Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Manchester City V Juventus – Preview:
Tough Opening Task For Bianconeri

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/manchester-city-v-juventus-preview-tough-opening-task-for-bianconeri/?

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City face Juventus at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, as the Old Lady bid to repeat last year’s run to the Champions League final.

Group D rivals City and Juve both found their dreams of European success thwarted by Barcelona last term – the English Premier League outfit dumped out by the Catalans in the last 16, and the Serie A champions falling at the final hurdle in Berlin.

The Citizens secured a 1-0 home win over eventual tournament winners Juventus in the UEFA Cup first round of 1976-77, but the Bianconeri overturned the deficit in Turin, claiming a 2-0 triumph [2-1 on aggregate].

They drew 1-1 on both occasions within the Europa League group stage of 2010-11. Manchester City finished top of the group, with Juventus missing out on qualification in third place.

City, who came second in the Premier League last season, are participating in the group stage for the fifth successive year. Manuel Pellegrini’s men emerged victorious just once at home in the 2014-15 edition against Bayern Munich.

Ominously, the hosts boast a 100 per cent record from five domestic outings so far, and they lead the league table at this early point in proceedings.

Juventus are about to embark upon their fourth group stage involvement in a row, and they’re unbeaten in their last four Champions League outings away from home.

They’ve failed to win on English shores since defeating City’s neighbours Manchester United by a single goal in the 1996-97 group phase. Their overall record in England reads two victories, six draws, and 12 losses.

It’s been a sticky start in Serie A for Juventus, with two losses occurring at the beginning of a new campaign for the first time in history. The Bianconeri scraped a draw against Chievo in preparation for their trip to Manchester.

City defender Pablo Zabaleta is out with a knee injury picked up in training last month, while midfielder Fabian Delph pulled up with a hamstring problem on international duty and won’t feature. His England team-mate Raheem Sterling is a doubt, as is star striker Sergio Aguero.

The Bianconeri must do without new signing Sami Khedira once again, who has yet to make his competitive debut for the club. He has a right thigh injury that struck him down in a pre-season friendly versus Marseille.

Coaches Pellegrini and Massimiliano Allegri met previously in the Champions League group stages of 2012-13, when Malaga beat AC Milan 1-0 at home, and then drew 1-1 in Italy.

Form Guide: Manchester City (W-W-W-W-W) Juventus (W-L-L-D)


Expected Starting XIs

Manchester City:

Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; De Bruyne, Silva, Nasri; Bony.

Juventus:

Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Dybala: ‘Beat City to forget Serie A’

http://www.football-italia.net/72950/dybala-%E2%80%98beat-city-forget-serie-a%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala says beating Manchester City tomorrow could ‘help the team forget what’s happened in the league.’

The Bianconeri have had a hugely disappointing start to their Scudetto defence, picking up only one point in three matches.

They begin their Champions League campaign at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow evening, with kick off at 19:45 UK time.

Dybala believes that a positive result could help pull Juve out of their rut.

“The first Champions League match could definitely be useful for us,” he told Tuttosport.

“If we play a great match in Manchester, we could forget what’s happened so far in the league.

“I don’t know yet if I’ll play, the Coach will decide. In any case I’ll try to give everything, score goals and help my teammates.

“You only get out of a period like this by working hard. We know that this isn’t an easy moment for us, our fans aren’t used to seeing Juve with just one point after three matches.

“But if we can turn this situation around, it’ll be even more amazing.

“Against Udinese and Chievo we had 70 per cent of possession, we were unlucky not to find the second goal they had at most two shots on goal and we deserved three points.

“We must go forward and try to give the best performance we can on Tuesday.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Capello: Manchester City clash
an exam Pogba must pass

The Italian says 22-year-old must perform on Tuesday and believes Sergio Aguero's
injury would have brought a smile to Massimiliano Allegri's face.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/09/14/15335122/-?

Sep 14, 2015

Fabio Capello says Juventus' Champions League meeting with Manchester City on Tuesday is an exam that star Paul Pogba must pass.

With Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo having left Turin during the summer, and Claudio Marchisio and new signing Sami Khedira missing the start of the season through injury, the creative midfield burden is now lays firmly on Pogba's shoulders.

However, things have not gone well, with Juve losing their opening two fixtures in Serie A for the first time in their history before snatching a draw at home to Chievo on Sunday with a disputed penalty from Paulo Dybala.

Pogba, who was given the No.10 jersey following Carlos Tevez's summer return to Boca Juniors, has performed poorly in all three games and former Bianconeri boss Capello says that the 22-year-old simply has to deliver against City.

"Pogba should do something important," the 69-year-old Italian coach told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"It will be a fantastic clash between the Frenchman and Yaya Toure, who when he starts well, is uncontainable.

"But with Pogba, we're talking about a boy who has the potential to be a super player.

