Can Manchester City stop Barcelona’s three amigos?

Manchester City face Barcelona in the Champions League last-16. If they are to progress they will need to stop Barcelona’s front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar

When the draw was made for the last-16 of the Champions League Manchester City fans must have been hoping to avoid the real big boys of European football.

However, the fact that City finished second in their group meant that the Citizens were also going to be handed a tough task in the knockout phase.

In the end the boys in blue were handed a repeat of last season’s last-16 tie against Spanish giants Barcelona.

Not exactly an ideal draw for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, but at this stage of the competition any opposition would have proven a tricky draw.

Bosses

While Arsenal were given what looks like a favourable draw in facing French side Monaco, the Citizens have to face up to one of the best teams in the competition.

Barcelona have been searching for a new identity since the departure of much-loved boss Pep Guardiola. His former-assistant Tito Villanova did a good job, but sadly had to leave his job due to ill health, which unfortunately lead to his premature passing.

Since then Tata Martino tried and failed in changing the style of the team and was replaced by former-Barca star Luis Enrique in the hot seat. Enrique has done a decent job so far and now seems to be getting to grips with managing mega-stars, mainly Lionel Messi and his influence on the team.

Barcelona recently recorded 11 straight wins in all competitions, which ended last weekend with a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Malaga.

Enrique has instilled a more direct style in the team, which means the ball gets forward quicker than in the Tiki-Taka days of Guardiola. The three forward players play a key role in the system.

Strike-force

Barcelona has arguably the best front three in world football, as Argentinian superstar Messi is partnered by Brazilian star Neymar and controversial Uruguayan Luis Suarez in attack.

Neymar struggled to find his best form for Barca last season, as he found it hard living in the shadow of Messi. However, this season he has forged a better understanding both on and off the pitch with the Argentinian and is now reported to be very close to Messi.

Luis Suarez has been criticised in some quarters for not scoring enough goals, with just five goals in 15 La Liga appearances this season. The former-Liverpool man has altered his role though at Barcelona, as he has gone from goalscoring machine to master-creator, with 12 assists already for Barcelona.

The 28-year-old has always worked tirelessly for his team, but he has become more unselfish in his play and according to one Spanish publication he is the perfect number nine to play with Messi.

There is not much more that can be said about the little Argentinian that has not already been said. In the run of 11 successive victories Messi found the net 14 times and looks to near to top form once again.

His burgeoning relationship with Neymar seems to be bringing the best out of the Argentinian. The Brazilian international seems to be happy to accept a supporting role to Messi, but has himself found the net 24 times in 26 appearances in all competitions, compared to Messi’s 37 goals in 30 appearances this season.

One thing is for sure the City defence could be in for a very busy night with Barca having so much attacking strength on show.

Shaky

Manchester City have not exactly looked like the most solid team in defence this season. They have kept just one clean sheet in their previous six games in all competitions, which was last time out in the 5-0 mauling of Newcastle.

In truth, City were in complete control of that match very early on and Newcastle offered very little in terms of attacking threats. This game against the Catalan giants will be completely different, with Barcelona looking to control the game.

Formation

When possible City boss Manuel Pellegrini has preferred to play with two strikers, with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko currently first choice. Both strikers got on the scoresheet against Newcastle at the weekend and looked in good shape.

Pellegrini now faces a dilemma whether to play with five in midfield, or to stick with his preferred two up front. The Chilean has made tactical errors in the Champions League in previous seasons by fielding two strikers, and most notably Bayern Munich outnumbered the Citizens in midfield.

Exciting

Manchester City against Barcelona looks like one of the most exciting ties in the competitions last-16 for the neutral. City may head into the clash as underdogs, but they are certainly no pushovers.

However, if they want to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition it is vital that they find a way to stop Barcelona’s three amigos, which is easier said than done. Malaga did it and City will be hoping to follow in their footsteps and keep a clean sheet against Messi and co.

Can Manchester City stop Barcelona’s three amigos?