13 home European games, going on to win 1 and draw 0 of these matches.
Man City have failed to score in 1 of their last 13 home European games, going on to draw 0 and lose 1 of these matches.
Barcelona
Barcelona have won 50%, drawn 15% and lost 35% of their last 20 away European games.
Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 20 away European games, going on to win 8 and draw 1 of these matches.
Barcelona have failed to score in 5 of their last 20 away European games, going on to draw 1 and lose 4 of these matches.
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