"But now that he has been given the steering wheel, he must prove himself capable of driving, in the sense of showing everyone of his real value.

"The match in Manchester will be an important exam for him, and also for Juve.

"The Bianconeri have started badly but the league is long, whereas the Champions League is a different theatre. There's time to recover and Allegri's team still seem very strong to me.

"Psychologically, the game against City will be very important. Winning it would be a huge achievement."

Indeed, Capello believes that City are potential winners, after a summer in which they strengthened their squad with players of the calibre of Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi.

However, he also believes that Chelsea, despite a poor start to their Premier League campaign, are also contenders.

"Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the favourites [for the Champions League] but I see Manchester City being very strong," the ex-Russia boss stated.

"It's difficult to make predictions but Juventus will certainly be a contender, just like Chelsea, who are in difficulty in the Premier League but for this reason could be dangerous in Europe.

"But City, this year, look to have made the mental leap forward they needed to.

"It's a team that has no weak points. They were a little lacking on the right flank but they have signed De Bruyne for €75 million!

"Maybe it was unwise to allow [Edin] Dzeko to go to Roma but City are more effective on set-pieces, corners and the welcome surprise is that this season they've yet to concede a goal.

"Then, you can't forget a champion like Toure, a true tank of a player when he gets going."

However, Capello admitted that Juve can at least take some encouragement out of the fact that City's star striker, Sergio Aguero, is set to miss the game at the Etihad with an injury picked up in Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace.

"City will miss him a lot because Kun, more than being just a goalscorer, is a charismatic player; a point of reference," he added.

"If I were Allegri, I would have smiled when I heard the Aguero news.

"However, in Manchester, it will nonetheless be a very difficult game for Juventus."

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Manchester City must beat Juventus
to show how serious they are in UCL

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/manchester-city/382/blog/post/2611489/manchester-city-vs-juventus-in-champions-league?

Sep 14, 2015

With a dramatic 90th-minute success at Crystal Palace keeping Manchester City way out in front in the early stages of this season's Premier League, attention now turns to a competition which is increasingly the club's major focus, but could also be its Achilles' heel.

In four consecutive Champions League campaigns since their inaugural participation in 2011-12, City have won only five of the 14 home games they have played. This has been the difference between competent, confidence-building campaigns and the stuttering mess that the club has put before its public up to now.

Of the five victories, one was irrelevant (2-0 vs. Bayern Munich in 2011-12) as City could no longer qualify, and two others came about thanks to skin-of-the-teeth last-minute winners (2-1 vs. Villarreal in 2011-12 and 3-2 vs. Bayern in 2014-15). That leaves only the comfortable 4-2 and 5-2 wins over Viktoria Plzen and CSKA Moscow, respectively, in 2013-14 as proper examples of what is now needed.

The team's other home games have included a plethora of draws -- worryingly, two of them 1-1 stalemates against Napoli and Roma, where both visiting sides dominated City for long periods -- and four straight defeats (twice against Barcelona and one each against Bayern and CSKA Moscow).

In only four seasons of competing, this home record tells almost the complete story of City's failure to convince in Europe. If the club wishes to be taken seriously in the Champions League, then home victories are an absolute must, starting on Tuesday night against Juventus.

Despite this execrable recent record, City have reason to enter the match full of optimism. Top of the Premier League after an astonishing break from the starting blocks, they have amassed 15 points in no time at all and stand head and shoulders above the rest at this stage. That the chasing pack does not contain main rivals Chelsea is even more confidence-building, and City enjoy a five-point gap to the first possible contenders, Manchester United, in third place. City's start has featured everything boss Manuel Pellegrini could have hoped for, including speed, goals and powerful displays home and away.

Even at Selhurst Park at the weekend, where Alan Pardew sent out his Palace side to ruffle a few feathers, City withstood a physical battering, calmed the game down and won it with a decisive last-minute prod from young substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.

If City's players were not already full of confidence, that strike will have boosted them even more. The only possible cloud from that gameis whether Sergio Aguero, the target of a wild swipe from Scott Dann, will make it in time for Juventus along with weekend absentees Raheem Sterling and David Silva.

Juventus, meanwhile, have started poorly in Serie A, only scrambling their first point of the season last weekend at home against tiny Chievo. Last season's Italian champions and Champions League runners-up stand 16th in the table with a single point from three attempts. Nobody is suggesting all of this will make it easy for City, but the clubs' respective starts, coupled with the Blues' desperate need to start turning the Etihad into a European fortress, means hopes are high in Manchester.

