Man City v Barcelona… first time ever.

We just got home on the sell of goals yesterday at the Amex Stadium last night with the match finishing 1-1 landing our sell at 2.15 for a tiny profit.

All eyes of course at the Etihad Stadium tonight as Man City host the might of Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League match.

We’re down to the last 16 and Man City will surely need to avoid defeat tonight to go to the Camp Nou with any chance of progressing.

The two teams have never met competitively and the Citizens will take comfort from the fact that Barcelona haven’t travelled well in recent seasons and don’t seem to be the dominant force they once were.

However, this is countered by the fact the City will be without Sergio Aguero who misses the match due to a hamstring injury.

It would be no surprise to see a cagey first leg – even though both teams score goals for fun.

Man City’s six Champions League games this season have produced 25 goals whilst Barcelona have notched up 27 goals from their last nine matches.

Pellegrini claims, possibly prematurely, that City are now bigger than Man United and knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League would be a season defining moment as they chase four trophies.

The Quadruple (League, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League) is still very much on but the stumbling block in terms of the bet has always been the Champions League and specifically this draw against Barcelona.

Barcelona have won just six times from 28 visits to clubs in England and Pellegrini is not daunted, outwardly at least, by their reputation.

He said: “Of course when you play against Barca you always must consider important things, but the most important thing is to continue being the same team you see every week in Premier League, to continue having the same style of play and the personality.

“You cannot continue without thinking they have (Lionel) Messi and other important players, but we are not just going to think about defending, but what we can do with the ball. That is the most important thing.”

I’m selling the goals again. Not sure there is too much downside at around 2.95 with Star Spreads.

RECOMMENDED BET (1-10 points)

SELL GOALS for 10 points at around 2.95 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (FEBRUARY): PROFIT 96.5 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): PROFIT 73.30 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.