Otamendi expected to return after minor muscular injury
Steaua Bucharest vs Manchester City
Competition: UEFA Champions League, Play-off first leg
Date: 7.45pm, Tuesday 16th August 2016
Venue: Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA) Assistants: R Di Fiore, L Manganelli Fourth Official: M Passeri
Odds: Steaua 13/2, Draw 7/2, City 4/9
Tickets: Sold out
TV: BT Sport
Steaua Bucharest
Manager: Laurentiu Reghecampf
Squad (from): Nita, Cojocaru, Simion, Mitrea, Tamas, Tosca, Momcilovic, O Popescu, Hamroun, Pintilii, Filip, Stanciu, Sulley, Valceanu, Mihai, Mihalcea, Aganovic, Achim, D Popescu, Enceanu, Ontl, Enache, Bournceanu, Popa, Tudorie, Golubovic, Chitosca
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Form guide: WWWWDW
Manchester City
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Squad (from): Caballero, Hart, Gunn, Sagna, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Stones, Denayer, Clichy, Otamendi, Adarabioyo, Angelino, Fernando, Navas, De Bruyne, Delph, Silva, Fernandinho, Sterling, Aguero, Iheanacho, Nolito
Injured: Sane
Doubtful: Otamendi
Suspended: None
Form guide: W
Yaya Toure was left out of the squad that travelled to Romania, casting further doubts on his City future having also sat out the opening game of the season against Sunderland. Youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino have been included in the squad, whilst Nicolas Otamendi is expected to return after a minor muscular injury.
Guardiola explained: “Yaya is training amazing but I was not sure he was going to play so I would prefer him to stay in Manchester to keep training good.
“We travel with two young guys who maybe will stay out of the selection. I’d prefer the young guys to be out of selection rather than Yaya Toure.
“I have a lot of respect him, his career, his quality. Against Sunderland, were looking for a typical, intensive game and that’s why he didn’t play – that’s the only reason why.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola warned his players not to underestimate tonight's opponents.
“I have seen a lot of Steaua games and I am very impressed with what they do,” said Guardiola.
“We are going to try and score goals and try to convince the players how important it is to play in the Champions League and how beautiful it is and we are going to try and win it.”
Prediction: Steaua 1 City 2