History beckons for the Blues, who seek a place in the semi-finals for the first time, and speculation regarding team news is the main topic today.
Many media outlets believe Manuel Pellegrini could recall Vincent Kompany, amid fears over Nicolas Otamendi’s fitness.
An article on Four Four Two’s website reads: “Kompany suffered the latest calf problem of an injury-plagued campaign against Dynamo Kiev in the previous round but returned to training ahead of schedule on Sunday.
“If Kompany cannot demonstrate a full recovery, it leaves Pellegrini with the prospect of pairing Eliaquim Mangala and veteran Martin Demichelis at the heart of defence as the last-eight tie against the Ligue 1 champions lies delicately poised following last week’s 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes.
“Mangala and Demichelis have not inspired confidence in tandem this season, starting in home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United, but Pellegrini is wary of taking undue risk with his often-stricken skipper.
“Pellegrini hopes to have David Silva available despite the Spain playmaker’s persistent struggles with ankle pain, while striker Sergio Aguero will be fit despite taking a blow to the foot against West Brom.”
We’ll have all the latest team news, courtesy of Pellegrini’s press conference, on mcfc.co.uk later today.
Meanwhile, Paris defender Marquinhos insists he is ready to face the Blues.
Alice McKeegan of the Manchester Evening News explains: “The Paris Saint-Germain star was an unused substitute for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in France last Wednesday but is desperate to be involved in the crunch tie at the Etihad this week.
“The 21-year-old has now sent a message to coach Laurent Blanc that he is ready for action if called upon after he played for his side in their Ligue 1 victory at Guingamp on Saturday.
“Blanc made nine changes to the PSG team over the weekend but they still managed to win 2-0. David Luiz who played in the first leg against City is suspended so Marquinhos could get the nod instead.”
Marquinhos stated: “Personally I feel good - if the opportunity comes, I’m ready.
“It’s like when you learn to walk or ride a bike, it’s still in your head. It’s just that it takes a little longer to resume habits.
“That’s why it was important to play this game here. I’m trying to prepare myself in the best way.”
In other news, Samir Nasri told press he hopes his hunger will impress incoming boss Pep Guardiola.
Quoted in a piece on Goal.com, he declared: “I played against him in the past [for Arsenal], he had some praise for me but I think that was like five years ago now.
“That is one thing. When he is going to start, I am going to be fresh so I hope that will help me and I will try to perform because when you have been out for so long, you are more hungry when you come back - you don’t want to waste your time.
“You want to be back with a bang and be fit for your team. If I stay working with Pep Guardiola, if he wants me, he’s just going to be a lucky man because I will be really hungry.
“You have to discuss with the manager when there is a new manager. I just know that I am the type of player for his philosophy and the way he likes his team to play, so we are just going to see.
“On the first day of pre-season I will have a chat with him because I am going to be really hungry.
“It’s exciting. If Manuel was staying it’s the same thing. [Guardiola] is a great manager, maybe the best in the world. It’s exciting if you are part of his plan. If you are not part of his plan, it’s not exciting at all.”
Finally, your daily snippet of transfer gossip derives from African Football, who report City have initiated talks with Kelechi Iheanacho over a new contract.
According to Samm Audu, a source told the website: “Manchester City have offered Kelechi a new contract and now discussions are going on in this respect.
“It’s not true that these talks were held up by the issue who should now represent him. That matter is before the FA and it will soon be resolved.”
