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Kompany doesn't fear decisive Bayern meeting

Vincet Kompany believes Manchester City can progress © Getty Images

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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists there is "enough experience" of the Champions League in Roberto Mancini's side so as not to be overawed by the need to beat Bayern Munich to progress to the knockout stages.

City require a victory over the German giants in order to qualify from Group A, though even that will not be enough should Napoli beat Villarreal in Spain.

Despite dominating domestically this season - they are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and still unbeaten - City have struggled to translate that success onto the continental stage in their inaugural Champions League season.

Away defeats against Bayern and Napoli have put their qualification hopes in the balance, with Kompany and co's fate out of their own hands.

But despite failing to assert themselves thus far, Kompany believes there is enough individual experience of the Champions League for City to be able to step up to the plate in big games like the one at Eastlands on Wednesday night.

"We have experience in the competition," Kompany said. "Maybe not as a club but, individually, we have enough experience in this competition.

"For me the only reason we have not qualified yet is because we are in the toughest group. I am convinced whatever happens we still have a lot to play for in Europe and I just hope it will be in the Champions League.''

City are currently third in the group and will finish in that position and drop into the Europa League if the results do not go in their favour.

It has been suggested Bayern, having already qualified for the last 16 as pool winners, could do City a favour by fielding a below-strength team but Kompany does not accept that.

"I expect Bayern to put out a strong team," Kompany said. "That is one of the characteristics of such teams - they always want to win. I can't imagine they would come here and want to get beaten.

"If they did, we would be happy about it but I would be surprised. But do we need a weaker team from Bayern to win? I don't think so. I think they are a great team but I definitely think we have still got a lot to show in this competition.''

Key battle: After costing so much, now is the time for Sergio Aguero to really deliver. Daniel van Buyten is a physically intimidating centre-back who is prone to make the odd mistake - and the Argentina international needs to look to exploit that.

Prediction: 2-1

Bet of the day: Bayern are a surprising 4/1 to win this one, although the fact they have nothing to play for no doubt influences that. Bearing that in mind, Man City to come from behind to win is a tempting 6/1 with bet365.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.