A big disappointment in the first game of the UEFA Champions League, EPL champions Manchester City will be looking to open their account with a win over new entrants, AS Roma at the Etihad Stadium.
A big disappointment in the first game of the UEFA Champions League, EPL champions Manchester City will be looking to open their account with a win over new entrants, AS Roma at the Etihad Stadium. The City boys are all ready to go berserk as far as goal-scoring is concerned after their mid-week 4-2 win over Hull City.
A 90th-minute goal by Germany World Cup winner, Jerome Boateng denied City a point in the first game, two weeks ago but the English champions are ready to seize the initiative. Manager Manuel Pelligrini is sweating over injuries to his star players most notably, Fernando (groin) and Stevan Jovetic (hamstring) are both doubts while Samir Nasri has been ruled out for around a month due to groin surgery.
All hopes will be pinned on Argentine striker Sergio Aguero to deliver the killer blow whereas David Silva and Frank Lampard, might add some versatility in the midfield. Not to forget, the machismo of Yaya Toure in midfield can prove too hot to handle for the visiting Italian side.
On the other hand, AS Roma will be out to create history on English soil since they have NOT fared well here. A loss on penalties to Liverpool in their only European Cup final appearance in 1984 and have managed to win a single game on 14 previous visits to England.
AS Roma come into this tie with high on confidence after winning all six of their games to date this season and are level on points in the Serie A with table toppers, Juventus. The tie also sees the return of former English full-back Ashley Cole to his native country. The Italian team will miss anchor midfielder Daniele De Rossi due to a torn calf muscle, while Davide Astori (knee) and Juan Iturbe (thigh) remain long term absentees.
The tie looks to be a one to watch out for since both the sides possess high quality attack, both in midfield and forwards as well. Manchester City have been attacked widely for their inconsistency in the Champions League but a good show, can shut up the critics for the moment!
