Why Manchester City have what it takes to beat the Catalan Giants, Barcelona....

On the 18th of February, Manchester City will be involved in their first Champions League knockout fixture in their history and what a game for them to start their projected European dominance, against four time champions Barcelona. Although the odds will be stacked against the English side, there are ways to beat their Spanish opponents, this post will discuss the potential ways that they can defeat them and furthermore giving a prediction on how I think both legs will go.

Play without fear

Manuel Pellegrini's side have shown time and time again that they can beat anybody at home, claiming big wins over the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and bitter rivals, Manchester United. So when one of  the best teams to have ever played come to town, they must be cautious but also play without any fear. Although the English media wrote off their chances of beating the Spaniard's as soon as the draw was made; the Spanish media were also questioning whether their best side could beat City, with headlines saying it's the only team that they didn't want to play, City need to use this their advantage. With most of England not expecting them to win the tie, it is the opposite for Barcelona. After not winning the much coveted trophy last year, their is a great onus on Tata Martino's side to claim the gold that they have grasped four times before. 

The first leg is key

With the first leg being at the Etihad Stadium, City need a result and by that I mean a win, they need to take something that they can protect over to Spain to stand any chance of winning the tie. They do not want to be chasing the game before they even start at the Camp Nou as it won't work. You're playing against a style of play that gives you limited opportunities at goal. When Chelsea were successful against Barcelona on their way to winning the trophy, they took a 1-0 lead over to Spain and played counter attacking football which saw them exploit the Spanish giants, and pick up a 2-2 draw which saw them go through to the final that year.

Exploit their weaknesses

Barcelona have been leaking goals away from home recently, especially from set pieces, the most recent example of  defensive frailties in their side came in their  1-1 draw against Levante earlier this evening, conceding first, from a corner. Manchester City have to look at this and try and exploit the team from Catalonia with their aerial threats such as Vincent Kompany and former Barcelona midfielder, Yaya Toure. If and when City get a corner or a free kick in a dangerous position, they will have to make the most of it.

1st leg

Manchester City are the favourites for the home tie, but only just. If they can replicate their recent Premier League form into the Champions league then their is no question of whether they can take a lead over to Spain. 

1st leg Prediction:

Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona 

2nd leg

At the Camp Nou it's a different story, City need to defend, and defend well. Barcelona will keep the ball and attack whenever they can but if City do defend well and perhaps score on the counter, they can again cause the Spanish giants problems. 

2nd leg Prediction:

Barcelona 4-2 Manchester City 

Aggregate: 5-5 with the English side going through on away goals.

