Together Lescott And Kompany Can Shackle Barcelona Stars

The suspension of Martin Demichelis ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Barcelona means that Joleon Lescott is set to be handed a start at the Nou Camp tonight.

The 31-year-old is expected to partner City captain Vincent Kompany in the heart of the away side’s defence and together they will be confident of nullifying the threat of the magical Lionel Messi.

In the first-leg Messi was well shackled by the dominant presence of Kompany for the majority of the game. However, the rash decision-making of Demichelis in the second half left Manuel Pelligrini’s men with a mountain to climb once the Argentine had brought down Messi, resulting in the double punishment rule of conceding a penalty and the brandishing of a red card.

Unlike Demichelis, Lescott is strong, quick and athletic. This will allow City to be positive in their approach and should Messi get in behind Kompany, he will be able to rely on the speed of Lescott to cover any potential goalscoring threat.

The pair took to the field together in City’s 2-0 victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup last month, further demonstrating that as a partnership they can perform against tough opposition on the big stage.

Lescott has been criminally underused by Pelligrini this season having made just seven appearances in the Premier League. If Kompany and Lescott can remain watertight at the back, then City have every chance of hurting Barcelona with the attacking talent they have at their disposal. 

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