Although there have been few meetings between these sides in the past, of the four matches played, City and Juventus are more or less even. First clashing in 1976 in the first round of the UEFA Cup, City won 1-0 at Maine Road but lost 2-0 in the old Stadio Comunale to go out on aggregate. In 2010, the sides were drawn together in the Europa League and drew both games 1-1. Last season's campaign brought one more similarity, with both City and Juventus leaving the competition after 3-1 defeats to Barcelona; City in the first knockout round, Juve in the final. City now aspire to feature in the grand occasion enjoyed by Juventus supporters last May.

The last time City beat an Italian club on home soil, many of the club's current supporters were not yet born. Fathers and grandfathers have no doubt passed down the tales of the night in 1978 when City thrashed AC Milan 3-0 in a flurry of peerless attacking football.

With giddy supporters chanting "fish and chips, fish and chips, fish and chips" in triumph at their bemused visitors, a truly Mancunian victory was assured over the subtleties and mysteries of Italian football culture.

It is doubtful whether today's fans will chant anything similar if City prevail on Tuesday, but a home win will be just the tonic needed to kick-start the club's attack on the 2015-16 Champions League.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Allegri ‘hopes to win Champions League’

http://www.football-italia.net/72951/allegri-%E2%80%98hopes-win-champions-league%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri ‘still hopes to win the Champions League’ and reflects on last season’s run to the final.

The Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the final of last year’s competition and kick off this season’s campaign tomorrow evening against Manchester City.

Allegri told UEFA.com that he still hopes to win the tournament ,while analysing his group stage opponents.

“It was a great feat, it was extraordinary, as no one thought Juventus would be finalists,” he said.

“We improved with every match and our confidence grew too. We had some difficult moments, as is normal in the Champions League, but we deserved to reach the final and played an excellent match against a great Barcelona team.

“It was a big season for us, because while it is good to win your national league, Europe shows you how good your team really are – so that final will be an important memory for me. I still hope to win the Champions League one day, though!

“In the group stage there are always difficulties. We were playing catch-up after our defeat in Athens, but we improved and gained confidence. Our goal was to improve on the previous season when we didn't get through the group, so reaching the last 16 was the least we wanted.

“We managed that and then did better than expected. It was big achievement for us and for the club, because with a first final in 12 years Juventus gained a lot of visibility all over the world.

“It is a difficult group but we have what it takes to do well. We need to make the most of our home matches, knowing we're up against some serious opponents like Manchester City and Sevilla, who have won the Europa League twice.

“Our first game is at City and we will try to get points out of that, but it is going to be tough. City are contenders to top this group – and win the Champions League too. No disrespect to Monchenglabach, but I think City, Sevilla and ourselves have the best chance of going through.

“Our goal for the season is to win Serie A – even if we haven't started well – and the Coppa Italia, and to have an excellent Champions League campaign.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Manchester City - Juventus Preview: Big names
in doubt ahead of Champions League opener

Both sides could be without key players due to injury, with Sergio Aguero, David Silva
and Raheem Sterling doubtful for the hosts and Claudio Marchisio facing a race to be fit.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/manchester-city-vs-juventus/2146805/preview

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City have fitness concerns over three key players as they look to improve their poor Champions League home record at the expense of Juventus .

Although Manuel Pellegrini's men have swept all before them domestically thus far this term, they have won just three of their 11 home Champions League games to date, a record that simply must improve if they are to make a serious impact in this season's competition.

But their preparations for Tuesday's visit from the Italian champions have been hindered by injury doubts surrounding Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Raheem Sterling.

Aguero looks to be the most likely absentee after limping off during the first half of Saturday's Premier League win over Crystal Palace with a knee injury.

Pellegrini was not happy with the Scott Dann challenge that prompted the Argentina striker's premature departure and is unsure whether he will recover in time to feature at the Etihad Stadium.

"It was an important kick on his knee," the Chilean said. "We'll see if he can recover between now and Tuesday.

"It's very difficult to say now. It's important to see how he recovers. We'll see."

Silva missed the trip to Selhurst Park due to an ankle problem, while Sterling was a late withdrawal after picking up a hamstring strain, but Pellegrini is hopeful that the attacking duo will be fit.

Pablo Zabaleta (knee) and Fabian Delph (hamstring), meanwhile, will definitely be unavailable for the hosts, while promising youngster Kelechi Iheanacho – who netted a late winner against Palace – is not eligible.

Juventus, meanwhile, may welcome the change of competition having made a shocking start to their Serie A campaign.

The Turin side came within seven minutes of a third successive league defeat on Saturday, Paulo Dybala's late penalty eventually salvaging them a point at Chievo, but still they find themselves languishing in the unfamiliar surroundings of 16th place.

To compound coach Massimiliano Allegri's woes, he lost Claudio Marchisio to a thigh injury at half-time and the Italy international midfielder is regarded as a major doubt.

Fellow thigh injury victim Sami Khedira, meanwhile, remains sidelined and is yet to make his competitive debut for Juventus since his close-season move from Real Madrid.

