Manchester City v Barcelona team news: Fernandinho returns tor City, Lionel Messi starts for Barcelona

Fernandinho returns to the City starting line-up (Getty)

Fernandinho has returned to the Manchester City starting XI after nearly three weeks out with a thigh injury to face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 first-leg at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

The Brazilian midfielder last played for the club in their 5-1 victory at Tottenham last month. Other changes made by Manuel Pellegrini from the 2-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea at the weekend include Joe Hart in for Costel Pantilimon in goal, Martin Demichelis in for Joleon Lescott, Jesus Navas for Stevan Jovetic, David Silva for the banned James Milner, and Alvaro Negredo for Edin Dzeko.

Barcelona have named a typically strong side, with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi all starting.

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, Kolarov, Silva, Negredo

Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, J.Alba, Sergio, Xavi, Cesc, Alexis, Messi and Iniesta.