Roberto Mancini
Manchester City's manager Mancini shields his eyes during a news conference at the club's Carrington training complex in Manchester. REUTERS

Bayern Munich play host to Manchester City in the pick of Tuesday's Champions League group matches, but Roberto Mancini insists his side will not be intimidated by the German team.

Victory for Bayern would put them in the driving seat for qualification from the tournament's toughest group, after they beat Villarreal 2-0 away from home in the opening round.

"We are here to win but we know that anything can happen," Mancini said. "We are not a small team. We are a good team. We play against them without a problem."

"It is important to win if we want to improve as a team."

City drew 1-1 with Napoli in their opening game and Mancini is aware of the pressure the club is under following Sheikh Mansour's investment in the club.

"Life changes sometimes. Now we are a top club. But one result or one game cannot change anything," the City manager said.

"As a club, a team and a squad we have improved a lot this year and hope to do so in the future. But it is clear that it is an important game for this group. If we win it will be very important."

Mario Balotelli came off the bench to open the scoring against Everton on Saturday but is suspended for the trip to Munich, with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko expected to line up in attack. Nigel de Jong (foot) and Adam Johnson (ankle) remain side-lined.

Bayern have made an impressive start to their Bundesliga campaign, winning their last nine matches and scoring 26 goals in the process, without conceding once.

Jerome Boateng, who swapped Eastlands for the Allianz Arena in the summer, is likely to start against his former club but Arjen Robben is doubtful with a pelvic problem.

Defender Holger Badstuber (flu), Ivica Olic (hip) and Breno (knee) all miss out but Mario Gomez and Daniel Van Buyten are both available after injury.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2 Man City 0

Man City possible XI: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y Toure, Barry; Silva, Aguero, Nasri; Dzeko.