Man City will attack Barca’

Manchester City are currently the "biggest team" in Manchester and will approach Barcelona's visit without fear, according to Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini was in combative mood as he addressed the press on the eve of a UEFA Champions League last-16 tie which provides the latest opportunity for City to underline their credentials as one of Europe's elite teams.

The City manager has been on the wrong end of Barca's brilliance in the past, losing out on the Spanish title in 2010 despite taking Real Madrid to a then-record points total.

But City average three-and-a-half goals a game at home in this season's Premier League, and Pellegrini is not about to alter his attacking style for today's first leg.

He said: "When you play against Barcelona, against important teams, you always must consider important things.

"But I think the most important thing is to try to be the same team that you are seeing every week here in the Premier League.

"That for me is very important, to continue having the style of play, to continue having the personality to try to beat Barcelona.

"You cannot play without considering that in front, you have Lionel Messi, you have other important players. But we are not going to play just thinking of defending and not thinking of what we can do with the ball."

Pellegrini was asked about the state of City's rivalry with Manchester United, who remain in the Champions League but are 15 points off the top of the Premier League in David Moyes' first season.

He gave a qualified endorsement of City's current status, saying: "The biggest team is City now, but we cannot forget the last few years." -- SkySports