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Barca take on Man City at start of decisive 5 days

Xinhua, March 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona's next five days will ultimately define whether their season is a success or failure as they start the period by entertaining Manchester City in the Camp Nou Stadium on Wednesday night in their Champions League last 16 tie.

Barca must defend a 2-1 first leg lead against the English champions before on Sunday playing at home to Real Madrid in a game which will almost certainly decide the destination of the BBVA Primera Liga.

Luis Enrique's side are almost at full strength and rested from the weekend as several key players such as Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta were all rested or suspended for the 2-0 win away to Eibar.

Sergio Busquets in the only player who is likely to miss out as an ankle injury he suffered a fortnight ago means he is still touch and go to be fit for the weekend.

Busquets' absence means the only doubt will be who fills his absence in midfield and Luis Enrique must decide whether to continue with Rafinha in the middle or put his faith in Xavi Hernandez, or push Mascherano into a more advanced role and bring either Jeremy Matthieu or Marc Bartra in alongside Gerard Pique in defense.

Manchester City travel to the Camp Nou on the back of a dreadful display that saw them outfought and defeated 1-0 away to relegation candidates Burnley at the weekend.

That defeat saw them slip six points behind Barclays Premier League leaders, Chelsea, who also have a game in hand and Manuel Pellegrini's side now have a battle on their hands to finish in second place ahead of Arsenal.

Manchester City need to score at least twice in the Camp Nou to have a chance of going through and will be grateful for Leo Messi's late missed penalty three weeks ago, which would have put the tie beyond reach.

Players such as Kun Aguero, David Silva, Wilfred Bony and Edin Dzeko are capable of scoring the necessary goals, but to have any chance City will need to control the midfield and defend better against Barca's attacking trio of Neymar, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez and if Barca hit their stride that is a lot easier said than done. Endi