Manchester City are looking to create club history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever.
The Citizens head into the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash against Dynamo Kiev with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Ukraine. As such, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are in a commanding position, with the Ukrainian outfit having to score at least three goals at the Eithad to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Manchester City’s chances will also be boosted by the return of their veteran midfielder Yaya Toure. The Ivory Coast international missed City’s last two games in the Premier League — a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, and a goalless draw at Carrow Road against Norwich City.
“[Yaya Toure] has no problems,” said manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to BBC.
Toure may be on the wrong side of 30 and on the decline, but he still has the ability to be counted amongst the best midfielders in the world. Manchester City have struggled for goals in his absence, and his return to the first team could get them back to winning ways again.
Toure will partner Fernandinho in central midfield, sitting behind the trio of David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas, with Sergio Aguero operating as the lone striker up front. Pellegrini is expected to field his first-choice back four, as Gael Clichy, Nicolas Otamendi, Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta are expected to start in front of goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Fortunately for the Chilean, Manchester City have had some reprieve from their injury woes of late. With their captain Vincent Kompany returning to action last month, and Sergio Aguero back fit and firing, they can now call upon a first choice starting XI for the remainder of the season.
The news also remains positive for those out with injury, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Fabian Delph and Samir Nasri all expected to make their return to action after the international break later this month.