Last season's beaten Champions League finalists have not managed to win on English soil since downing Manchester United at Old Trafford in 1996, but they are unbeaten in their last four away games in this competition.

Paul Pogba is expected to start for Juventus having been very strongly linked with a move to City during the transfer window.

The sides last met in the 2010 Europa League, when both matches finished 1-1.


OPTA FACTS

Manchester City have gone three games in European competition without a win against Juventus (D2 L1).

The Old Lady have failed to win any of their last six matches against a side from Manchester (D3 L3).

Manchester City are taking part in their 5th Champions League campaign. They have never made it past the last 16.

Manchester City have only won two of their last 10 Champions League games (D2 L6).

None of Manchester City’s 28 Champions League games have ended goalless. They have only kept four clean sheets in these 28 games. Only Basel have played more games in the competition without ever registering a goalless draw.

Juventus are making their 16th appearance in the Champions League. Only AC Milan have made more appearances among Italian sides (17).

Juventus have won the European Cup/Champions League on two occasions (1985 and 1996). They have however lost the final more times than any other club (6, the latest of which came last season against Barcelona).

Juventus have lost only one of their last 10 Champions League games (W6 D3) it was the 2015 final against Barcelona.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Manchester City W W W W W

9/12/15 - Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Manchester City
8/29/15 - Manchester City 2 - 0 Watford
8/23/15 - Everton 0 - 2 Manchester City
8/16/15 - Manchester City 3 - 0 Chelsea
8/10/15 - West Bromwich Albion 0 - 3 Manchester City


Juventus D L L W L

9/12/15 - Juventus 1 - 1 Chievo Verona
8/30/15 - Roma 2 - 1 Juventus
8/23/15 - Juventus 0 - 1 Udinese
8/8/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
8/1/15 - Olympique de Marseille 2 - 0 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

12/16/10 - Juventus 1 - 1 Manchester City
9/30/10 - Manchester City 1 - 1 Juventus

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Official: Aguero to miss Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/72957/official-aguero-miss-juventus?

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero will not be fit to face Juventus, manager Manuel Pellegrini confirms.

The Argentine forward injured his knee during the weekend win over Crystal Palace, making him a doubt for tomorrow’s clash.

“Sergio is not fit for tomorrow,” Pellegrini confirmed in his pre-match Press conference.

“He has an injury to his knee. We will wait on him. We will see this afternoon how long it will be.

"We have Wilfried [bony] and Raheem [sterling] can also play as a forward so we have different options. I trust this squad 100 per cent.”

It’s good news for the Old Lady, as Aguero is one of the deadliest strikers in Europe, having scored 108 goals in 166 games for City since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Pellegrini did confirm, however, that David Silva and Raheem Sterling will be at his disposal, after injury concerns.

The Bianconeri have injury problems of their own, with Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah and Claudio Marchisio ruled out of the clash at Etihad tomorrow.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Aguero ruled out of Juventus clash

The striker has failed to recover from a knee injury, although
David Silva and Raheem Sterling are fit to face the Serie A champions.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/09/14/15342162/-?

Sep 14, 2015

Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of Manchester City's Champions League opener against Juventus on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old missed training on Monday morning and Manuel Pellegrini confirmed at a press conference after the session the striker's absence for the visit of the Italian champions.

Aguero suffered a heavy blow to his knee and was substituted after 24 minutes of the Premier League leaders' 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, the City boss did confirm that David Silva and Raheem Sterling, who missed out against Palace due to respective ankle and hamstring problems, are both available.

As well as Aguero, Fernandinho, an ever-present for City this season in midfield, and Samir Nasri were also not involved in the session.

Pellegrini hopes both will be ready to play some part on Tuesday, though.

Holding midfielder Fernando has not featured so far this term due to a groin problem, but he was back training with the squad.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Juventus suffer Marchisio injury blow

The Italy international has been sidelined for 30 days with a adductor strain
after missing the start of the season with a similar hamstring problem.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/09/14/15344622/-?

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus have been rocked by the news that Claudio Marchisio will be out of action for another month through injury.

The Italy international had only just returned to action after missing the first two games of the new Serie A season with a hamstring problem.

Marchisio made his comeback in Saturday's clash with Chievo in Turin but lasted just 45 minutes, with subsequent scans revealing that the midfielder had suffered a grade 1-2 strain of his right adductor muscle.

The 29-year-old's injury issues have hit Juve hard, with the reigning Italian champions having only picked up a point from their first three league outings.

Marchisio had been the man charged with the responsibility of filling the void left by influential playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who departed for New York City FC during the summer.

With Marchisio now facing another spell on the sidelines, it is believed that Hernanes, a deadline-day arrival from Inter, could be asked to play as a regista, rather than the trequartista he was signed to be.

Indeed, it is thought that the Brazilian could start in front of the defence in Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad.

