With Bayern Munich expected to cruise through to the knockouts and CSKA Moscow expected to finish last, Tuesday's clash between Manchester City and AS Roma is one half of the most important matchup in the Champions League's Group E. Whoever wins this game will have their hopes of progressing into the next round boosted significantly.
Manchester City vs. AS Roma, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Manchester City host Roma on Tuesday in a crucial Group E clash.
Gabriele Maltinti
City head into this game looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their opening group game, while Roma -- who have won every single game they’ve played so far this season -- demolished CSKA Moscow 5-1 on their return to this competition. Make no mistake, the giallorossi are a force to be reckoned with, and City can’t afford to make the mistake of underestimating them.
Key player - Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
City weren't greatly convincing in their 4-2 win over Hull City in the Premier League on the weekend, and their victory came largely thanks to one man: Sergio Agüero. The diminutive attacker completely ran the show in the first half of that match, with his extraordinary all-round ability enabling him to work the channels, drop into attacking midfield space, and make penetrating runs in behind the defence himself. He's a striker who can do it all, and Roma will need to stop him at all costs.
Key matchup - Gervinho vs. Gaël Clichy or Aleksandar Kolarov
English fans may remember Gervinho as a punchline from his time at Arsenal, but the Ivorian attacker has found his best since moving to the capital and reuniting with his old Lille coach Rudi García. Usually deployed out on the right flank, he's extraordinary in one-on-ones, and terrorised the CSKA Moscow defenders in Roma's opening group game. Arguably City's weakest spot is on the left of defence -- Clichy struggled against the average Liam Rosenior against Hull -- so this is certainly a battle Roma could win.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (groin). In doubt: Fernando (groin), Stevan Jovetić (hamstring).
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele De Rossi (thigh), Federico Balzaretti (pelvis), Kevin Strootman, Davide Astori (knee), Leandro Castán (neck), Marco Borriello (unspecified). In doubt: Juan Iturbe (thigh).
City will certainly be without Samir Nasri, though they could have both Fernando and Stevan Jovetić back available. Roma’s injury list is rather longer, with several important players missing. Winger Juan Iturbe faces a late fitness test on a thigh problem.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: Fox Sports 1, Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), ITV1 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
See More:
