The most awaited footballing event annually, the Champions League will enter into its group stage as the top 32 teams from all over Europe compete for the title. The UCL is one of the most prestigious tournaments and is something every football player strives to win. Manchester City will start their campaign against last year’s runners up Juventus in their first match of the competition.
Both sides have had contrast starts to their domestic league campaigns and will lock horns in a crunch match to kick off the Champions league in style. This article is a preview of the Manchester City vs Juventus match. We have also included the team news and predictions for the match.
The Manchester City vs Juventus game will be played on Tuesday, the 15th of September. It will be played at the Etihad and the kick off is scheduled at 7:45 pm BST (12:15 pm on Wednesday IST).
Team News:
City missed a number of players from their starting XI in the weekend game against Crystal Palace. Argentine Sergio Aguero who picked up a knock in that game is doubtful up front for the Citizens. However, David Silva and Raheem Sterling who missed the game on the weekend are expected to be fit after shrugging off a minor injury.
Massimiliano Allegri had a huge blow as Claudio Marchisio picked up a slight niggle and could be side lined for up to a month. The German international Sami Khedira will also not be available for selection along with Asamoah both of whom are injured.
City have had a staggering start to their 2015-16 season and are yet to concede a goal. They were tested in the league game but they flicked all three points with a late winner. However, they were sharp with their passing as ever and did not fail to create chances. Their front line looks very settled and can pose problems to Juventus’ back line which is already shaky.
The Serie A title holders had a contrast start to their season with 2 losses and a draw from the first three games. They almost lost their last game against Chievo but a late equalizer gave them their first point of the season. They have lost some key players from last year in Tevez and Pirlo and it will take some time for the new players to settle into the team.
It remains to be seen if Juventus can come close to scoring against City but the trio of Dyabla, Pogba and Mandzukic will surely provide the likes of Mangala and Kompany something to think about during the game. But the absence of Aguero may effect them as Bony will not provide the surprise element to the team. All in all this will be a great game to watch for all the football fans.
Expected Line-ups:
Manchester City: Hart, Sagna, Mangala, Kompany, Kolarov, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Navas, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero
Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Pereyra, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra, Dybala, Mandzukic
Predictions:
The superior start that the English club has had to this season may just give them a slight edge over their opponents. But Juventus have shown that they can produce performances that not many expect from them. City will however start favorites playing at home.
Our Predictions Manchester City 2-0 Juventus