January Transfer Targets - Top 7

January Transfer targets:
Heading into the new year comes the infamous January transfer window, every year many clubs make key signings and sometimes lose key players which can reshape their season. Here is a guide to each of the top seven Premier League clubs targets and what positions they need.
Arsenal
Positions to Strengthen: Defender and Striker
Possible Targets: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Nicolas N'Koulou (Marseille)
With a great start to the season that not very many expected, the Gunners sit top of the pile as we go into the turn of the year but recently injuries to key men like Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey has showed some defensive fragilities with only two recognised fully fit centre backs so Marseille man Nicolas N'Koulou would be a top buy. Also with Olivier Giroud not getting on the scoresheet recently Arsene Wenger may rekindle his interest in Karim Benzema. A title winning side must have a team that has cover in every position and unless they buy, it could be goodbye to their title aspirations.
Chelsea:
Position to strengthen: Striker
Possible Target: Radamel Falcao (Monaco)
With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, the Blues have been very consistent in the way they have gone about but the one thing that they aren't doing is their strikers aren't scoring goals, with less than 9 goals between Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba this season, many feel a new frontman is needed. With summer target Radamel Falcao apparently unhappy at Monaco, it's very possible that Chelsea will go back in for the Colombian and if they get him, any fears of not scoring would surely be over.
Manchester City
Position to Strengthen: Centre Back
Possible Target: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
With City's fantastic home record still in tact there is no need to strengthen the forwards but there away form is poor and their performances away from home is poor, especially there defensive performances. With key man Vincent Kompany the only consistent high performer this season at the back, an injury to him would be devastating to a team that needs a strong back line. Manuel Pellegrini may go back to Spain to get highly rated Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin too strengthen which could bring the answer to City's problems.
Liverpool
Position to Strengthen: Left back
Possible target: Emiliano Insua (Atletico Madrid)
Liverpool have been great this season, and sat top at Christmas but with first choice left back Jose Enrique out injured, manager Brendan Rodgers has had to rotate between young Jon Flanagan and loanee Aly Cissokho, who's season has been considered mediocre. Going in for former Reds left back Emiliano Insua is a possibility with the Argentinian only a fringe player at Atletico Madrid. Otherwise, Rodgers doesn't really need to strengthen.
Manchester United
Position to Strengthen: Midfield
Possible Targets: Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
After a slow start, David Moyes' men are beginning to click but fears remain on the weakness of their midfield, with Anderson leaving for Porto in January, a replacement is needed, plus a first team quality star. Many feel that they will go to Germany and take Dortmund pair Reus and Gundogan, if they get them, there wouldn't be any doubts on a top four finish.
Tottenham
Positions to Strengthen: Left Back
Possible Targets: Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid) Alvaro Pereira (Inter)
With AVB gone, it's up to rookie Tim Sherwood to guide Spurs to Champions League football. With past experience being only managing the development squad, Sherwood has his work cut out. A new left back is needed so Jan Vertonghen and play in his favoured and best position, Spurs have been linked with Pereira before, will they go back in for him in January?
Everton
Position to Strengthen: Centre Back
Possible Targets: Nicolas Otamendi (Porto) Nicolas Moisander (Ajax)
Everyone thought that some sought of transitional period would have happened when Roberto Martinez took charge at Goodison Park but that hasn't been the case, with the side only losing twice all season. But with veteran defender Sylvain Distin looking liable to injury, Martinez may need to buy a first team quality centre back with Ajax's Nicolas Moisander reportedly on the radar. But a preferred choice would be Nicolas Otamendi who is reportedly unhappy at Portuguese champions Porto, although price could pay a big factor as a fee in the region of £23 million is what Porto want.

Januzaj Pens 5 Year Deal

Januzaj pens new 5 year deal 

Manchester United's teenage starlet Adnan Januzaj has signed a new 5 year contract with the club. The deal comes after his man of the match display at Sunderland on the 5th of October. The Belgium-born winger is still choosing a nation to represent though and sources close to the player himself say that he is edging towards representing England. Talking about his new deal Januzaj stated: "It’s a great thrill to be able to sign for Manchester United. Since arriving here I have always felt like this was the right club for me. This season has been great for me – going on the pre season tour, making my debut in the Community Shield win at Wembley and then breaking into the team at Sunderland – it’s like a dream. I want to work hard now and establish myself as a Manchester United player."
Under fire United boss David Moyes has expressed his happiness on Januzaj committing his future to the club until June 2018. He said:"I'm delighted that Adnan has committed his future to United. He is an outstanding talent and has impressed me consistently since I came to United in July. His balance, poise and ability to beat players is truly exceptional for a boy of his age. It’s great that he recognises that this club, with its tradition for developing young players and giving them a chance on the biggest stage, is the best place for him to be."
Januzaj will be hoping to help his side collect all three points in today's clash with high flyers Southampton, who they welcome to Old Trafford at 3pm before welcoming Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

PREM PREVIEW 16-20

16-20 Prem Preview
Sunderland
Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur
West Brom
West Ham

Di Canio's new boys need to adjust quickly
Prediction: 14th
Key Player: Adam Johnson
Player To Watch: Jozy Altidore
Bringing in ten new signings over the summer, Sunderland may have to be patient with their new look side, especially when they're first few home games include all of last seasons top four. Paulo Di Canio though will try to use his own winning mentality to gel his men as they embark on another Premier League season. Winger Adam Johnson will be hoping to build on last seasons performances where he showed glimpses of brilliance over the course of the campaign. New signing Jozy Altidore will be wanting to bang in the goals for his new side after only scoring once in his previous season in the top flight with Hull City.

