Premier League champions Manchester City kick-off their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid, with Sergio Aguero taking a place on the bench as Matija Nastasic makes his debut for the club.
Roberto Mancini's side stuttered to a 1-1 draw at Stoke in their last league game and the Italian has made three changes from that side, with Nastasic coming in for Joleon Lescott at the heart of the defence being the only difference at the back.
In midfield Javi Garcia retained his place as he is set to start against one of his former clubs, while Gareth Barry makes his first start of the season after a lower abdomen problem, replacing Scott Sinclair.
Further forward David Silva has also been restored to the starting line-up, starting in place of Mario Balotelli as Carlos Tevez plays as a lone striker.
Real Madrid have made just two changes to the team that played so poorly in the 1-0 defeat to Sevilla on Saturday, with the inclusion of Raphael Varane in defence being the most eyebrow-raising starter.
The young French defender takes the place of Sergio Ramos at the back as he partners Pepe in the centre and their only other change comes in midfield.
Michael Essien is set for his first start for his new club after arriving on-loan from Chelsea and he has replaced Mesut Ozil who was substituted at halftime of the defeat at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Real Madrid XI: Casillas,Varane, Pepe, Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo, Alonso, Essien, Arbeloa, Higuaín, Di María
Subs: Adan, Ramos, Kaka, Ozil, Benzema, Coentrao, Modric
Manchester City starting XI: Hart, Clichy, Kompany, Nastasic, Maicon, Toure Y, Nasri, Barry, Silva, Garcia, Tevez
Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Lescott, Kolarov, Rodwell, Aguero, Dzeko
TEAM NEWS: Aguero starts on the bench for Manchester City as Nastasic makes debut against Real Madrid
GOAL.com – Wed, Sep 19, 2012 2:10 AM SGT
View PhotoTEAM NEWS: Aguero starts on the bench for Manchester City as Nastasic makes debut …
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