It was Leo Messi’s missed penalty in the first leg that kept the tie alive, although Barcelona take a 2-1 lead into the second match.

That means it would take a massive effort from out-of-sorts Manchester City to shock the Catalans at Camp Nou, with the Citizens losing three of their last four fixtures.

Barcelona were always going to experience some problems after a trophy-less season, especially taking all the changes to the playing and coaching staff into account.

But, new boss Luis Enrique eventually managed to help the Catalans return to the right track and his charges have been nothing short of outstanding of late.

Sixteen wins in last seventeen matches saw Barcelona climb to the top of La Liga, make it to the Copa del Rey final and come on the verge of Champions League quarter-finals, meaning there is plenty of reason for confidence at Camp Nou.

This particular week could prove crucial to the outcome of the season as the Catalans first play a second leg of the Champions League clash with Man City before hosting bitter rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.

And having already outclassed the Premier League champions in England, Barcelona can be backed at 1.44 (4/9) to win the return match as well.

Sergio Busquets remains doubtful with an ankle problem, but Martin Montoya is in contention despite suffering a fractured cheekbone.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba – Rakitic, Mascherano, Xavi – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

This season is quickly turning from bad to worse for the Premier League holders, who are almost certain to finish the campaign without adding a major title to their trophy cabinet.

While disappointing exits from the domestic cup competitions should have given Manchester City the edge over their Premiership title rivals, they did no such thing as Manuel Pellegrini’s side have largely struggled to keep up with leaders Chelsea.

Even with the blues suffering several unexpected slip-ups, the Citizens failed to close the gap, but are rather in a position to fear for a top 4 finish following a string of disappointing results.

After losing two of last three league games, Manchester City sit mere four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, and there are still nine league fixtures to be played.

And having lost to relegation-threatened Burnley at the weekend, it is hardly surprising the Citizens are as much as 8.00 (7/1) to win at Camp Nou.

Manuel Pellegrini is set to recall Samir Nasri and Eliaquim Mangala to the side, but Gael Clichy misses out through suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov – Toure, Fernandinho – Milner, Nasri, Silva – Aguero.