In spite of them winning their first league
title in 44 years last season, Manchester City have been eliminated
from the Champions League for a second successive season and have failed
to transfer their domestic successes into European competition. They
have amassed just three points in the Group Stages, having registered
three draws and two defeats. A win tonight though, which would be their
first in Qualifying, could see them qualify for the Europa League,
depending on results elsewhere.
A carrot, however small it may be then, dangling in front of Roberto Mancini and his team.
They know however that Manchester United
will be waiting for them on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have
already qualified for the knock out stages of the Champions League
with consummate ease, and he has the luxury of being able to rest his
galaxy of stars on Wednesday for the Manchester Derby. It remains to be
seen then how seriously Mancini will take this game, and that will be
reflected in his team lineup. Is he that bothered about playing football
in Europe’s second tier on cold Thursday nights? Many would say closing
the gap on United at the top of the table at the weekend is higher on
his list of priorities.
Having said that, having been placed in a
Group containing three teams who were Champions of their leagues last
season, finishing bottom will worsen City’s already poor Uefa ranking,
meaning they will be likely to face yet another “Group of Death” next
season, so it is a tough dilemma for Mancini.
Dortmund meanwhile have been absolutely
excellent this season, and were desperately unlucky not to have left the
Etihad with all three points in the reverse fixture. Only a last-gasp
Mario Balotelli penalty thwarted them then, but they have recovered in
fine form since, even beating Real Madrid earlier in the campaign. They
are also the only unbeaten side in Group D, and City will face a stern
task if they are to overturn them away.
