Tactical analysis: Barcelona's probable starting XI against Manchester City

What line-up will Martino play tonight?

February is here, and along with it, Champions League football is back. The knockout rounds are finally here, and they begin with possibly the most mouth-watering tie of them all, where Manchester City take on Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium. In Tata Martino’s first season in charge of the club, Barca have blown hot and cold at times, but have been largely untroubled in what is now a three-horse race for the La Liga title. But, this will probably be the sternest test for Barca this season, as they attempt to regain the Champions League, having last won it in 2011.

Here is an in depth analysis of how Tata Martino will most likely line his charges up for this crunch encounter.

Barca are likely to play their trusted duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield alongside the reliable Sergio Busquets. It will be important for Barca that these 3 can control the game against the power of Yaya Toure, and the silken touches of David Silva. With City maybe missing Fernandinho through injury, Javi Garcia is likely to fill in at the centre of the park. And Garcia hasn’t had the best of times at City. Anything short of his best, and City could get overrun by the Barca triumvirate who compliment each other beautifully.

Busquets has grown into one of the top defensive midfielders in world football. He does the dirty work in midfield, destroying the opposition’s play, and is a neat passer of the ball. Xavi with his composure and vision can pick out a pass easily, and the trickery of Iniesta will only add to City’s problems.

And then of course, there is that little magician by the name Lionel Messi. Messi hasn’t been spoken of too much this season, and that is down to his injuries, and maybe how good Barca have otherwise been. The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas have stepped up to the plate, and Neymar has lived up to his burgeoning reputation.

Tata Martino has in many ways brought the Pep Guardiola ethos back to Barca. They now press the ball much quicker, and much higher up the field, but at the same time, are more direct in their own approach play. With that approach, Martino will be well served playing Messi as the “False Nine”, with Xavi and Iniesta behind him, supplying the ammunition for him to weave his magic.

Cesc Fabregas has had a renaissance of sorts this season. Having looked completely off colour under Tito Vilanova, Fabregas now looks revitalized and hungry. In 28 appearances this season in the Spanish League and the Champions League, Fabregas has scored 9 goals, and has created 42 clear cut chances. Pedro on the other wing will also be a threat with his lethal finishing. Both Fabregas and Pedro will tuck in from wide, allowing Dani Alves and Jordi Alba to bomb forward on the flanks.

But, where Barca could profit the most is in midfield. Xavi and Iniesta are slowly but surely getting back to their best, and are working beautifully with each other. Xavi is the chief playmaker and his vision and composure allow him to dictate play while Iniesta gets involved with the more intricate play in and around the penalty area alongside Messi and Fabregas. With Messi dropping deep as well, City could get overworked in midfield, especially with Fernandinho a doubt to make it.

All in all, this should be a fascinating encounter, with City looking to make new ground, and Barca looking to regain top honours, in a competition in which they have been the best team over the last decade.