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Closing the deal
Finishing the job will be first and foremost on Pep Guardiola’s mind as Manchester City face Borussia Monchengladbach in the second leg of their round of 16 Champions League encounter.
The Sky Blues are firmly in control of this tie after winning the first leg 2-0 as the visitors.
Lineup News
Nothing’s changed for City on the injury front as the whole team is healthy though Nathan Ake may be a healthy scratch once again.
The Dutchman hasn’t played since picking up an injury while on international duty back in November.
Sergio Aguero got his first start in quite some time last weekend, scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win over Fulham.
Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Phil Foden all sat out of Saturday’s game and will all be pushing to start in this one.
Die Fohlen won’t have midfielder Christoph Kramer, left-back Ramy Bensebaini or striker Torben Musel.
No troubles
Man City’s had problems in the Champions League’s past knockout stages, but Die Fohlen has never worried them.
The Sky Blues are unbeaten in their last five encounters against the Germans in the Champions League, winning four times.
Scoring goals against Gladbach hasn’t been much of a problem either as City have notched two or more in each of their last four victories against them.
Things are looking bleak for Marco Rose’s side, who have never previously won away to English opponents.
We’ll find out if the crowd atmosphere in England may have been why. This second leg is being played once again at a neutral site in Hungary.
Man City are still the home team.
Since Guardiola became City boss, his teams won more games (16) and scored more goals (59) in-home matches than any other English side in this competition.
Romancing their opponents
In the opening leg of this round of 16 tie, a trio of Portuguese speakers did all the damage.
Bernardo Silva scored just before the half off a lovely cross from his fellow countrymen Joao Cancelo.
The two combined nicely to set up Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus for an insurance goal in the second half.
In need of a spark
Die Fohlen look dead and buried with their current deficit and their form in the Bundesliga.
Marco Rose’s side has lost their last six matches in all competitions and hasn’t won a league game since doubling Rose’s soon to be new team Dortmund in January.
Gladbach has been held scoreless in four of their last seven matches in all competitions.
As bad as they’ve been slumping lately, though, Pep Guardiola will know better than to take this side lightly, especially given their round-robin form.
Die Fohlen scored two or more in five of their six group stage matches in this competition.
They’ll need at least two goals to force extra-time on Tuesday.
If there’s anyone who can spark the Germans, it’s Alassane Plea, who has five goals in seven Champions League fixtures to go along with three assists.
Not getting a sniff
If Gladbach is going to get themselves back into this tie, they’ll have to solve City’s defence, and that’s no easy task.
City goes into Tuesday’s match with six successive Champions League clean sheets.
It’s safe to say it’s been very smooth sailing for Pep Guardiola’s side in Europe so far, and that’s especially true for goalkeeper Ederson.
In six Champions League appearances so far, the Brazilian hasn’t faced more than two shots on target in a single match.
Ederson leads the Premier League with 16 clean sheets and has five so far in this Champions League campaign.
Every Rose has its thorn.
If his team can’t reverse the current 2-0 deficit, Marco Rose could be on his way out of Gladbach sooner than expected.
The German is already leaving to take over at Dortmund next season.
Reports indicate he may get sacked if he can’t turn Die Fohlen’s fortunes around soon.
Gladbach is 10th in the Bundesliga right now, 11 points back of a Champions League berth next season.
Racking up the goals
Perhaps not having the fans’ pressure on you is all Gabriel Jesus needed to get into good form in the Champions League.
City’s striker has five goals in five appearances in this competition.
Last summer’s big signing Ferran Torres has made his most significant impact with his new side in the Champions League.
The Spanish winger has four goals in this competition so far.
Managers Words
Heading into Tuesday’s match, City boss Pep Guardiola says his side needs to be aware of the danger Die Fohlen present.
“I know the quality they have. It starts with Sommer and finishes with Thuram. Like all teams, they have had bad moments.
“It is a final. They have nothing to lose. I am sure they will try to overcome the situation.
“I have incredible respect for Gladbach and Marco [Rose]. They have weapons, and they know how to use it. I want to see the team try to win the game.”
Match Info
Tuesday’s match from Puskas Arena in Budapest goes at 8 pm. (JSL).
