Manchester City have reached the Last 16 in the Champions League for the first time and will meet FC Barcelona. The first leg will be played in Manchester where Man City rarely lose. They are currently in fantastic form, especially in attack, where Negredo, Dzeko and the back-from-injury Aguero are scoring for fun. Their midfield is also very strong, Yaya Toure & Fernandinho provide defensive stability and David Silva & Jesus Navas are the creative force on the wings. The only injury concern is Samir Nasri, who is out until the end of February. Their defense was not in the best form in the early stages of the season, the main reason for that was the injury of captain Vincent Kompany, but he is back commanding the defense with his experienced CB partner Martin Demichelis. Both wing backs, Pablo Zabaleta on the right and Aleksander Kolarov or Gael Clichy on the left, have freedom to help in attack and provide assists for the strikers.
FC Barcelona are regulars in the Last 16 and are always among the favorites to lift the trophy at the end of the season. This year they face a big team in the first knockout stage and will have to be at their best to qualify for the Quarter Finals. Valdes is back to his usual form, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba are attacking from their wing back positions, Pique and Javier Mascherano are in good form, the former (Pique) also in great scoring form from set pieces. The midfield maestros Xavi and Iniesta are pulling the strings and Busquets is protecting the defense. Pedro and Alexis Sanchez are surprisingly the top goalscorers in La Liga, as Neymar is injured and Messi missed 2 months of action due to injury as well. He is back now though and will be eager to prove he is still in top form.
Key Fantasy Players:
Barcelona: Messi, Xavi, Pique
Manchester City: Aguero, Yaya Toure, Kompany
Prediction: Expect this to be a really exciting match, but Man City are ready to upset Barcelona, at least at their home stadium. Result: 3:1
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| Sergio Aguero vs. Lionel Messi (Photo: tsmplug.com) |
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