Pep Guardiola has said Barcelona are favourites to win the Champions League ahead of Manchester City because of Lionel Messi.
City, who are 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning 18 consecutive games are set to face Basel in the Champions League round of 16.
They are viewed as a contender to win the Champions League for a first time, but Guardiola insists Messi's availability for Barca makes them the team to watch.
Speaking after the 1-0 win against Newcastle on Wednesday, City boss Guardiola was asked if City were favourites for the Champions League, to which he answered: "Who does [Lionel] Messi play for?"
When a reporter said "Barcelona," Guardiola replied: "So they're the favourites."
Barcelona are nine points clear at the top of La Liga and have gone into the winter break unbeaten in their first 17 games.