Manchester City offense can lead the way to Barcelona victory

Manchester City face the daunting task of facing Barcelona on Tuesday, but the Citizens attack can carry them to victory.

Manchester City host Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in the Champions League. The Spanish giants currently lead Group C, but City can cut their lead to two points if they can pull off the upset win.

The pair met in Barcelona two weeks ago, where the home team ran out 4-0 winners. However the scoreline far from reflected the true story of the game. The scoreline reflected Barcelona’s ruthlessness on pouncing on City’s individual errors.

It also reflected Manchester City’s inability to take their own chances. Something Pep Guardiola’s team will have to do on Tuesday to stand any chance of even avoiding defeat. It is a do-able task for City, though.

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The Premier League outfit have an outstanding offense that can, on their day, tear anybody apart. And City must be on one of their best days for this game, nothing less will suffice. Sergio Aguero has had his troubles lately, but looked back to his best against West Brom last weekend.

Aguero needs to be in that type of form and at his most ruthless against Luis Enrique’s men. Guardiola left Aguero on the bench for the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona last time, and the Argentine will have a point to prove this time around.

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Two goals against the Baggies on Saturday mean Aguero will be full of confidence going in, and Barcelona will be fully aware that he is the biggest danger to them. However, Raheem Sterling is another player who can – and must – produce for City.

Sterling has been in mesmerizing form to start the season, but has dipped lately by comparison. On his day, defenders just can’t contain Sterling when he is at his very best. That best is needed come Tuesday.

Nolito has been a valuable goalscorer from the left wing for City so far this season, and a goal from the Spaniard could be crucial n this game. Backed up by Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, the City attacking trio can certainly score the goals that take City to victory.

The problem could be at the other end. Although, Barcelona have issues in defense themselves, with Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba both ruled out injured. City have an opportunity to probe a significantly weaker Barca backline, and they already had success in the Nou Camp last time out.

They just didn’t take their chances. City pressed high up the pitch and stifled much of Barcelona’s attacking threat. Until Fernandinho unfortunately slipped, that is. Then Claudio Bravo made an error and received a red card, and the rest is history.

But the City attack, with their pressing, shielded the defense extremely well up until that point. Which is another area where the City offense can have a crucial impact on the final outcome of this game.

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The City defense can be vulnerable, and the shield from higher up the pitch will need to be strong again. In truth, the 4-0 win last time was fool’s gold for Barcelona. That doesn’t mean that the Spaniards wont win at the Etihad this time.

But it also doesn’t mean that they will, and City can just be written off. City’s attack can carry the day for Guardiola’s men against anybody. It’s a big task against Barcelona. But if they stick to the game plan, and the attack is firing on all cylinders, a Manchester City win is within reach.

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