Manchester City will be looking to salvage some continental pride this evening as they welcome CSKA Moscow to the Etihad Stadium. The Russian outfit visit Manchester after their stunning reversal in the 2-2 draw with the Premier League champions a fortnight ago and Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in serious jeopardy of falling at the first hurdle of this year’s competition.
City have picked up just two points from their opening three matches in Group E so a win tonight is vital to keep up even a challenge for second place. Pellegrini reckons that the final day clash with Roma will be a critical encounter.
“It's impossible to say for sure, but I think this group will be decided in the last game against Roma. We will see what happens. We are going to try and win our two games at home and see what the other teams do” said the Chilean.
Pellegrini will be without the services of Frank Lampard and Aleksandar Kolarov this evening due to thigh and calf problems respectively while David Silva remains on the sideline. Eliaquim Managala, however, will be available again after overcoming a hip injury.
CSKA, on the other hand, will have to do without Swede Rasmus Elm who is suffering from a stomach problem and Kirill Panchenko who is out with a knee injury. There is good news on the Russian club’s front, though, with the influential Alan Dzagoev available for selection again.
Kick-off at the Etihad (and indeed everywhere in Europe) is 7.45pm tonight.
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