Manchester City is all set to host Russian Champions CSKA Moscow in the Champions league group stage match, and a victory remains essential for both host and the travelling side, given that they lie third and fourth respectively in the group.
CSKA Moscow are bottom in the group without a victory but only a draw which adds them single point in their three group stage matches so far, which keeps them three point below second placed Roma. Similarly the hosts Manchester City share similar situation without a victory in the game, however they have two points with two draws. Manchester City’s only defeat in the group came against the German giants Bayern Munich.
Similarly, CSKA Moscow’s only point in the group came in the reverse fixture against Manchester City when the two teams settled sharing points with a 2-2 draw.
Possible Lineup and Injuries
City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernandinho, Milner, Touré, Navas; Džeko, Agüero.
• Out: Kolarov (calf), Lampard (unspecified)
• Doubtful: Mangala (unspecified)
CSKA: Akinfeev; Mário Fernandes, V Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Wernbloom, Natcho, Tošić, Eremenko, Dzagoev; Musa.
• Out: Elm (stomach), Panchenko (knee)
Lineup and injury source – UEFA.com
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes the group remains a tight one and the decision of who makes through can only be decided from the last match of the group. We played good against Bayern but still got unlucky not to get any points, while we gave a poor fight to Roma, however we will try to win remaining of our home matches and look for what other teams does in the group.
Meanwhile CSKA coach Leonid Slutski believes CSKA Moscow remains in a different level in the group compared to other team and believes Manchester City has been a tough team past few years and could be a difficult one for his side.
Form guide (all competitions)
City: WLLDWW
CSKA: LWDDWL
Prediction
Manchester City 2-1 CSKA Moscow
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