Champions League round of 16 power rankings
By James Dudko
14. Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City didn’t wow anybody in the group stage. They were comfortably beaten by Barcelona and drew with Celtic, collecting a mere two wins en route to qualification. Fortunately for City, Guardiola has his side clicking at the right moment of the season.
The Spaniard has gotten some terrific performances out of new striker Gabriel Jesus, even though the decision to bench Sergio Aguero still has some perplexed. Aguero may return in the Champions League, and there are no doubts he still possesses the quality to be a difference maker at the highest level, but City have looked refreshed with their new-look starting XI.
Guardiola is usually good for a semifinal appearance every season, but his City squad don’t quite boast the star power he could call on in Barca or at Bayern, even if youngsters Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Jesus are beginning to come into their own.
The Citizens were also handed a tough draw against an in-form Monaco side impressing in Ligue 1. City have an edge in talent, but there’s been evidence throughout the season that they’ll wilt when placed under serious pressure. And Monaco, who are averaging three goals a game in the league, and lead PSG by three points at the top of the table, will surely place City’s shaky back line under serious pressure.