De Bruyne question
For years it hasn’t even been a debate: if there is a big game, you start Kevin De Bruyne.
It arguably still applies; despite his indifferent form, there are no other Manchester City players better at producing world-class moments. Whenever Pep Guardiola needed something, usually the Belgian is the one who delivers
At the same time, City played at Palace to avoid giving the ball away and risking a pacy attack running at them and it is likely they will employ similar tactics on Tuesday. If they do, they are arguably again better off without a player who gives the ball away more often than most - especially at the minute.
Also read: Guardiola hints at City plan for RB Leipzig game
It’s a difficult call for the manager to make, and one that strikes deeper to the topic of the early City teams under Guardiola that blitzed opponents versus the ones in later years, including the one that reached the final, that have been more about ball retention. It is also a question that nobody quite expected, but we appear to have reached that point.
Rare sight
Supporters get a rare sighting when they can take in a Champions League game in March that actually has some jeopardy in it.
Normally Guardiola's side is so dominant in the first leg of their last-16 ties - this is the first time in seven years that they haven't won the first game - that the return matches at the Etihad are more about which fringe players will get a game for others to earn a rest.
City's manager took the opportunity on Saturday to urge supporters to be at their best on Tuesday and captain Ilkay Gundogan has seconded that by saying they can be the decisive factor.
Walker back in?
Kyle Walker made unwanted headlines last week while the squad had some days off. Guardiola defended his player, but then did not use him in the Premier League match at Crystal Palace until the final few minutes.
Walker's pace has already been noted as important against such pacy opposition and he played about 47 positions in the first leg, but it will be interesting to see if he is back in the XI for this one.
Opportunities ahead
City don't need any more incentives to make it through but there aren't many demons waiting for them in the quarter-finals. Barring a remarkable comeback from Liverpool, Real Madrid look to (as ever) be the team to avoid, but beyond that there isn't anything to concern City.
Benfica, Chelsea and AC Milan would all be winnable ties while even the breakout stars of the season Napoli have not yet faced a test as stiff as City.
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