With column inches to fill it’s pre-match thoughts which are the hot topics of conversation, though Yaya Toure also gets a mention via a fellow Premier League midfielder.
But first, to tonight’s game and the opposition’s opinion.
Basel manager Raphael Wicky has reiterated his belief that City are one of the best side’s in the world and has urged his own team to enjoy the second leg, despite the four goal deficit.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘At the moment they’re one of the best two teams in the world. I said that when the draw was made and they’ve confirmed that. They’ve maintained it and even improved their form.
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‘I’ve talked to my team and said, ‘Look, it’s incredible Basel are still playing in Europe in the last 16 of the Champions League at the start of March.
‘We’ve worked hard to be here, we’re in a very difficult position but we have to enjoy this game, give our all and forget the first leg.”
For Wicky’s striker, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, it is clear what City’s aim should be this year.
The former Norwich forward believes the Blues should be looking to win the trophy which he says would be reflective of our stellar form so far.
ESPN carry his quotes: “”They are doing an amazing job. They are one of the strongest teams in the world. Their objective should be to win the Champions League.
“They have amazing qualities and they should be able to win all the titles this year.’’
Meanwhile, Toure has been confirmed as Yohan Cabaye’s toughest opponent.
The Croydon Advertiser have the story, in which the Crystal Palace midfielder says: “Yaya Toure - he is a fantastic footballer and he plays less now, but I remember a couple of seasons ago he was amazing and really hard to play against.”
