Team Focus: Manchester City

Manchester City had very high expectations this season after Pep Guardiola arrived this summer. They did well in the Group stage, even beating Barcelona at home in the process, but finished the group in second place. They had an ok draw, as Monaco are an opponent they should be able to beat.

Goalkeeper & Defence
The defence has been a big problem for Manchester City, who just cannot stop conceding goals. After signing Claudio Bravo (5.1) from Barcelona, they thought they would have solved this position, but it seems more and more like a mistake they let Joe Hart go. The Chilean has not been the answer to their problems and has been under critic a lot. Also the expensive signing of young English defender John Stones (5.2) has left them vulnerable at the back. They are yet to find a stable formation as they switch from 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1 and other alternatives regularly. Aleksander Kolarov (5.2) has been a regular starter, whether at CB or LB, Nicolas Otamendi (5.2) is their main CB, while Pablo Zabaleta (4.7) has been the RB most of the time. It seems the solution would be the return of Vincent Kompany, but he has been struggling with injuries all season.

Nicolas Otamendi (Photo: express.co.uk)

Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan has been in great form for Manchester City, but unfortunately ended the season already as he suffered a long-term injury. When in form, Kevin De Bruyne (9.4) is certainly one to consider, while David Sliva (8.5) and Raheem Sterling (7.5) are good picks as well. The recent emergence of Leroy Sane (6.8) suggests he is one to keep an eye on as well.

Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal against Barcelona (Photo: skysports.co.uk)

Attack
There is only one name that comes to mind when talking about Man City's attack - that is Sergio Aguero (10.1) of course. He notched 3 goals and 2 assists in this season's competition, but has slightly lost his form recently, so it would be smart to wait and see how new signing Gabriel Jesus will fit into the team. You can read more about his prospects HERE.

Sergio Kun Aguero (Photo: thesun.co.uk)

Prediction
If Manchester City continue playing as the have in recent weeks they might find it very difficult against Monaco, who are very strong in attack and have a formidable defence. However we still believe they will find some of the form they were in at the start of the season and go through to the Quarter Finals. You most certainly expect that Guardiola will try his best to go as far as possible, like he showed with Bayern and Barcelona.