Europe for The Swans?
Prediction: 6th
Key Player: Miguel Michu
Player To Watch: Wilfried Bony
After resolving an issue with chairman Huw Jenkins, manager Michael Laudrup will be wanting to better last seasons trophy winning performance and hopefully qualify for the Europa League through finish fifth but then again it will always be a tough battle with the teams also hoping to do this. Forward Miguel Michu will want to repeat the form he showed last season which gave him the label as one of the 'bargains of the season'. Splashing the cash this summer was key in providing strength in depth to the Welsh side. Bringing in £12million man Wilfried Bony from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem may prove to be money well spent with the Ivorian finishing the Eredivise top scorer with thirty-three last term.

Spurs need a strong start
Prediction: 5th
Key Player: Gareth Bale
Player To Watch: Roberto Soldado
Having achieved a highest points total for a fifth place team, Tottenham will be wanting to go one step more and achieve the coveted fourth place finish and play Champions League football. To do this though they need to keep hold of star man Gareth Bale, who has been subject to an £86million deal from European giants Real Madrid. Bale was Spurs' star man last season and if he stays and repeats what he did last year, they can achieve big things. Bringing in the likes if Paulinho and Roberto Soldado will also boost Tottenham's Champions League aspirations, the latter will hopefully be the answer to their striker problem that they've had in the past few seasons.

Experience is key for Baggies
Prediction: 17th
Key Player: Nicolas Anelka
Player To Watch: Matej Vydra
A successful start to the season is just what West Brom will be wanting after having a little bit of a rough patch towards the end of last season. Bringing in experienced frontman Nicolas Anelka will be a big help as they attempt to repeat last seasons heroics of a top half finish. Also signing young forward Matej Vydra from Udinese could prove to be useful as the loanee had a successful spell with Championship side Watford last year. With other sides making big signings though its hard to predict where the Baggies will finish, a relegation scrap seems to be in the cards.

Survival is no trouble for Hammers
Prediction: 13th
Key Player: Andy Carroll
Player To Watch: Stewart Downing
Big Sam's side had a successful return to the top flight last season and achieving Premier League survival the Hammers have it all to do again this year. Bringing in former Liverpool duo Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing will provide strength on the flankers and through the middle, these two players will prove vital in maintaining their Premier League status.

PREM PREVIEW 11-15

11-15 Prem Preview
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Norwich City
Southampton
Stoke City


Can United retain the Title?
Prediction: 3rd
Key Player: Robin Van Persie
Player To Watch: Wilfried Zaha
After one of the best managers of all time retired at the end of last season, Manchester United will be hoping that Sir Alex Ferguson's era can be repeated by his successor, former Everton manager David Moyes. Already winning the Community Shield, he has already won more trophies at United than his ten years at Goodison Park. If he is to step out of Sir Alex's shadow though, he will need star striker Robin Van Persie to be in the kind of form that made him finish top scorer last season. New signing Wilfried Zaha will be hoping he can break into the first team and make an impression after his £12million move from Premier League new boys Crystal Palace.


Newcastle to build on last season
Prediction: 12th
Key Player: Yohan Cabaye
Player To Watch: Loic Remy
After the turmoil at St James' Park that has seen former boss Joe Kinnear appointed director of football, Alan Pardew is one of the favourites for the first sacking of the season. Keeping players is a must if they want to perform as well as two seasons ago. Having Yohan Cabaye fit and raring to go is a major boost as his ability has seen him attract interest from PSG. New signing Loic Remy who signed for QPR instead of Newcastle in January will be hoping to score the goals to help the toon army propel themselves up the league.


Top half finish for Canaries?
Key Player: Leroy Fer
Player To Watch: Gary Hooper
After spending big this summer, Norwich City will be hoping for a top half finish. Manager Chris Hughton has brought in players with experience of Champions League football with the likes of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Leroy Fer and Gary Hooper all coming into the side. Fer has a lot to prove in the Premier League after a move to Everton in January fell through after he failed a medical due to his troublesome knee. Hooper on the other hand has proved himself at every level apart from the Premier League therefore will be hoping to establish himself in the top flight. Scoring over thirty goals for Celtic in the past two seasons in Scotland, Hooper will be hoping to bang in the goals for his new side and hopefully earn himself an England call up that he definitely deserves.


