Villarreal v Man City

While there has been no correlation between Manchester City’s domestic and European form up to now, Sergio Aguero’s injury-time winner in the last clash with Villarreal could prove a major turning point. The 94th minute strike sparked wild celebrations, and days later Mancini’s side were 6-1 winners at Old Trafford. It was cruel for the Spanish side who had held their own up to that point; now their Champions League hopes lie in tatters.

If that wasn’t bad enough for Villarreal, their best player and talisman Giuseppe Rossi suffered cruciate ligament damage last week against Real Madrid. Down in 13th in La Liga, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ now must contend without their leading striker for the rest of the season. Marcos Senna, Marco Ruben, Cani and Cristian Zapata may also all be missing on Wednesday through injury. With no points from three European games, it’s hard to imagine Garrido’s side aren’t feeling thoroughly abject.

City couldn’t be anymore upbeat. The goals have continued to bulge the net in the Premier League, yet they will be fully aware of the importance of claiming three more points in a group in which they still sit third. Mancini can call upon Mario Balotelli for the first time in this competition; the Italian striker has been suspended up till now and his addition will be a huge boost.

The 21-year-old is on sparking form and his manager looks like he’s been saving him for this match.
‘Mario could be an important player for us in Europe because he knows the Champions League. It’s an important competition for Mario because it’s the first game back for him after his ban,‘ said Mancini. 
The headline grabbing striker hasn’t started since he triggered the demolition of Man Utd with the first two goals in the derby. That made it a run of six goals in five outings, and he looks like a great shout in the first goalscorer market here at 5/1 with PaddyPower.