As well as the trip to Manchester, Marchisio is now also set to sit out the upcoming Serie A clashes with Genoa, Frosinone, Napoli and Bologna and the Champions League meeting with Sevilla at the end of the month.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Pellegrini: ‘Juventus are strong’

http://www.football-italia.net/72961/pellegrini-%E2%80%98juventus-are-strong%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes Juventus are ‘very strong’ despite a poor start to the season.

The Bianconeri are yet to win in Serie A this season, but the Chilean believes they’ll still pose a tough test tomorrow night.

“We play a very strong Juventus,” Pellegrini insisted in his pre-match Press conference.

“They reached the final last season and have won four titles in a row. Maybe Juventus haven’t started very well in their league, but this is a different competition. They will be motivated.”

Pellegrini also hopes to finish well in the group to avoid a tough tie in the Last 16.

“I have been here for two seasons. In the first one, we qualified in second position with 15 points from 18. After that we had to play against Barcelona and Barcelona was the better team.

“Last year we had a difficult group but we did well in the last two games and we qualify and after that we play against Barcelona again. We played against the strongest team two years in a row.

“It is very important to not only have a successful team here but in Europe. I hope we will not play against Barcelona in the round of 16.

“I don’t think there is more pressure on us than other English teams. Our own pressure is enough because we want to continue. We will try to continue the way we are playing this year.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Man City v Juventus preview:
Sergio Aguero ruled out

Manchester City will be without striker Sergio Aguero for their opening
Champions League group-stage fixture at home to Juventus on Tuesday.

http://www.skysports.com/football/man-city-vs-juventus/preview/351335?

Sep 14, 2015

The Argentina international was forced off during City's last-gasp victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

City, however, still managed to prevail as Kelechi Iheanacho's late effort sealed a fifth consecutive victory for the Premier League pacesetters.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have been dealt another tough hand in this season's competition, paired in the same group as last season's Serie A winners and Champions League runners-up, Juventus, Europa League winners Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach.

But City can head into Tuesday's game buoyed by their imperious early-season form, and can take comfort from the fact Juventus head to the Etihad Stadium having failed to win any of their first three league games.


Team news

Pellegrini will have both Raheem Sterling and David Silva available for the visit of the Italian champions after the pair missed Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park.

Samir Nasri and Fernandinho are expected to shake off minors knocks, while Wilfried Bony is expected to deputise for the injured Aguero.

Kevin de Bruyne could make his first start, and his Champions League debut, after impressing against Palace from the bench, but goal hero Iheanacho is ineligible while midfielder Fabian Delph and full-backs Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta are still out.

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss the trip to Manchester after being ruled out of action for a month. The Italy international suffered an injury to his left abductor in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chievo.


Opta stats

Manchester City have gone three games in European competition without a win against Juventus (D2 L1).

Juventus have failed to win any of their last six matches against a side from Manchester (D3 L3).

Manchester City are taking part in their fifth Champions League campaign. They have never made it past the last 16.

Manchester City have only won two of their last 10 Champions League games (D2 L6).

None of Manchester City's 28 Champions League games have ended goalless. They have only kept four clean sheets in these 28 games. Only Basel have played more games in the competition without ever registering a goalless draw.

Juventus are making their 16th appearance in the Champions League. Only AC Milan have made more appearances among Italian sides (17).


Betting

Manchester City are marginally odds-on at 4/5 with Sky Bet to begin their Champions League campaign with a win, as Juventus are rated 15/4 outsiders for the points and 12/5 to secure a draw. Pellegrini's men are also favoured in the Group D outright odds at evens to secure top spot to Juve's price of 2/1 despite the clubs' contrasting records in Europe's elite competition, while Sevilla (9/2) and Borussia Monchengladbach (11/1) are rated outsiders. Mario Mandzukic is considered the visitors' biggest threat at 13/2 to break the deadlock.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

MANCHESTER CITY V JUVENTUS – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q&A

http://www.juvefc.com/manchester-city-v-juventus-champions-league-qa/?

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus start their Champions League campaign against a rampant Manchester City who sit top of the Premier League and look in scintillating form.

Ahead of the game, we out your questions to Alex from the ‘Typical City‘ blog to get an idea of what to expect.



1. City have been a real domestic force for the last few years, but not so much in Europe. Is this season going to better for City?

Absolutely. This is the most complete team City have ever had. Going forward City have been deadly and in defence we have looked surprisingly solid. Not conceding a goal this season so far tells its own story. I have high hopes this season and I don’t think I’m being over optimistic to suggest that City should be topping this group. If we run into Barcelona AGAIN after that then all bets are off…

2. Who do you consider the biggest threat in groups, CL runners up Juve or double EL winners Sevilla?

Juventus are a slightly bigger threat to my mind. Your experience of recent success and general savviness should see you in second. That’s not to discount Sevilla though as they clearly know what they’re doing in Europe. But Juventus are a first class team whereas Sevilla and Gladbach are not.

