Tonight, we finally arrive at the Ethiad Stadium for the fixture we fanatics have been waiting for, Manchester City vs Barcelona, the long awaited rematch of last years round of 16 fixture.
These two footballing heavyweights will battle each other tonight in order to get a hand on the quarter final stage of the European Cup Competition. Although this game tonight takes place at the Ethiad Stadium, most favour the Catalans to come away with the victory. However, it is not out of Manchester City's ability to pull off a win tonight and perhaps even be the ones to go through to the quarter quarter finals. I believe this is possible because Man City is one of those sides who need to prove themselves on the European stage in this competition; apart from the millions spent on the Manchester City project, it can be said that the Citizens are only domestic bullies, flexing their muscles against domestic competition, but still failing show the same form in Europe and the milestone of the quarter finals has proven evasive to them, losing out in the same fixture at the same stage last season.
The men in blue could not have asked for a steeper challenge; Barcelona are on hot form, winning 11 out of their last 12, scoring 42, conceding 9 and keeping 6 clean sheets. They will prove a stern test for Man City, who themselves have hit a bit of form in recent weeks but no where near as hot as The Catalans.
There is also the added element of the Argentine legend Lionel Messi. Although at times he has been shown to be human in such big fixture, in recent times, the Barca's star man is on fire, scoring 34 goals and assisting 15 in La Liga and the Champions league and he doesn't look like he's gonna let up anytime soon. Also with the likes of Neymar, Luis Suarez, Pedro, Rakitic and co showing their stuff, wrecking pretty much all they come across like a plague, Barcelona is looking to do some damage tonight and at the risk of sounding repetitive, Manuel Pelligrini has his work cut out for him tonight.
That being said Man City will be ready to go as well. This is a grudge match and revenge is in the air. These are the English champions, this is in no way a small feat. Having scored 102 goals in the League last season, Manchester City look as if they have somewhat lost their way this season. With the influx of Wilfried Bony and the resurgence of Aguero, David Silva and Nasri, City will be capable of facing this challenge head on like the champions they are. However, they will be without the icon that is Yaya Toure, who is serving the last game of this Champions league suspension.
I am excited for this game. This is one of the most anticipated rematches in recent history, perhaps only second to maybe another El Classico semi final, but we have to be satisfied with this. I personally think City has the guts and the desperation to themselves and their fans proud because as we say here no guts no glory. Barcelona are not infallible. They lost out to Malaga last weekend and while this means nothing, Barcelona is know to fail against strong and proud opposition, everything that Manchester City is and can be. All in all this is one for the masses. I hope its one to enjoy.
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