The misfiring striker has been dropped in favour of the Belgian, who will look to test a Barcelona defence playing with Javier Mascherano as a makeshift right-back

Pep Guardiola has opted to start Kevin De Bruyne in attack over Sergio Aguero for Manchester City's clash with Barcelona.

Aguero endured a torrid week, with a penalty miss for Argentina in their defeat to Paraguay compounded by another miss from the spot against Everton on Saturday.

And Guardiola has decided to keep the striker on the bench as the Belgium international takes over as lone forward.

City return to a back four after experimenting with a three-man defence at the weekend and Nolito replaces Leroy Sane.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are forced to adopt an unfamiliar defensive line-up as Sergi Roberto failed to recover in time for Wednesday's encounter.

Javier Mascherano looks set to fill in at right-back given Aleix Vidal's continuous absence, with Samuel Umtiti partnering Gerard Pique in the centre.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Mascherano, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

Subs: Masip, Arda, Rafinha, Alcacer, Digne, Gomes, Mathieu.

Man City: Bravo; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Sterling, Gundogan, Silva, Nolito; De Bruyne.

Subs: Caballero, Fernando, Aguero, Maffeo, Clichy, Sane, Navas.