Four Players to watch in Manchester City vs Barcelona

Barcelona come in to this match after a shock home loss against Malaga, while Manchester City are riding high after thrashing Newcastle by five goals. For sure, the form is on Manchester City’s side, however Barcelona themselves had themselves an 11-streak win in all competitions before losing at the Camp Nou. However, each side will look to a couple of performers to ensure they have the upper hand coming out of the first leg in this highly anticipated Champions League Matchup.

Manchester City

Vincent Kompany
For being Manchester City’s most experienced defender (alongside Martin Demichelis), it will be the captain’s duty to marshall a backline that would have to contend with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez. His performances in top flight European competition have been stuttering recently. Against Roma, he allowed Francesco Totti to run past him to score Roma’s equalizing goal back in the group stage at the Etihad, while lunging in and leaving acres of space for the Roma legend to attack. While against Barcelona in this exact fixture last season, he played Lionel Messi in space, which resulted in a rash Martin Demichelis challenge, which effectively put Barcelona in control of the tie. For sure Kompany has to maintain a cool head if Manchester City are to deal with Barcelona’s star studded lineup. (Fot. Manchester City FC D Vincent Kompany. Fot. Photo Works / Bigstock.)

David Silva
Perhaps the Premier League’s best creative player, David Silva will be the one providing Sergio Aguero the space and service to do what the Argentine does best. David Silva is the key man to take advantage of a relatively mediocre Barcelona back line. If David Silva clicks, then Sergio Aguero will get in behind, doing what he does best. This is the Spaniard’s chance to establish himself as a top European performer in the competition.

Barcelona

Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan has enjoyed a mixed start to his Barcelona career, having integrated well, but unable to produce the scoring feats that saw him dominate the premier league last season. Against a familiar foe, Suarez will definitely have to be at his mischievous best to frustrate the Manchester City defense. This is certainly a match that can propel his stop-start career at the Catalonian club.

Andres Iniesta
Another player that is enjoying a similar season to Suarez, Andres Iniesta hasn’t been the premium midfielder he consistently was the past few seasons. He is simply the man that will have to connect the Barcelona midfield with the offense, to do what he is known to do, keep possession and dribble past the opposing midfield and defense. He will have to stamp his mark on the game by not letting the Manchester City physicality overrun him. Much like David Silva’s influence, if Iniesta is allowed the space and possession, expect a free flowing Barcelona attack.

Michael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
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