Man City vs Juventus preview
.@VincentKompany asked if he thinks @DeBruyneKev should start tomorrow… #cityvjuve pic.twitter.com/QSFiDZj2tY
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 14, 2015
The Frenchman and his team-mates will be aware that these two sides are the most likely teams to progress out of this group. That means getting a result at the Etihad could go a long way towards helping Juventus win this group, which in turn increases their chances of progressing further in the competition.
Manchester City team news
- David Silva (ankle) and Raheem Sterling (hamstring) both returned to training on Monday after missing the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace. The attacking midfielders are expected to be involved.
- Aguero (knee) is ruled out.
- Pablo Zabaleta (knee) and Fabian Delph (hamstring) both remain out injured.
- Promising young striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored the winner last time out, is ineligible.
Juventus team news
- Claudio Marchisio picked up a thigh injury in the draw at Chievo and the midfielder is a major doubt for this game.
- Sami Khedira (thigh) is yet to make his competitive debut for Juventus since his move from Real Madrid. The German midfielder is likely to miss this game as well.
Man City vs Juventus prediction
Pellegrini will have to settle for Wilfried Bony up top given that two of his strikers are unavailable. City will probably continue using their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho as the central midfielders.
Kevin De Bruyne could be handed his first start for City as a right attacking midfielder. De Bruyne and Sterling may drift infield looking to join Silva in roaming between the lines, while Toure frequently joins the attacking midfielders from deeper positions.
Juventus could set up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Roberto Pereyra is likely to operate at the base of midfield, while Hernanes working just behind the strikers.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Juan Cuadrado impressed from the bench last time out, so the Colombian could join Pogba in working from the sides of the diamond.
Up top, Mario Mandzukic will be pushing for a start but Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri could start with Alvaro Morata and Dybala as his centre forward pair.
City like to penetrate through the middle and Bony is a dream forward for attacking midfielders, with his excellent ability to hold off defenders and lay the ball off for midfield runners with his back to goal. That said, City could still struggle to find the space they need to efficiently execute their intricate offensive play.
Aleksandar Kolarov could be key, should that happen, because of his quality deliveries and late forward runs down the left flank. If Juventus keep their usual narrow, diamond shape, there should be space out wide for the left-back to exploit.
Score prediction
Manchester City 1-0 Juventus
