Man City vs Lyon: Pep Guardiola’s side is capable of becoming one of all-time Champions League greats starting tonight

I'M rubbing my hands together at the prospect of an in-form Manchester City trying once again to transfer their Premier League magic onto the European stage.

Champions League success feels like the No1 objective for Pep Guardiola and his team.

It is no secret that City conquered the Premier League with style last term, but floundered in Europe with a devastatingly disappointing quarter-final defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

I have no doubts in my mind that this Manchester City side is capable of becoming one of the all-time greats of European football.

Actions speak louder than words and if City are to enter football’s hall of fame, their status will have to be proven on the biggest stage in club football.

I have seen and heard a lot of talk of Manchester City as favourites for this year’s competition.

While I am quietly confident that City’s chances this year are stronger than ever before, the lack of experience in the final stages of the competition speaks for itself and it feels strange that people would be so quick to label a side favourites that have never won it before.

Every season City learn something new in Europe - hopefully last year’s quarter-final agony will be our last lesson.

At first glance City’s opening clash with Lyon might look fairly straightforward.

Guardiola's men are unbeaten in the league and comfortably brushed Fulham aside on Saturday, while Lyon sit eighth in the French top flight, having lost two of their first five games.

Despite their disappointing results, Lyon have only conceded four goals in their first five games and have remained solid at the back.

They could line up with former Manchester City defender Jason Denayer who I’m sure will be keen to show Guardiola what he’s missing.

Pep would be wise to rest Sergio Aguero, who was substituted early at the weekend with a small niggle.