Lionel Messi's penalty miss has give the Citizens a slender hope of being the only English side to make it to the last eight of the competition. They come into the match having suffered a defeat at the hands of a team fighting relegation last time out and must put an improved performance if they are to get anything out of the match. Barcelona on the other hand have been in scintillating form but will also have the big match against Real Madrid in their mind. Here are the top five duels which will play an important part in deciding the match.
Gerard Pique vs Sergio Aguero
The scorer of Man City's only goal at the Etihad in the first leg will pose the biggest threat to Ter Stegen's goal. The Argentine has often been criticised for being inconsistent but can be lethal when on song. He has done well this season having scored 23 goals in all competitions, including six in five Champions League starts this season and he will have to bring his A game if City are to get anything out of the match.
Gerard Pique on the other hand has seemingly returned to his best having put a series of very assured performances. Pique has been part of a Man City defence which has conceded just 16 goals in 27 league outings and he must ensure Sergio Aguero is not allowed much time on the ball during the match.
Luis Suarez vs Vincent Kompany
The Uruguayan is starting to settle at the club and has been impeccable as of late. He scored both the goals upon his return to the Etihad and will be looking to heap more pressure on the Citizens to effectively put the tie beyond their reach. Kompany on the other hand has been coming under a lot of criticism lately and will have to step up for his team for the big match. His poor performances resulted in him being dropped for the match against Leicester but he is likely to play a part in tonight's game.
Kompany is regarded as one of Premier League's finest defenders and must live up to the billing if his team is to make it to the next round.
Javier Mascherano vs Yaya Toure
With Sergio Busquets a major doubt for the match, Mascherano will be handed the difficult task of keeping Yaya Toure at bay. Even though he has been largely used as a centre back during his time at Barcelona, the Argentinean is an efficient play breaker and must put his qualities to good use against a very competent midfield player.
Yaya Toure missed the trip to Camp Nou but will be available for the second leg. He has been one of his side's most consistent players and can create a lot of damage if allowed too much time and space on the ball.
Lionel Messi vs Aleksandar Kolarov
With Gael Clichy suspended for the tie, Kolarov is likely to deputise at left back and will be against arguably the best player in the world right now. After a slow start to the season, Messi has now returned to top form having scored six and assisted two in his last four matches.
Kolarov on the other hand is widely known for his attacking ventures but on Wednesday must strictly adhere to his defensive duties. He might also need a lot of support from whoever is operating on Man City's left wing to contain Lionel Messi. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous results for City.
Ivan Rakitic vs David Silva
Even though the Spaniard starts on the wings he has a tendency to operate mainly from the middle and Barcelona must ensure that he does not enjoy much luck in the middle of the park. Silva is arguably Man City's most creative player and can cause a lot of panic with his incisive passing and late runs in the box.
It remains to be seen who plays in the midfield for Barcelona with Luis Enrique blessed with a variety of options, but Ivan Rakitic is likely to get the nod. It is important that the Croatian constantly tracks back and limits the threat posed by David Silva, concurrently also ensuring that he keeps the ball ticking in the middle of the park.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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