Aris have struck a magnificent 24 game unbeaten record at their ground, the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, in 40 years of playing in Europe, regardless of how big the opponents or stage of the competition. In the group games earlier this season, Aris went up against tough clubs including Atletico Madrid, Rosenborg and Bayer Leverkusen, managing three wins on the way.
However, Manchester City will arrive in Greece as a very strong side on the back of a derby defeat looking to get a positive result to make up for their 2-1 loss against bitter rivals Manchester United. The game’s conclusion was not down to a poor showing either, with the individual performances of such players as David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany highlighted for merit.
Not to be forgotten is new man Edin Dzeko, a substitute in the game at Old Trafford and made an immediate impression on the match, even contributing to City’s equaliser and will be looking to do the same against the Greek Super League team.
Some might see City’s Europa League games as unwanted distractions as the team try to pull all the strings in the current domestic campaign to improve their continental status and finally acquire a place in the coveted Champions League. But, as competitors, it will be safe to say Roberto Mancini’s side will not be staying in first gear and coasting their way through this competition, as they look to make a bright start in reaching the last eight.
TEAM NEWS
Aris Thessaloniki
There are no worries in the Aris camp in terms of injuries and will most likely start a similar team that was able to beat Rosenborg 2-0 in the group stages back in December.
Possible starting XI: Sifakis; Lazaridis, Kouloucheris, Vangjeli, Michel; Prittas, Faty, Mendrinos, Toja; Koke, Cesarec.
Manchester City
Adam Johnson is definitely ruled out of the tie in Greece and is City’s only major concern after suffering ankle ligament damage in training.
However, it remains to be seen as to whether Nigel de Jong can shift his ankle injury in time for Tuesday’s game, having been missing from the away side’s set-up since the 2-2 draw at St Andrew's against Birmingham in the league earlier this month.
Mario Balotelli could make an appearance on the bench after not featuring against Manchester United in the weekend’s derby, but is still doubtful.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Richards, Kompany, K Toure, Kolarov; Silva, Y Toure, Barry, Milner, Wright-Phillips; Tevez.
Prediction
Regardless of Aris' impenetrable Greek fortress, I can see City getting a narrow win at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium and ending four decades of solid home performances.
Aris Thessaloniki 0-1 Man City 
