Joleon Lescott is set to be handed the task of stopping Lionel Messi when Manchester City go to the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
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The centre-back is in line to partner captain Vincent Kompany in the heart of the City back four in their Champions League second leg.
Martin Demichelis, who was the defender closest to Messi in Barcelona’s 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, is suspended after being sent off in the first leg, while Matija Nastasic is injured, with Saturday’s game against Hull likely to be the first chance he has to make his comeback.
Lescott has started 19 games in all competitions for City this season, but just seven of those showings have come in the Premier League.
The defender signed for City from Everton for 22 million pounds in 2009, and in January he was linked with a move away from the club.