Despite being on brink of elimination, midfielder wants Manchester club to play like they've got nothing to lose in their Champions League clash tonight against Bayern Munich
Samir Nasri
Manchester: Manchester City are teetering on the brink of a third Champions League group-phase elimination in four seasons ahead of Bayern Munich's visit to the Etihad Stadium today.
Samir Nasri
City's dismal 1-2 loss at home to CSKA Moscow in their previous outing left them bottom of Group E with only two points and they will be knocked out if they fail to beat Bayern and there is a winner in the Russian side's game with Roma.
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City's hand has been weakened by suspensions to Yaya Toure and Fernandinho, both of whom were sent off during the defeat by CSKA Moscow on November 5.
One last chance
However, midfielder Samir Nasri believes that the team are still lucky to be alive in the competition. "We are really lucky to still be in with a chance of qualifying because, with two points and two games left, normally you are out," said the former France international.
"Now is our chance. We have to take it and play with nothing to lose. But Bayern Munich have world-class players in every position."
Bayern have gone 18 games without defeat since losing to Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup on August 13, winning all four of their games to date in the Champions League.
Bastian Schweinsteiger made his first competitive appearance since starring for Germany in the World Cup final in their 4-0 win over Hoffenheim, coming on as a late substitute, and Guardiola has hinted that he could feature again at City.
"It's good news for him and for us. I have seen how important Bastian is for the club and the fans," said Guardiola, who is bidding to win his third Champions League title as a coach after two previous successes with Barcelona.
"With Philipp (Lahm), David (Alaba), (Javi) Martinez and Thiago (Alcantara) out, we now have a super midfielder back, but he has only trained for a week with us."
With Toure and Fernandinho both unavailable for City, Fernando, James Milner and former Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard are all in contention to start in central midfield. Playmaker David Silva is not expected to feature after missing City's last four games with a knee problem.
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