Manuel Pellegrini’s side takes on Russian side CSKA Moscow
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini talks during a press conference at the Etihad Stadium. City will play CSKA Moscow in a Champions League match at the Etihad
Paris: Five more clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, can secure their berths in the last 16 of the Champions League in their fourth round of games on Wednesday.
Fresh from Sunday’s victory in the Manchester derby, City entertain the Russian champions still looking for a first win in Group ‘E’. Manuel Pellegrini’s side threw away a two-goal lead away to CSKA two weeks ago and desperately need three points this time to boost their chances of reaching the last 16 for the second season running.
City, who beat CSKA 5-2 at home last season, will hope that Sergio Aguero can continue the superb form which has seen him score nine times in his last eight outings.
Bayern Munich gear up for Roma
After their extraordinary 7-1 win away to Roma two weeks ago which marked their biggest away victory in Europe and equalled Roma’s worst continental defeat, few would bet against Bayern coming out on top as the teams clash again.
Having won all three Group ‘E’ games so far, the German champions will guarantee their place in the last 16 with a win, while a draw would also be enough if the other game also ends in a stalemate.
Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund and are now undefeated in 15 matches. However, Juan Bernat warned: “The first game was perfect for us, it was a crazy game, but now things start again at zero. It will be difficult and very competitive.”
Paris Saint-Germain take on APOEL
Paris Saint-Germain will be through to the knockout phase for the third season running if they manage to beat APOEL at the Parc des Princes and Ajax fail to win at home to Barcelona.
The French champions have raised their game in Europe, but on this occasion they could be forgiven for having one eye on Sunday’s crucial Ligue 1 fixture with Marseille. PSG are unbeaten in their last 30 home European games but toiled before defeating APOEL 1-0 a fortnight ago.
Barcelona set to break Ajax
Barcelona will guarantee their place in the last 16 if they win in Amsterdam or if they draw and APOEL do not win in France. However, the Catalans will be wary after losing 2-1 at Ajax in the group stage last season and confidence is fragile as they head to the Netherlands having suffered consecutive defeats in La Liga.
Saturday saw a 1-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, and midfielder Luis Suarez is set to make his Champions League debut for Barcelona against the club where he initially made his name in Europe.
Maribor look to spoil Chelsea run
Unbeaten this season and flying high atop the Premier League, Chelsea will be through to the last 16 with two matches to spare in Group ‘G’ if they beat Maribor in Slovenia and Sporting fail to beat Schalke.
Few would bet against Jose Mourinho’s side recording another win in Maribor after beating the same team 6-0 at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago to claim their biggest victory in the competition. It remains to be seen if Diego Costa, will start here or if Mourinho will keep his star striker fresh for the Liverpool clash.
( Source : AFP )
Next Story
