Champions League Group A preview: City eye final 16
22 November 2011
After dispatching Newcastle United 3-1 in the Premier League, Manchester City, who have two points more than third-placed Napoli, travel to Naples looking to build on their back-to-back Champions League wins over Villarreal.
City drew 1-1 with Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on their Champions League debut in September.Napoli have a formidable recent home record in Europe. Since returning to European competition, Walter Mazzarri's men have been unbeaten in 10 matches including a win against Villarreal and a draw with Bayern this season.
Sergio Aguero has scored 11 goals so far in all competitions and Edin Dzeko 13 goals with three in the Champions League. This one will be a tight one with a draw likely to go City's way.Meanwhile, Group A leaders Bayern Munich take on bottom side Villarreal as they look to wrap up their qualification for the last 16 for the fourth consecutive season.
Bayern beat Villarreal 2-0 at the El Madrigal on matchday one, and the Spanish side have failed to pick up a point since in Europe, to be out of knockout-stage contention in four matches.Bayern have won 10 of their last 11 Champions League home matches including wins against FC Zurich and Napoli.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Villarreal while coaching Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last season and will take no prisoners as he seeks to sew up the group for Bayern.
Villarreal are enduring their worst run of form in their nine-year European history and have lost their last four away matches in UEFA Cup competition.