Manchester City will be looking to finally record their first Champions Leagu win of the season on Tuesday, as they welcome Group E leaders Bayern Munich to the Etihad Stadium. It is pretty much a must-win game for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who would be eliminated from the tournament if they fail to do so, and either CSKA Moscow or AS Roma win in their clash in Moscow.
Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Manchester City will almost certainly have to beat Bayern Munich if they want to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League’s knockout rounds.
Unfortunately for City, Bayern have looked a cut above everyone else so far, having cruised to four victories in their first four matches. They are unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions in a run that stretches right back to their Super Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund in August, and they've already opened up a seven-point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga table. There's no doubt they head into this match as favorites.
Key player - Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
If Manchester City are to stand any chance of pulling off a shock result in this match, they’ll need star striker Sergio Agüero to be at his very best. The Argentine international is the Premier League’s top scorer, having netted 12 times in as many league appearances so far this season, and he has the quality to harm any defence in football. If Bayern can keep him quiet, they’ll probably keep a clean sheet.
Key matchup - Mario Götze vs. Fernando
With Manchester City set to be without Yaya Touré and Fernandinho for this match, Brazilian holding midfielder Fernando will almost certainly be given a start. It’ll be his job to try and keep the ever-dangerous Mario Götze quiet in this match, with the German playmaker having been in sparkling form thus far. If Fernando doesn’t shield his side’s flimsy back line, City could be on the end of a thrashing.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: David Silva (knee), Fernandinho, Yaya Touré (suspended). In doubt: None.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Philipp Lahm, Tom Starke (ankle), Javi Martínez, Thiago Alcántara, David Alaba (knee), Holger Badstuber, Claudio Pizarro (thigh), Pepe Reina (calf). In doubt:None.
City will be without midfielders Fernandinho and Yaya Touré after they were sent off against CSKA Moscow in their last Champions League match, while David Silva still hasn’t recovered from his knee injury. Bayern’s injury list is rather longer, and includes important first-teamers like Philipp Lahm, Javi Martínez, Thiago Alcántara and David Alaba, though they have more than enough depth to get by.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 USA, Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada), ITV 1 (U.K.), Sky, TeleClub Sport Live (Germany)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), ITV Player (U.K), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany)
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