The Blaugrana are the favorites, but Pep’s boys can surprise the home side, and here’s why.

On Monday, we took a look at a few reasons why Manchester City should be afraid on Wednesday when they lock horns with Barcelona in the Champions League.

Kevin de Bruyne claimed that the Citizens are not afraid of their opponents despite the fact that the venue will be Camp Nou, a stadium where only one English team – Liverpool in 2007 – have triumphed at.

Of course, then there are their four previous defeats at the hands of the Blaugrana, but that was then, and this is now. Here is a case in favor of Man City, and why the English giants might just surprise the Spanish heavyweights.

Kevin de Bruyne is back!

The Belgian ace, once a Chelsea reject, has grown into an influential player at the Etihad. Not only does he score goals, but he has proven to be an undeniable playmaker.

The 25-year-old has found the back of the net twice in the English Premier League this season, but it’s his tally of four assists – the most by any player this term – that is most impressive.

So much is his importance to the squad that Man City’s winning percentage dropped from 54% to 36% during a short injury spell last season.

Barca to meet a familiar foe in Nolito

Who should Barca worry the most about on Wednesday? Sergio Aguero, or perhaps Kevin de Bruyne? The answer might be neither.

In the form of Nolito, the Citizens boast a striker who knows both La Liga and the league’s reigning champions, having moved to England from Celta Vigo after snubbing – surprise, surprise – the Catalan giants themselves.

The Spanish forward was the catalyst when Celta handed Barca their worst defeat in nine years, scoring a goal and assisting two in a 4-1 win over the Blaugrana. On Wednesday, he might just be Messi and Co.’s downfall once more.

Winning at Camp Nou has proven difficult for English clubs

Barcelona, Liverpool, UEFA Champions League

The Claudio Bravo effect

Luis Enrique’s defense isn’t easy to unlock; throw on top the home advantage, and goals may be hard to come by for Man City. Luckily, Guardiola has one player who knows the Blaugrana’s backline very well.

Claudio Bravo spent two, trophy-ladden seasons at Camp Nou but left in order to play Champions League football – Ter Stegen was the number choice goalie in that competition.

If there is any shortcoming to exploit in Barca’s defense, Bravo should – and most probably does – know it.

Man City will have to field a new-look starting XI on Wednesday

We also pointed out that Kolarov, Fernandinho, Aguero, and David Silva are the only four players that remain from the starting eleven of Man City’s last meeting with the Catalan giants.

Joe Hart, Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Bacary Sagna, Kolarov, James Milner, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, David Silva, Martin Demichellis, Manchester City, Barcelona, UEFA Champions League

Given that Kompany, Kolarov, and Fernandinho are doubts; only two familiar faces might start. This could be a good thing, though, as the familiar faces lost four in a row to Barca.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Barcelona 4 - 0 Manchester City

October 19, 2016 2:45pmCamp Nou (Barcelona)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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