Former Spain striker David Villa has expressed his belief that Manchester City will cause Barcelona problems in their last-16 Champions League two-legged affair.

Villa, who won the Champions League with Barcelona but now plays for Man City's sister club New York City FC, has hinted, however, that the Spanish side are the favourites to progress.

"I think it will be a very close tie. City and Barcelona are two of the best clubs in the world with great players so I'm sure it will be a very good tie to watch," Villa told his club's official website.

"I'm sure that Manuel Pellegrini and all his staff know Barcelona very well. When you face this kind of teams you have to make sure that you make it difficult for them and try to take advantage of their weaknesses.

"Barca are in very good form. They win games, they have closed the gap with Real Madrid and they won against Atletico - a very difficult team to beat - in Copa del Rey so they are in a good moment. I think they were also playing well before but they didn't get the results. You always have more confidence when you win games."

The first leg in Manchester will take place on February 24.