Champions League: Manchester City v CSKA Moscow match preview

A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

Sergio Aguero will hope to get on the scoresheet again when Manchester City take on CSKA Moscow (GETTY IMAGES)

Just as they were before Manchester City’s demolition of Norwich City last weekend, all eyes will be on Manuel Pellegrini's goalkeeper selection for their clash with Russian champions CSKA Moscow.

The Chilean manager ended Joe Hart's impressive run of 123 consecutive Premier League starts when he opted to field Costel Pantilimon for the 7-0 victory over Chris Houghton’s Canneries.

Follow the latest news from tonight's Champions League ties, including Manchester United and Manchester City

The reverse fixture in Russia, which saw City come from behind to prevail with a 2-1 victory, was overshadowed by Yaya Toure's accusations of racism against a contingent of home supporters.

On the pitch, the Russian side are yet to know what victory feels like away at English opposition: the 3-3 draw in 2009 at City’s neighbours Manchester United was as close as they’ve come.

With Moscow already nine points behind Zenit St. Petersburg in their domestic league, the three point deficit to City in Group D is far more enticing.

Many presume that Bayern Munich, last season’s European champions, have already done enough to seal top spot meaning that the fight for second place may well be settled this week at the Etihad Stadium.

KICK-OFF:

Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS:

CSKA Moscow 1-2 Manchester City, Arena Khimki – Wed 23rd October 2013

STATS:

City’s Sergio Aguero has scored the same amount of goals (3) as both of CSKA’s only scorers so far in the Champions League.

The hosts will need to be aware of the Russians at set-pieces with 26% of their successes in front of goal coming from dead-ball situations.

Before last month’s game in Moscow, City had never faced a Russian club in competitive football.

ODDS:

Manchester City 1/5 – Draw 6/1 – CSKA Moscow 11/1

TV:

Live on Sky Sports 2 HD between 7.00pm – 10.00pm