3. Dzeko and Jovetic have left City for Serie A, is this for better or worse for City?

Honestly, it’s a combination of both. Jovetic wasn’t any good for us on the rare occasions he was fit. Dzeko has written his place in City history and is a much more significant loss. The Bosnian is a big game player and has shown us time and again what he’s capable of. There will be at least one stretch this season when we look back and think “wouldn’t it be nice if Dzeko was still here…”

4. Juve and City havent played each other much yet, last time it was in EL groups and ended in 2 draws. What do you expect of our next 2 encounters?

I am really looking forward to playing Juventus. Seeing them walk out at the Etihad for a Champion’s League match will be a special moment indeed. Between our two current teams I really cannot see two draws being the outcome again. I expect City will win at home and possibly at your ground. I don’t see Juventus winning both taking your current form into account compared to ours.

5. Pellegrini or Allegri?

Pellegrini is the perfect fit for City in this period of time and I wouldn’t swap him for anyone at the moment. He seems to be very in synch with the club, the players and (most of the time) the fans. In saying that I of course mean no disrespect to Allegri. The man’s achievements speak for themselves and I’m not under the illusion that he will be giving City an easy ride!

6. Best XI made with players from both teams?

I’m going to the City 4-3-3 formation, players who are fit, based on this seasons form. You and your readers will disagree with the goalkeeper at least but here we go…

Hart

Sagna – Kompany – Mangala – Kolarov/Sandro (honestly can’t decide)

Fernandinho – Pogba – Toure

Silva – Aguero (Morata if Aguero isnt fit) – Sterling

I’m not even sure if that team would make sense on the pitch but it would at the very least be a lot of fun.

7. In your opinion, whats Juve’s biggest strength and weakness ?

Previous to the start of this season I would have said your defence is the biggest strength. On their day they are very, very good. That’s not even mentioning Buffon who is apparently evergreen.

8. Who do you think is Juve’s best player ?

The easy answer here is Paul Pogba. Last season there would have been an argument for Arturo Vidal and I suspect in the near future there will be an argument for one of Dybala or Morata but for now the runaway candidate is Pogba.

9. Of all the CL groups City have been in, which did you see as the toughest ?

That’s a really difficult question because in one way or another, including this season, we have been shafted. The year we were drawn with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax was a particularly bad year. Last year’s group including Bayern and Roma was also dreadful. One year we will get an easier group…

Oddly enough the worst thing over the last few years has been getting drawn against the same teams over and over. There’s something to be said for variety which is one of the reasons I am very excited about the group this year.

10. Against an organized defence like Juve’s, how do you think City will break them down ? A moment of genius from Aguero ?

Normally I’d have presumed it might come down to Aguero doing something outrageous but to be honest we have so many options this year that we aren’t so heavily reliant on him. David Silva is our best player and has been sensational as per usual this season. Sterling has started brightly and it is clear that defenders don’t know what to do with him. De Bruyne promises more of the same. That’s just the most obvious weapons and doesn’t even consider the possibility that Toure might decide to win the game on his own.

The thing I think you will get a front row view of tomorrow is that our front players interchange constantly. Even a defence as formidable as Juventus’s will have their work cut out.

11. Do you see City as favourites for the PL this season ?

Yes. Despite large sections of our media thinking City would finish 4th or even 5th for some reason it has been clear for a while that City have a deeper, stronger squad than everyone else. Add in the summer reinforcements, the return to form of Kompany and Managala finally turning into the defender we hoped he would be and the perfect start to the season looks like more than a flash in the pan.

12. What are the key differences between this seasons City and last seasons ?

As mentioned above, Kompany is no longer playing like a Sunday League player and Mangala has settled into the team and the league. Our attacking options are the best in the Premier League by a distance and one of the best units in Europe already. When Sterling and De Bruyne are fully up to speed it is heard to see anyone stopping us from scoring.

Most crucially, Pellegrini has seemingly switched to a 4-3-3 formation which plays to the team’s strengths rather than persisting with his preferred 4-4-2 in the name of stylistic purity.

13. After so much spending, what do the fans expect from the team in the CL this season? Finalists? Champions?

I think anyone who “expects” their team to win the Champion’s League is an idiot. It’s too unpredictable and relies on too many variables. However this is the first City team I’ve looked at and can’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be in the later rounds. Quarter Finals at least. Previously there has always been an obvious weakness but not this time really.

14. Do MCFC feel that their team is complete? Or are there any areas which they feel they’re still vulnerable in?

The only area there’s a potential worry at is at left back. Both Kolarov and Clichy retain the potential to have an absolute shocker completely at random. This could happen against Barcelona or in an FA Cup game against Bury. Both of them just sometimes play really really badly.

