Sergio Aguero nets City’s consolation as Barcelona grab a 2-1 Champions League first-leg advantage at the Etihad. Nemanja Matic’s suspension is reduced by the FA, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full training for Arsenal, whilst the problems mount up front for United.
City duo shine again
Sergio Aguero and David Silva combined to claw a goal back for Manchester City in their 2-1 home defeat to La Liga giants Barcelona. The Spanish playmaker executed a deft flick into the path of the Sky Blues’ Argentine striker, who then lifted the ball across goal and beyond the reach of German shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
In terms of line-ups, Manuel Pellegrini once again rolled out a 4-4-2 formation, and with Yaya Toure suspended, handed James Milner a central midfield role as Edin Dzeko partnered Aguero up top. New boy Wilfried Bony earned 22 minutes off the bench as a replacement for the Bosnian, with Aguero afforded the full 90 minutes.
Pellegrini’s decision to opt for two up front came in for some criticism but after the match, the City boss cited the dismissal of Gael Clichy as the main reason for his side’s narrow loss and refuted suggestions his tactics handed the visitors an advantage:
“No, I am very happy with the way we played. It was the way we must play against Barcelona. Barcelona will always dominate in some parts of the game like the midfield. With the way we play, I think we can do it (qualify). It is important not to make the same mistakes. We cannot have a player sent off every game against Barcelona. But we have a chance. We must try to do it there. It is important for this team to continue in the Champions League as far as possible.”
The Scout Says: Barcelona dominated the first 45 minutes at the Etihad, cruising into a 2-0 lead courtesy of a Luis Suarez brace. It wasn’t until the second half that the Premier League outfit began to exercise some control, leading to the passage of play that Aguero finished off with aplomb. The former Atletico Madrid frontman – who’s now netted four times in his last three outings in all competitions – showed he can deliver the goods in the most testing of scenarios, illustrating his fixture-proof value ahead of a tough trip to Anfield this weekend. Likewise, Silva’s delightful assist – his third in as as many starts – underlines his sensational form of late, which could encourage a multitude of Fantasy managers to invest in the 9.5-priced midfielder ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham’s blank Gameweek 27.
Matic ban reduced
Nemanja Matic, who was dismissed in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday due to violent conduct, saw his three-match ban reduced by the FA to two fixtures following an appeal from the London club.
The Scout Says: In the only league match that Matic hasn’t started this campaign, Chelsea fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United – their first loss of the season. With John Obi Mikel currently injured, Jose Mourinho’s options in defensive midfield look limited and it’s likely he’ll have to install Ramires in the double-pivot alongside Cesc Fabregas for the Capital One cup final and the trip to West Ham United in Gameweek 28.
Oxlade-Chamberlain close to return
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against AS Monaco, Arsene Wenger revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has returned to full training, while Jack Wilshire is being rested off the back of a recent heavy training schedule:
“The only uncertainty I have at the moment is Jack Wilshere but everybody else is available. He was rested [at training], because he trained hard until now. No, it’s not a setback but I don’t think [he’ll play against Monaco].”
The Scout Says: The return of Oxlade-Chamberlain (6.2 in FPL) increases the competition for places among an already stacked roster of wingers and playmakers. With Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla looking difficult to even rotate right now, Oxlade-Chamberlain will now add competition to the midfield four which has already seen Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck alternate in recent matches. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s reinstatement in the matchday squad casts further doubts over Walcott’s ability to secure regular playing time – despite scoring in each of his last two starts, the latter again dropped to the bench and was an unused substitute in last weekend’s tie against Crystal Palace. Walcott has yet to play two consecutive league matches since returning from long-term injury – a clear sign of the strength and depth that looks set to frustrate Fantasy managers once again.
Van Gaal’s depleted strike force
James Wilson picked up a knock playing for Manchester United’s reserves and will be assessed at the Red Devils’ Carrington training complex. Meanwhile, Robin van Persie – who left the Liberty Stadium on crutches last Saturday – is expected to sit out the next home clash against Sunderland.
The Scout Says: Wayne Rooney has primarily been deployed in a midfield three under Louis van Gaal’s stewardship, yet the recent fluctuating fitness of Van Persie and Radamel Falcao has seen the England international occupy a striker berth in the manager’s favoured 4-1-2-1-2 set-up. Rooney looks set to retain that role for the third successive match if his Dutch team-mate doesn’t recuperate in time, and with none of United’s strike force excelling, a dominant display from the 29-year-old against the Black Cats could prolong his spell up front. Although Wilson has played second fiddle to the more eminent forwards in United’s roster, his potential absence would serve to further reduce their attacking options off the bench and possibly persuade Van Gaal to utilise Marouane Fellaini in an advanced role again.
