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Champions Or Europa League?

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If Manchester City are to make the Champions League knockout phase they have to beat Bayern Munich on home soil and hope Villarreal beat Napoli.

Vital Quotes:

Roberto Mancini



Jupp Heynckes

‘This is a big match between teams who are leaders of their respective leagues – that is always a matter of prestige. City were very good for first 20 minutes in Munich, but after that we took control and dominated.’

‘To be successful you need to play in the Champions League for some time; you need to collect both positive and negative experiences’.

‘We respect City: just look at what they’re doing in the English league. This game is all about two teams who respect each other. City still have a chance of progressing, but obviously it’s not just down to them – it depends on what happens in Villarreal too. One thing’s for sure, my team will be playing to win.’

Manchester City Team News:

Mancini believes Aleksandar Kolarov (groin) will be out for the next two or three weeks, and while he expects Pablo Zabaleta to be fit – Micah Richards is a doubt due to a calf problem.

Player to watch: Mario Balotelli

An able bodied goalscorer with attitude.

Bayern Munich Team News:

Bastian Schweinsteiger (collarbone) is out but Breno (knee) is back in training. Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos have been ruled out with flu, with Thomas Müller and Mario Gomez suffering from the same illness.

Player to watch: Franck Ribery

The 28-year-old German primarily plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and is known for pace, energy, skill and precise passing. Mr scarface will torment and any defensive line-up.

Match Facts & Stats

City last played German visitors in April 2009, beating Hamburg 2-1 in a UEFA Cup quarter-final tie they lost on away goals. Of their starting line-up only Vincent Kompany, Nedum Onuoha, Richards and Zabaleta are in City’s UEFA Champions League squad.

Match Prediction:

Manchester City 2-0 Bayern Munich.

Next Fixtures:

Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v City
Kick-off 8pm
Live on Sky

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