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17th Feb 2014 | Champions League

Barca Try Their Luck At The Etihad

City have won 18 out of 20 home matches this season but the Catalan giants are back on top of La Liga.

With Manchester City’s stunning home record across all competitions in 2013-14 (W18 D0 L2), it’s a tribute to Barcelona’s status in the game that they are 6/4 (Betfred) favourites to win the first leg of this mouthwatering Champions League clash at the Etihad.

The case for the away win is seemingly strengthened by the likely absence of Sergio Aguero for the hosts. Manuel Pellegrini has some hope that key midfielder Fernandinho may feature, but he may not be 100%, while Matija Nastasic will be another notable loss to City’s first choice eleven.

But Barcelona aren’t all-conquering at this moment in time as a 3-2 home loss to Valencia at the start of February demonstrated. Neymar is only just back from injury so there’s a danger that, yet again, they will be over-reliant on Lionel Messi.

Furthermore, City bounced back from their recent mini dip with a convincing 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday. That will have lifted morale and they will relish this opportunity to finally make their mark on the European stage.

In truth, a first leg draw would probably be just about acceptable to both sides, and that makes it all the more likely at best odds of 13/5 with Bet365.

Odds correct at time of publishing: 10:48 17th Feb, 2014 but subject to change

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