Man City must overturn a two-goal deficit against Dynamo Kiev if they are to remain in the Europa League.
City hoping home comforts will see them into the last eight
Manchester City must overturn a two-goal deficit against Dynamo Kiev if they are to remain in the Europa League.
A 2-0 defeat in Ukraine in the first leg of their last-16 tie has left the Blues with a tough ask in the return date at Eastlands.
On a positive note for Roberto Mancini's side, they have fared admirably on home soil in continental competition.
They have suffered just one defeat in 15 fixtures at Eastlands, with that solitary setback coming against FC Midtjylland in a Uefa Cup qualifier on 14th August 2008.
City have also won their last three European games in front of their own supporters, scoring three times on each occasion.
That is the challenge facing them again on Thursday, as they attempt to edge their way into the quarter-finals.
Yuri Semin's Kiev will be no pushovers, though, despite their record against English opposition making for disappointing reading.
The Ukrainian giants have never won in England, in nine attempts, while their last two visits to Manchester saw them fail to find the target against Sir Alex Ferguson's United.
They have, however, won their last three games on the road in the Europa League and are now unbeaten in seven, since losing to FC Sheriff during the group stage.
Team news
City will welcome James Milner back into their squad in midweek, with the versatile England international set to take his place on the bench following a hamstring injury.
Nigel de Jong is expected to shake off a slight knock in time to make Mancini's starting XI, but Adam Johnson will not be risked as he continues his recovery from an ankle problem.
Pablo Zabaleta will play no part in the contest as he is away on compassionate leave.
Kiev, meanwhile, will be without the services of their top scorer, severely hampering their cause.
Artem Milevskiy broke a bone in his hand against FC Vorskla Poltava on Sunday and will be rested as a result.
Artem Kravets is the man most likely to deputise, partnering former Chelsea and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, who found the target in the first leg, up front.