Same again for Saints
Prediction: 8th
Key Player: Gaston Ramirez
Player To Watch: Victor Wanyama
Southampton had a very good season on their return to the top flight last season. Now having spent money on two very good players this summer in Dejan Lovren from Lyon and Victor Wanyama from Celtic, the Saints will want to go one step further and achieve a high finish.
Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez will be hoping to build on a successful first season at St Mary's and with his technical ability, Southampton are in good stance for the coming year. New signing Wanyama will be hoping to replicate his successes at Celtic by helping Southampton achieve their goal this year.


Relegation for Stoke?
Key Player: Asmir Begovic
Player To Watch: Marc Muniesa
New boss Mark Hughes has a lot to prove after his sacking at QPR and many tip the Potters to go down this year, with only bringing in three players this summer, Hughes' men have a lot to prove. Key to survival will be goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, his performances last season were the reason why they kept so many clean sheets at the start of the campaign. New defender Marc Muniesa recently arrived from Barcelona and will be competing with dynamic duo Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross.

PREM PREVIEW 6-10

6-10 Prem Preview
Everton
Fulham
Hull City
Liverpool
Manchester City

Martinez set to take Toffees by storm
Prediction: 10th
Key Player: Marouane Fellaini
Player To Watch: Ross Barkley
Roberto Martinez will be hoping to bring the heart and determination his Wigan side
showed year after year as he takes his first major job in his short managerial career.
Keeping hold of star men Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines will be key as they are
two players that could associated with the phrase 'Game changers'. Having a strong
side added to with the likes of former Wigan men Joel Robles, Antolin Alcaraz and
Arouna Kone could also prove vital for them as the toffees are normally hit by a
plague of injuries at some point in the campaign. One player to watch this season is
19 year old midfielder Ross Barkley who will be hoping to break his way into the team
after coming up through the youth system.

Looking like mid-table again for Fulham
Prediction: 11th
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov
Player to Watch:
Fernando Amorebieta
Martin Jol will want his experienced side to go one step further from last seasons
12th place finish with ambitions of a place in the top half. Bringing in big names
such as Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta could prove to be a step in
the right direction as long as they can find their feet in the world's best league.
The recent arrival of creative midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan from relegated QPR will provide competition for Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz. The Cottagers will need last seasons top scorer Dimitar Berbatov to again prove his high wage as they look set to battle it out for a top half finish.

Bruce's battle to beat relegation
Prediction: 20th
Key Player: Danny Graham
Player to Watch: Jake Livermore
Many are tipping the tigers for relegation and with only bringing in a couple of players, who can blame them. Steve Bruce's side will go in to every game as the underdogs and will to hope for a miracle to keep themselves out of the bottom three. Having Tom Huddlestone alongside new loanee Jake Livermore will provide extra strength in midfield with the duo previously playing together at Tottenham. Other loanee Danny Graham will be hoping to discover the form that he had at Swansea before making a disappointing move to Sumderland.

Rodgers to go for Europe
Prediction: 7th
Key Player: Luis Suarez
Player to Watch: Luis Alberto
This summer their has only been a few transfer sagas that has intrigued football internationally, one of which is that of Luis Suarez. Suarez is one of the best frontmen in the league, attracting interest from champions league clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid, he has threatened to go to even go to court, but after recently training with team mates and apologising to them, it seems that their star man will say at Anfield. New signing Luis Alberto will hope to gain some first team experience as he embarks on his first season in the Premier League after joining from Spanish side Sevilla.
A Championship for Pellegrini?
Prediction: 1st
Key Player: David Silva
Player to Watch: Alvaro Negredo
Manchester City's new boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to emulate his successes in management at La Liga sides Real Madrid, Malaga and Villareal by delivering a second Premier League title for the Citizens. Their key man this year will be Spanish superstar David Silva, having a great season after joining from Valencia two years ago, last term proved to be difficult with injuries limiting his playing time. If he can stay fit and show the form he showed two years ago, City will be just too strong for many other teams. New striker Alvaro Negredo will be hoping to transfer his goal tally from Sevilla to City as he scored 26 goals in La Liga last season, behind three of the best players in the world, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.

