Manchester City travel to Spain to face Barcelona on Wednesday evening, knowing a win will really boost their chances of qualifying from their Champions League group.

Obviously, it’s not going to be easy for the Citizens but it’s safe to say their supporters here in the Tavern are feeling pretty optimistic about the game.

If Pep Guardiola is to really find success with his new team, he’s going to have to start winning games like this to prove to the world his side are capable of competing with Europe’s big boys.

And what a good time to be facing Barcelona too – despite a domestic win this weekend, they’ve been average at best as the season has begun and Guardiola’s team should be confident travelling to the Nou Camp.

So with that in mind, how should Guardiola lineup for the trip to Spain?

Here’s our Manchester City XI that will shock Barca on Wednesday evening…..

GK: Claudio Bravo

Like it or not, Claudio Bravo is here to stay and whichever way you look at it, he’ll be Pep’s number one going forward.

And he’s set to start the game against Barcelona in the week in fascinating fashion, having only left the Spaniards a matter of months ago.

RB: Pablo Zabaleta

Despite Nicolas Otamendi doing a decent job filling in on the right-hand side in the game against Everton this weekend, we think Pablo Zabaleta will return to the first-team for this one.

When dealing with the frightening attacking talent Barcelona possess, you need players that know their positions inside out.

CB: Vincent Kompany

Pep Guardiola and thousands of Manchester City fans will be praying captain Vincent Kompany is back for the game in Spain on Wednesday.

He’s been out with a groin strain but reports suggest he could be back in time for this one, which would be huge for the Citizens.

CB: John Stones

He came with a big price tag and these are the games John Stones really needs to prove his potential and worth.

He’s Pep Guardiola’s big project and what better game to throw him into than a game at the Nou Camp. A strong showing really could be the making of him going forward.

LB: Gael Clichy

With Kolarov not having the best of times in recent weeks, we’re tipping experienced left-back Gael Clichy to start the game at the Nou Camp.

He’s got the pace to deal with Messi and co, but defending-wise, he’ll really need to be on top of his game.

CDM: Fernandinho

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has been fantastic so far this season and he’s everything City need in the middle-of-the-park.

So much of their play is about the breaking out of defence and having him marshalling the back-four is a massive asset.

RM: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling took quite the tongue bashing out at the Euros and it’s good to see him finding some form again.

But if he wants to really prove his critics wrong, he’ll have to step up in the game against Barcelona.

He’ll be outshone pre-match by the star names at Barcelona but on the pitch, he can offer City so much dynamacy going forward.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan has adapted to life in England like a duck to water and it’s great to see him playing so well after a summer of injury.

He’s got plenty of Champions League experience from his time with Borussia Dortmund and he’ll have to call on all of that if City are going to come away from the Nou Camp with all three points.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

He’s started fantastically well and there is real hope that this could be the season we really see how good KDB really is.

He’s got everything needed to be a player at the top and Manchester City fans will need a good performance from him at the Nou Camp if the Citizens are to upset Barcelona.

RM: David Silva

Whilst he’s traditionally more of a central player, David Silva will most likely be deployed wide in the game against Barcelona.

He offers skill beyond belief and is a much more considered threat to Barcelona’s defence.

ST: Sergio Aguero

There’s only one man leading the line for City at the Nou Camp and that is Sergio Aguero.

The game will very much be decided on his performance.

If he can bang a couple of goals in, City will win. If Barca marshal him properly, it’s going to be a tough as for Pep Guardiola’s side.