Sport

In a repeat of last season’s draw, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will welcome the Catalan club to The Etihad in February before travelling to the Nou Camp in March.

United were in devilish form at Old Trafford on Sunday as they sealed their sixth consecutive Premier League victory by beating Liverpool 3-0.

First half-goals from Stephen Arthurworrey, Simon Gillett, and Sam Hoskins saw the away side race into a 3-0 lead at half-time before Kieffer Moore completed the rout.

Urban Attack, the UK’s biggest indoor obstacle race, saw hundreds of racers invade the National Cycling Centre to tackle undulating dirt tracks, tyre pits, ramps, monkey bars and uphill sprints.

The relative lack of current success for both clubs is threatening to take some of the bite out this most tempestuous of clashes.

Robin van Persie’s double at Southampton has left Louis van Gaal’s side in third place but defender Evans has played enough times against Liverpool to know anything can happen.

City are currently on fire with six consecutive wins and celebrated qualification into the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Two losses on the bounce have left the Giants clinging for dear life onto the final playoff spot as Jones’ men face a trip to Worcester this evening.

Manchester United and City have notably built up squads containing sportsmen from abroad, but rugby union team Sale Sharks also have a special one of their own in Russian Ostrikov.

Dale manager Keith Hill is in a positive frame of mind as they continue their frenetic Christmas period against Colchester United on Saturday, buoyed by the availability of key figures as his side attempt to bounce back from a dip in form and return to the play-off spots.

Sharks may have nothing but pride to play for as they face the return fixture away to Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup tomorrow, however flanker Andrei Ostrikov insists his side won’t roll over just because they are out of contention.