Preview: City to go six points clear with a win over CSKA
A victory will put Manchester City in a comfortable position, six points above the third placed team in Group D. After failing to progress from the first round of the competition in their last two attempts, City will now be hoping to make an impression this time around in order to be recognized as a force in the European arena.
After their strong 7-0 victory over Norwich City, which saw six different Manchester City players finding the net, Pellegrini will be hoping his men can continue the momentum going when they face the defending Russian champions.
The Chilean tactician has urged his players to put the horrors of the past behind them and ensure that they qualify for the Round of 16 this time around.
“If we get through to the round of 16 it would be a great achievement for the club and for the players,” said the City boss.
“I am sure the players didn’t enjoy their experience of the 'Champions League over the last two seasons, going out of the competition in the group stages.
"It isn’t a big improvement, but it is an important step for the club. And, if we can qualify from the group, then we can look forward again. This would be just the first step.”
Joe Hart who had prior to the Norwich City match played in every of Manchester City’s last 123 league matches was demoted to the bench after a string of high profile errors, the most recent of which gifted Chelsea a 2-1 victory over the Citizen.
His manager Manuel Pellegrini has granted support to his number one but has also reiterated that he is unsure of when the 26 year old will return to the starting line-up.
“Joe needs a rest. I think it will be useful for him," said the Manchester City manager.
"He played the last two years and had every match here. Every player can have a bad moment.”
"We will work hard behind Joe so we can return him to his normal performance as soon as possible."
"I don't know when he will be back in the team but he knows he must work very hard,” added Pellegrini.
"He has the support of myself and all the players.”
Costel Pantilimon who maintained a clean sheet in his Premier League debut against Norwich City, is expected to take his position between the posts for the second consecutive game when the match takes place on Tuesday.
CSKA on the other hand need a definite victory on Tuesday if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying to the next round alive. Their loss to City in their last European outing was their second in three games and with the Russian side to play Bayern next, Leonid Slutsky knows that a victory against the English side is imperative. After their loss to City, the Militarians ended a five match winless run with strong victories over Krasnodar and Volga. Their antics have helped them to climb to the fourth spot in the league table.
CSKA will be looking for Seydou Doumbia to make the difference. The Ivory Coast international has scored six times in nine league appearances and along with former Manchester United midfielder Zoran Tosic, will be CSKA’s biggest attacking threat.
The Citizens on the other hand will be looking for Sergio Aguero to make the difference again. The Argentinean has been in sublime touch this season having scored eight goals in the league so far. The former Atletico Madrid man scored a brace as City scored a hard fought victory against the Russian champions last time around and will be hoping to make the difference again in the reverse fixture.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Manchester City vs CSKA Moscow live on Tuesday, November 5, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on Sportsnet World Online, Sportsnet World
In UK at 19:45 BST on Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Sports Red Button, NOW TV powered by Sky, Sky Go UK
In USA at 14:45 ET Fox Soccer 2Go, SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer Plus
Fans based in Russia can watch the match live on NTV+ Football.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Manchester City vs CSKA Moscow match page.
