Champions League - Group D
Tuesday 15th September 2015
People may argue there is no good time to take on the Old Lady, however another argument to be made is the best time to take on the Old Lady, is after last drinks have been called and she's slurring her way out of the bar with her panties in her handbag.
Well after three games in Serie A, Juventus find themselves slurring their way to an impressive Chelsea-esque points total of 1 point after scraping a late goal together to draw against Chievo on the weekend...at home...and it was a penalty...won by a Chelsea player. I'd say the Old Lady is a dirty martini shy of getting ploughed in the back seat of a Ford Escort and as always, City are flashing the cash.
It would however be a massive disservice to say that it will be an easy game, Juventus are an all together different beast in Europe and after making it to the final last season, including dumping the highly fancied Real Madrid side out, they know how to get the job done.
They are a true side of superstars, sporting the likes of Tevez, Ogbonna, Vidal, Pirlo and Llorente who asbolutely did not all get sold in the Summer...wait what? But they still have Khedira, right? Muscle tear you say? Two months you say?
Manchester City
City could have barely asked for a better start to the season, 5 wins on the trot, 5 clean sheets and looking indomitable. Last time out was a tough ask against an in-form Crystal Palace and City managed to grind out the victory in true champion style.
Before the match Silva and Sterling were left out of the match squad and during, our silica-based talisman Aguero was subbed off early due to a sharp shot to the knee. However according the the Count, Silva and Sterling are available for selection and while Kun's injury is not as bad as we all feared, this game came a little too soon for the Argentinian hitman.
It is this competition that will really gauge how far the City squad have really come and there is every suggestion they will push deeper into the competition this season. If this incarnation of the City side are going to make inroads, then it really needs to start happening now. Players like Kompany and Silva are fully deserving of success in the premier club competition and are no longer spring chickens. However the balance of the squad looks amazing, the additions of De Bruyne, Sterling and Delph have added flexibility, pace and amazing support to an already impressive attack. Otamendi who has yet to feature is possibly as important as any other signing. City were widely criticised last season for a perceived weakness at the back. With the return to form of Kompany and Mangala, signing Otamendi and last season's best defender Demichelis, City's defense now looks stronger than ever.
Juventus
The Old Lady is a crafty mistress and proving to be the case here. Now I know you're thinking, 1 point from 3 games, losing more than a few very good players, surely it's in the bag, right? Wrong. Juventus still have the likes of Mandzukic, Sandro, Buffon, Chiellini, Dybala and of course, Pogba. Here is where she gets crafty.
Chiellini, Pogba, Cuadrago and Mandzukic all started the weekend's match on the bench. Only Chiellini didn't make the pitch but they will all have more in the tank than players who've just done 90 minutes against a pacey Palace side who are more than willing to have a run at City. Almost like they were being rested for another match. Were Silva and Sterling really injured or are we getting wily in our old age?
Juventus have a mixed injury list. Evra, Asamoah and Khedira are all on the injury list but with Marchisio and Morata recently returning from injury and playing on the weekend, there is every chance they won't be playing.
History
City have met Juventus in Europe four times. The first time was all the way back in 1976 where Juve put City out of the UEFA Cup 2-1 on aggregrate. In recent times, City were grouped with Juventus during the 2010-11 Europa League campaign where both matches were drawn 1-1. The real collector's item from this was City's goal at the Delle Alpi was scored by the legend that is Jo.
Lineup
I expect that we'll see Bony start up top with Sterling acting as a second striker coming in from the left. When in possession expect De Bruyne and Silva to switch back and forth and mix it up between the right and centre, when defending you should see De Bruyne support Sagna down the right and Silva to act as outlet in the middle. Mostly as you were at the back, but I have a suspicion that Mangala will be sitting this one out and Otamendi to make a debut although I would consider this a mistake as he has yet to even make a subs appearance. The smarter move here would be a subs appearance for a good 25 minute stint at the end and a start this weekend against the Hammers.
Predictions
I expect City to see off a very determined Juventus side, the quickness of passing and movement in the wide areas will be telling, City 2-0 with goals to De Bruyne and Kompany.(Seriously, has anyone seen my score in the TS predictor? Go bet on a Juve win, RIGHT NOW)
