Manchester City host CSKA Moscow hoping that the return fixture in this fourth game of Champions League group D is not marred by racist abuse. Yaya Toure was targeted by Russian supporters in their last meeting and that led to widespread condemnation and a UEFA partial stadium ban. Sergio Aguero struck twice to sink CSKA in October and another win for Manuel Pellegrini's team at the Etihad would take them onto nine points. Joe Hart will remain on the bench after losing place to rangy Romanian stopper Costel Pantilimon following several high profile errors. City captain Vincent Kompany and Stevan Jovetic will definitely miss out with groin and calf injuries respectively. The hosts come into this contest in fine form having smashed struggling Norwich 7-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. CSKA meanwhile came from behind to win their weekend league fixture at Volga Nizhny Novgorod. Ex-Manchester United winger Zoran Tosic, who netted the opener when the sides met in Moscow, scored the winner. Leonid Slutsky's side must avoid defeat at the Etihad else his side will more than likely have to settle for dropping into the Europa League in the New Year. Bearing that mind we take a look at five tactical battles that could shape the destiny of precious Champions League points.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
