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The wait is almost over; after months of build-up, FC Barcelona will soon return to UEFA Champions League action, taking on Manchester City in a rematch of last season's fixture at the very same stage of the competition. On that occasion, the Blaugrana were simply too strong for their Premier League counterparts, exuding patience and superiority en route to a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory.
As ever, Lionel Messi was the difference-maker in the tie; his dazzling speed and quick-thinking broke the offside trap in the first-leg at the Etihad Arena, before drawing a red-card and an incorrectly awarded penalty from his compatriot, Martin Demichelis. From thereon in, Barcelona were in complete control and deservedly booked their place in the quarter-finals; can they replicate this feat this year by defeating Manchester City once again?
The Blaugrana are certainly the favourites with both the media and the bookmakers, yet there is a sense of doubt creeping into the mind of most Cules after the events of the past weekend. As it transpired, FC Barcelona would slump to a shock defeat against out-of-form Malaga CF, while Manchester City would cruise to an emphatic win, albeit only against lowly Newcastle United.
A tie that looked to be edging Barca's way is very much now finely poised. Everything depends on this first-leg, and as such, Luis Enrique is not looking to give much away. All 21 available players from the first-team squad will travel to Manchester, leaving Manuel Pellegrini none the wiser about Lucho's plan for tomorrow's match:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Claudio Bravo, 25. Jordi Masip
Defenders: 2. Martin Montoya, 3. Gerard Piqué, 14. Javier Mascherano, 15. Marc Bartra, 18. Jordi Alba, 21. Adriano Correia, 22. Dani Alves, 24. Jérémy Mathieu
Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 6. Xavi Hernández, 8. Andres Iniesta, 12. Rafinha Alcântara, 20. Sergi Roberto
Forwards: 7. Pedro, 9. Luis Suárez, 10. Lionel Messi, 11. Neymar Jr.
Expected Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Xavi; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
The match starts at 20:45 CET, and you can follow and comment all the action right here, at Barça Blaugranes.
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