Premier League Prewiew 2013/14 season teams 1-5

Premier League Preview Teams 1-5 AFC AVFC CCFC CPFC CFC

Same old Gunners going for fourth
Prediction: 4th
Key Player: Olivier Giroud
Player To Watch: Yaya Sanogo
After scraping their place in this seasons Champions League by pipping Tottenham to fourth place on the final day of last season, Arsene Wenger will be wanting his side to press on and battle the likes of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs for at least a place in the top 3. Although with the funds that they apparently have this summer, they have only been able to sign striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer. Linked now with Bayern Munich's Luiz Gustavo in a £17.2 million deal, Wenger will be needing to add more new faces in order to achieve the goal of a top four finish due to their closest rivals strengthening. Frenchman Olivier Giroud's form will be vital to their premier league aspirations if the Gunners fail to bring Liverpool's Luis Suarez to the club. New signing Sanogo will be one to look out for if he can break into the first team.

Mid-Table finish for Villa?
Prediction: 15th
Key Player: Christian Benteke
Player to Watch: Jores Okore
Surviving relegation last season was a huge positive for Paul Lambert's side and this season they will obviously be looking to build on that and try to climb up the league. Belgian striker Christian Benteke was one of the only highlights of last season for them and keeping hold of him and getting him to sign a new contract with the club is a major boost. They will need the Belgian to replicate his form from last season which saw him net 19 goals in order for them to stand any chance of climbing the league table. Lambert has made several new signings over the course of the summer including young defender Jores Okore, the 21 year old signed from Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland will be a big player for them in the coming season as Lambert will be wanting to patch up the Villa defence which sometimes was ripped apart during the course of last season.

New boys Cardiff eye Premier League safety
Prediction: 16th
Key Player: Steven Caulker
Player to Watch: Gary Medel
Last season Cardiff City finished top of the championship and if the stats are anything to go by, then that means that they are one of the favourites to go straight back down. With the likes of Wolves and Reading in previous seasons going straight back down after finishing top. Manager Malky Mackay has broke the clubs transfer record signing three times this summer and these three players will be key to their survival. England U21 international Steven Caulker made a surprise switch to them for £8million and Danish striker Andreas Cornelius was brought in previously for £7.5million, these two players will be crucial in goals scored and the amount of goals conceded. Recently though, Mackay splashed out the cash again to capture Chilean international Gary Medel in a reported £11million deal. The industrious although controversial midfielder will be one to watch this season with not only his on the pitch duties but his off the pitch antics as well.

Mourinho eyes Premier League glory
Prediction: 2nd
Key Player: Eden Hazard
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne
With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, Chelsea are most pundits pick for the league title and that is what the blues will certainly be aiming for. Missing out on Falcao though was a big blow as now they only have Demba Ba and Fernando Torres in the striking department, but what they may lack in strike force, the certainly make up for in midfield with the trio of Oscar, Mata and Hazard proving to be a hit last season, with the latter possibly being their most important asset this coming year. Fellow Belgian Kevin De Bruyne will be hoping to cement his place in the side after spending a successful loan spell last season at German outfit Werder Bremen.

Beating the drop the only goal for Palace
Prediction: 18th
Key Player: Marouane Chamakh
Player to watch: Yannick Bolasie
Ian Holloway's men will be taking every game like its a cup final as the eagles set their sights on premier league survival. Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will need to find the form he lacked in his spell at the Gunners with Palace hoping he can deliver as they will need all the goals they can this coming year. Hotshot Wilfried Zaha will be a big miss as not only his fabulous technical ability but also the presence he had on the pitch was one of the reasons why the eagles propelled themselves up through the table and into play off glory last season. Fellow winger Yannick Bolasie though will be hoping to thrive off of the England U21 internationals big move to Manchester United as he will want to make a big impression in the top flight.