Today at 2:45 p.m. ET Group D heavyweights Manchester City and Bayern Munich will go toe-to-toe in a matchup of two sides both headed to the knockout stage that harbor Champions League title aspirations. Live stream the major clash by clicking this link.
Bayern is three points ahead of Man City heading into their showdown today, but coach Pep Guardiola is wary of their firepower, and stressing that his players don't assume the top spot is locked up.
"Coming second in the group is not really an option for us. It is something we want to avoid," Guardiola said. "I have a lot of confidence in my team, but I also know how dangerous Manchester City are. They have incredible players - they can get three or four chances within a few minutes. So we have to really look out for that."
Guradiola is right; Man City boasts Sergio Agüero, who has six goals in group play, as well as Samir Nasri, whose creative passing has led to four assists, in addition to multiple other weapons. "My players have to really concentrate and be aware of the situation. We have a very big chance to be first in the group and that is what we have to aim for," Guardiola said.
Man City may be distracted today, with a looming match against Premier League leading Arsenal coming soon after. Of course we are thinking about both things - firstly to do a very good game tomorrow, which is very important for us, and also what will happen in the tough game we have against Arsenal on Saturday,'' said Man City coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Pellegrini hinted on Monday that the clash with Arsenal is a higher priority right now than the Champions League game, but won't be resting starters today.
"Of course, it was one of the most important things to achieve - qualifying for the next round (already) and not deciding that here in Munich. So we will see tomorrow. Tomorrow we will see the XI that starts."
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