Complacency is my enemy. Trent Reznor
Why would I start this article with a quote on Complacency? Because there is no better way to start this discussion in any other way. The sense of confidence this Barca side has been able to instill on us in recent times have raised the belief in the team a lot higher. With such belief comes the danger of complacency. Especially when you are up against a team who could only win one of their last five matches, you are bound to be complacent. Add to this the form of the opposition. The new powerhouse from the city of Manchester has not been in top form in recent matches. Both Manchester City and Barcelona lie in the second position in their respective league. But the similarity start and end there. FC Barcelona has averted a mid-season crisis (which tend to happen in early January of every year) and clawed their way back into the La Liga title fight big time. Meanwhile Manchester City has seen their gap between them and league leaders Chelsea balooning to a whooping seven points. They are already out of FA Cup and League Cup. In such scenario it is natural to bet against Manchester City, but then this game is called the "Game of Glorious Uncertainty" for nothing. So reserve your FC Barcelona vs Manchester City Champions League Tickets today itself from our partner 1st4FootballTickets.
It's always tricky to face an opponent who is trying to save something out of their season. Theoretically speaking that would be what Manchester City would be doing against Barca. Mathematically speaking, they may be still in the race for Barclays Premier League. But they should know better than others that a seven point lead could be a huge mountain to climb and can only be done if Chelsea suffers an End of Season meltdown. In that context, Tuesday night encounter at Etihad stadium could define their stadium. That's a pretty scary position to be in. But sometimes these kind of adversities brings out the best in a team (remember 2006-07 exit at the hand of Liverpool). That should be what Barca be wary about. FC Barcelona team playing the way we have seen in recent matches should not have much difficulty in getting past City in the round of 16. But if we take the eye of the ball for one moment, Manchester City has the players who could steal it from right under our nose. Manchester City's recent trouble all started with Yaya Toure's departure for African Nation's cup. That show how important a player he has become for them. With him coming back they may have their stability back. We could see a glimpse of this in this weekends clash against Newcastle United.
Last season we overcome a spirited Manchester City courtesy of the brilliance of Lionel Messi. And that man would be the biggest worry for the defending Champions of EPL. From the turn of this year, he has been not only scoring goals at will, but also creating so much for his colleagues. He is redefining the definition of the complete player. The understanding between Neymar and Messi has evolved in to different level this season. Add to that Saurez who is slowly emerging out of goal scoring duck, and plays a vital role in teh front trio of Messi, Neymar and Saurez; the Manchester City defense may have their hands full come Tuesday at the Etihad. Rakitic and Inietsa is expected to join Busquets in the midfield. One could argue for the inclusion of Xavi in place of Rakitic, but the Croatian players recent form will be too hard to ignore. The defense should have Pique, Mascherano along with Alvaes and Alba. The most controversial pick will be to choose the goal keeper. Ter Stegan has been Barca's first choice keeper for cup competitions. But the recent blunders from him would definitely cast a shadow of doubt on him. . It is quite unfair to criticize him with the limited playing time he is getting. But if he struggles again, it would be difficult to see him retaining his place in the return leg.
Manchester city meanwhile have to ponder a lot regarding their starting line-up. Joe Hart definitely would be the first choice for keeper. After seeing how Demichelis struggled against Messi last year, it would be difficult to see him pairing Kompany. Mangala could be the defender chosen for Tuesday. Zabaleta should retain the right back role, but with Messi starting on right Pellegrini may go for Kolarov on left rather than Clichy. There definitely be a double pivot of Fernandinho and Toure in front of the defense with Nasri and Silva flanking them. The front two should be Milner and Aguero going by current form.
Regardless of their form, it is clear that their team is oozing with talent all across the pitch. But if our boys could play in our normal rhythm they should be able to break them apart. The game will have the usual pattern with our boys controlling the possession and Manchester City trying to hit us on counter. The game could get a bit physical but this Barca side has been well tuned to deal with that. The matches against Atletcio showed that we are able to adapt our strategy in response to the style displayed by the opposition. The match will be decided by the fine details. If those happen in our favour early in the match, then Messi and boys could tear City apart. The kind of form Messi is in, Barca could be looking to his talisman for not only providing the goals but also valuable assists. It would be difficult for City to keep Barca from scoring at Etihad and those away goals could prove valuable in the end of the round.
All About FC Barcelona
AllAboutFCBarcelona.com is a Blog dedicated to the Most prestigous Club in the world, FC Barcelona by an ardent fan. Here I discuss about the Latest happening surrounding our Club and present my Views about the same.
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