Neither Manchester City nor Barcelona will have been too happy with the Champions League round of 16 draw, though for the neutral, it's just about the best one possible. The Premier League favourites host the La Liga joint-leaders in the first leg on Tuesday, and it's a game which shouldn't be missed.
Manchester City vs. Barcelona: Preview and TV schedule
The first leg of Manchester City’s Champions League tie with Barcelona is unmissable.
David Ramos
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Both of these sides have proven to be unstoppable when on top form, but equally aren't infallible. Barcelona may brag a couple of the best players in the world in Lionel Messi and Neymar, but there are still some serious questions to be asked of their defence. As for City, their midfield has occasionally been lacking in the absence of the recently injured Fernandinho.
The Brazilian is one of the Citizens' doubts ahead of this match, alongside star striker Sergio Agüero, who seems unlikely to recover from a hamstring injury in time to play. In better news their only other absentee is the suspended James Milner, who isn't a fundamental part of Manuel Pellegrini's first team.
Ominously, Barcelona coach Tata Martino has no injury or suspension concerns whatsoever.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: James Milner (suspended). In doubt: Sergio Agüero (hamstring), Fernandinho (muscle).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Manchester City: Joe Hart; Gaël Clichy, Martín Demichelis, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta; Yaya Touré, Fernandinho; David Silva, Samir Nasri; Álvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetić.
Barcelona: Victor Valdés; Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Dani Alves; Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Xavi; Pedro, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sánchez.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet (Canada), ITV 1 (U.K.), TV3, TVE (Spain)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)
