Manchester City v CSKA Moscow: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

Tuesday 04 November 2014 17:02 GMT

City manager Manuel Pellegrini is under pressure after a poor run (Getty Images)

Both of these teams had big fixtures at the weekend, with opposite outcomes. Manchester City came out winners in Sunday’s derby battle, while CSKA Moscow lost 1-0 at home to league leaders, Zenit St Petersburg.

Man City come out of their clash with a slightly renewed sense of belief. Despite it not being entirely convincing, it was an important win for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, after successive defeats to West Ham and Newcastle.

The Sky Blues are more than familiar with their opponent, having faced them in the Champions League group stage last season. There will also be a gnawing fear of the result two weeks ago. Seemingly comfortable at 2-0, Man City let it slip with CSKA taking full advantage and a point along with it.

CSKA Moscow have not had the greatest run of form either, picking up just one win in their last five games.

Knowing they’re sat at the bottom of Group E with just one point means they need to start getting results and soon. With the confidence of being able to come back against City from 2-0 down last time out, it may just be the boost they need to rattle Pellegrini’s side.

If CSKA lose, they would need to beat both Roma and Bayern Munich to have any chance of qualifying.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

CSKA Moscow 2 (Doumbia, Natcho) Manchester City 2 (Aguero, Milner), Champions League, October 2014

Manchester City 5 (Aguero 2, Negredo 3) CSKA Moscow 2 (Doumbia 2), Champions League, November 2013

CSKA Moscow 1 (Tosic) Manchester City 2 (Aguero 2), Champions League, October 2013

STATS…

Sergio Aguero has scored five times against CSKA Moscow in three games.

Seydou Doumbia has netted three goals in three appearances against Manchester City.

The pair have seen a total of 14 goals scored in the three times they have played.

CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

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1/12CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Joe Hart

Not much the England number one could do for first goal and was close to saving the penalty but not quite close enough. Aside from that wasn't called into any testing action. 5

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Alexander Kolarov

Played a great cross that James Milner nearly converted and another for Sergio Aguero later in the match that the left-back was unfortunate not to see converted. CSKA goal came from down his side and was responsible for the CSKA penalty, although will feel hard done by. 6

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Eliaquim Mangala

Little to do in defence until the latter stages, but did it well enough if not looking as assured as his captain alongside him. 6

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Vincent Kompany

The usual assured performance from the man with the armband. Looked calm throughout and snuffed out a couple of decent openings for CSKA whilst covering for his defensive partner when needed. 8

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Pablo Zabaleta

Constantly got forward and went close with half-volley during the first half before being involved in the build up to Milner's goal with a good pull-back for Aguero who then laid it on. 7

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Fernando

The more defensive of the two holding midfielders did well to break up any emerging plays from the hosts. Was booked for a hefty challenge and a little fortunate not to receive another for a clumsy tackle. Replaced with Jovetic for final few minutes. 5

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Yaya Toure

Wasn't particularly helpful to his defenders but offered more going forward. Played a couple of great balls for Zabaleta and Milner and worried CSKA when he got into gear and went on one of those marauding runs into the opposition's half. Still not looking his best. 5

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

James Milner

Slid in to score the second goal and should perhaps of had a second but could only hit the outside of the post from close range. His usual industrious self. 6

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

David Silva

Constantly involved and while not everything came off for the little Spaniard, kept asking questions of the CSKA defence. Replaced with Fernandinho. 7

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Edin Dzeko

Unselfish in squaring to Aguero for the opening goal whilst his strength caused problems. Control let him down occasionally. Replaced with Jesus Navas. 6

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Sergio Aguero

Looking back to his best - quick, incisive and a constant threat. Opening goal very simple and laid on the goal for Milner. 8

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CSKA Moscow 2 Manchester City 2 player ratings

Best off the bench: Jesus Navas

Replaced Eden Dzeko in order to offer an outlet. Managed to sweep in a couple of crosses but nothing that led to another goal. 5

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ODDS…

Manchester City to win: 1.25

CSKA Moscow to win: 12.0

Draw: 6.0

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

Last season these two met in exactly the same back to back fixture set, with City at the time needing to win the second game to progress to the last 16 at the third time of asking. The Sky Blues were 3-1 up by half-time, and went on to win 5-2 with Alvaro Negredo scoring a hat-trick. Man City ended a wait of nearly two years without a home win in the Champions League.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 5 at 7.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 5 at 10.00pm.

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