Other than that Fernando is an obvious weakness but there has been talk about how he was playing with injury all last season so we’ll see on that front…

15. Whats the most effective way to keep Aguero quiet ?

I promise I’m not just saying this, but there isn’t a tried and tested way to keep him quiet really. Sometimes he’s injured. That’s the only sure way to know he won;t have an effect on the game. He is the real deal. He is that good. Ask Bayern Munich or Barcelona for examples of that…

16. how do you utilize Bony? As a super sub or do you use him and Aguero together sometimes?

Bony is definitely not purely a super sub. He has not really got fully into the groove at City yet but there is enough evidence that when he does he will score his fair share of goals.

He’s not a direct replacement for Aguero. He is superb at drawing defenders out of position and bullying them. He is also very good at playing it into players running beyond him which is obviously a good thing bearing in mind the sort of players we have just behind the strikers. He is also useful in a 4-4-2 but that is now hopefully consigned to the bin or at least only used as a last resort.

17. Prediction for the game ?

3-1 to City. I don't expect to get through this game without conceding at least one goal but I also don’t expect your defence to be able to handle City for 90 minutes…

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Kompany calls on Manchester City
to 'make a statement' against Juventus

Manuel Pellegrini's men face the Serie A champions in midweek, and the Belgium international
believes his team-mates must prove their worth in Europe's premier club competition.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/09/14/15350282/-?

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says the Premier League champions must look to "make a statement" in the Champions League this season, starting with Tuesday's visit of Juventus.

City have been either champions or runners-up in England in each of the last four seasons, but have failed to make it past the Champions League's round of 16 in that time.

A perfect record in the top flight to kick off this campaign has added to the weight of expectation on Manuel Pellegrini's shoulders to deliver success in Europe and Kompany has welcomed the pressure.

"It's important to make a statement. Everything has been so bright for us so far. We have to show our qualities," said the Belgium international.

"As long as we don't perform in the Champions League as we have in the Premier League there will always be something left behind. It is a really important game for us.

"It's about finding that confidence we have in the Premier League and bringing it into the Champions League. This season isn't the same [as previous campaigns], if we're not confident before tomorrow we never will be.

"In the Premier League we're really determined and really hungry because we're frustrated from last season. In the Champions League we're frustrated from many seasons before. We just need to take that anger, that desire and energy into tomorrow's game, it’s so important."

While City have begun their season impressively, last season's Champions League finalists Juventus have taken one point from nine in defence of their Serie A title.

With Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach also in Group D, Kompany added: "We have to be [better]. It cannot be what it was in the previous years.

"I think last year, we did come up against a very, very strong Barcelona team [in the last 16]. It is not an excuse. It is the truth.

"The group may be the hardest this year again but we have learned to cope with it in the last few years. Ultimately, it is the Champions League and it is good to play against the best teams."

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Kompany: ‘Juventus game crucial’

http://www.football-italia.net/72967/kompany-%E2%80%98juventus-game-crucial%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Vincent Kompany admits Manchester City’s clash with a ‘strong’ Juventus is ‘really important for us’ after previous disappointments.

The English side have been seen as under-performing in Europe in recent seasons, and the Belgian stopper is aiming to put that right.

“It’s really important for us,” Kompany said in a pre-match Press conference.

“Everything has been so bright and good for us so far, it’s the same as people have been saying for the last three or four years, if we don’t perform and show our quality as we’ve done in the Premier League then there will always be something that’s left behind and leaves us unsatisfied, so it’s a really important game for us.

“We’ve been looking forward to the start of this competition since that disappointing game in Barcelona last season [City lost 3-1 on aggregate, 1-0 at Camp Nou].

“Even in the group stages we’ve struggled a couple of times. Certainly last season against [CSKA] Moscow was disappointing as well, it’s about finding that confidence we have in the Premier League and bringing it into the Champions League.

“If we’re not confident for tomorrow, then we’ll never be confident after what we’ve done so far. We’re frustrated from many seasons before, we just have to take that anger, or that desire into tomorrow’s game.

“Whatever happened last season should be used as a lesson. We have a good team, we should always be confident before a game starts.

“Tomorrow is a game which everyone will be ready for, and just really up for. It maybe takes a bit of pressure off you, you can’t underestimate any team at this level.

“Tomorrow, everyone knows it’s a strong team, and everyone is ready for it.”

Juventus reached the Champions League final last season, losing to Barça, but Kompany sees three teams as being far ahead of the chasing pack.

“Since we’ve been in the Champions League, it’s been Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, they’ve been the three strongest teams by a mile, so I think every other team has been playing catch-up.

“For us to close that gap and overcome them eventually - and the same for any other team, Juventus are probably trying to do that as well - it’ll just take time and hard work, like they’ve done over the years.

