Manchester City take on Middlesbrough in the Premier League clash at the Etihad on 5 November, Saturday.

Where to watch

Kick-off is at 3pm GMT. Radio commentary of the match is available on BBC Radio 5 Live. Catch the highlights on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10:20pm GMT.

Overview

After a disappointing run in all competitions where they went without a win in six matches, Manchester City bounced back with a 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the league fixture.

Pep Guardiola made sure his side maintained that momentum when they faced Barcelona in the Champions League fixture at home. The Catalan manager saw his side register a comfortable 3-1 victory over the La Liga winners, whose attack included the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

City will be delighted with their performances in the last two matches and Guardiola will be hoping his side can extend that run when they take on Middlesbrough on Saturday. It will be important for the former Bayern Munich manager to seal three points before the international break.

Alvaro Negredo
Negredo looked is the key player for Middlesbrough Getty Images

However, it will be a bit tough for the Premier League leaders to prepare for this game as they have less number of days to prepare for this clash than their weekend opponents due to their midweek European fixture.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, registered their second win of the campaign when they defeated AFC Bournemouth at home. It was their first league win in front of their home fans in the ongoing campaign.

Aitor Karanka was Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid and he has achieved victories over Barcelona when the two Spanish giants faced each other. He has also experienced disappointment as well.

Boro manager will be hoping he can use his experience at Real to prepare for the clash against Guardiola's City. It will be a massive boost for them if they manage to walk away from the Etihad with three points.

What managers say

Pep Guardiola: "He's one of the best goalkeepers," Guardiola said of the Boro keeper. I'm very happy that he was returned to his level. He didn't deserve to finish his career with all the injuries he had in the past. Our success at FC Barcelona wouldn't have happened without him. He was always there in the important moments."

Aitor Karanka: "He's one of the best coaches, especially after the win over Barcelona, he's changing. In the past it was always about possession but in the last game they scored on the counter-attack, sometimes they play long balls to [Sergio] Aguero, and with their players they always have alternatives."

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • Manchester City: 1/4
  • Draw: 6
  • Middlesbrough: 14

Team News

Pep Guardiola
Guardiola's Manchester City managed to beat Barcelona 3-1 in the Champions League fixture Getty Images

Manchester City

Possible XI: Bravo; Fernando, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Gundogan, Fernandinho; Sterling, Silva, Nolito; Aguero

Middlesbrough

Possible XI: Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; Forshaw, Clayton; Traore, Ramirez, Downing; Negredo.

Manchester City FC Middlesbrough FC