“Those teams are not just the best because they have a better badge or better colours, it’s because they’ve had the chance to work on their squad for so many years, and they’ve always attracted the best players

“For us to attract players like [Raheem] Sterling and [Kevin] De Bruyne takes us a step closer, but ultimately we’ll have to prove it on the pitch.

“One of the things is, they [those teams] have huge depth in the squad, and people forget that sometimes.

“They want to show us where the most money is spent, but that’s not what it’s about really, it’s about who has the best squad to cope with all the competitions

“It seems like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been fielding such strong squads over the whole season that it’s given them an advantage, but closing the gap is about making sure those differences don’t exist anymore.

“No-one left the Champions League satisfied last year. Ok, we came up against the best team in the world, I guess that made it a little bit easier to understand, but that’s not what we want.

“We want to be able to compete with them, and at least beat them on a regular basis. It’s another year, and it’s another season full of hope.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Preview: Manchester City vs. Juventus

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/champions-league/preview/preview-man-city-vs-juventus_246136.html?

Sep 14, 2015

Manchester City welcome travelling Juventus to the Etihad in Group D of the Champions League on Tuesday evening looking to kickstart their campaign with a positive result on home soil.

Travelling Juve are seeking to set the record straight after a testing start to the new Serie A season, having picked up just one point from three opening games.
 

 

City go into their clash against the Old Lady with the confidence of an untouched introduction to the Premier League behind them.

Despite their European struggles of late, City have started the new domestic campaign in lightning fashion after recording five wins from five fixtures so far.

The Sky Blues have often suffered from difficult draws in their previous Champions League exploits, although they have arguably been handed a slightly easier task this time around.

Roberto Mancini's charges are to come up against Juve, Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach, but they will feel that they can reach the knockout stages given that Tuesday's opponents are the only heavyweight team in Group D.

The European showpiece is often won with tactical organisation and this is something City have been crying out for in the last year.

The summer addition of Nicolas Otamendi could help to add some strength and guile into City's back-line should he feature, while the late purchase of Kevin De Bruyne could sharpen City's ability to break down some of Europe's hardened defences.

The Manchester club will be looking to earn a victory from this clash in order to set out a marker for the rest of the group campaign, which may also serve as a message to some of this year's major contenders.

Recent form (all competitions): WWWWW


Juventus come into the fixture in a totally different position, given that the current Serie A champions have had a rough start to the season.

The Old Lady have picked up just one point from three league fixtures, while also suffering a defeat at the hands of title contenders Roma.

The early season problems must be considerably perplexing for coach Massimiliano Allegri, given that he has been able to keep hold of much the same squad as the one that reached the final of this tournament last campaign.

The Italian outfit did well to ward off continued interest from a number of clubs for highly-rated midfielder Paul Pogba, while they made clever purchases in the shape of forwards Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and the creative midfielder Hernanes.

It is perhaps too early in the season for Juve fans to start worrying, but they will need to turn things around quickly in order to provide a threat on both domestic and European fronts.

Should they be able to get a result away at the Eithad, some of those early season blues may soon disappear.

Recent form (all competitions): WDDL
 

 

Team News

City have been boosted by the return to training of David Silva and Raheem Sterling on Monday, but they will be without key forward Sergio Aguero who is suffering with a knee injury.

It is also thought that Fernandinho and Samir Nasri missed City's training on Monday and could be absent from the clash. However, De Bruyne may make his starting debut for the club after coming off the bench against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Juventus have not had much luck with injuries of late, following major knocks to Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah and Claudio Marchisio.

Giorgio Chiellini could make a much-needed return, but that will depend on whether Allegri decides upon a three or four-man defence away from home.

Mandzukic could be knocking on the door to replace either Dybala or Alvaro Morata, while Juan Cuadrado will also be seeking to present his boss with a selection headache going forward.


Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Hart; Sanga, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; de Bruyne, Silva, Sterling; Bony

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon; Sandro, Chiellini, Bonucci, Caceres; Pogba, Pereyra, Cuadrado; Hernanes; Morata, Dybala


Head To Head

Juventus currently have the advantage when you look at the sides' history against each other.

As it stands, City have gone three games in all European competitions without a win against Juventus. The Italian side have beaten them once and held the Sky Blues to draws in the other two recent occasions.

 

We say: Manchester City 2-2 Juventus

City go into the fixture on the back of some impressive early season form, but Juventus will be itching to get their campaign back on track with a positive result in Manchester. Mancini and his men have been struggling in the competition lately and have won only two of their last 10 Champions League fixtures.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

‘City can win Champions League’

http://www.football-italia.net/72970/%E2%80%98city-can-win-champions-league%E2%80%99

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon believes tomorrow's opponents Manchester City ‘can win the Champions League’.

The Bianconeri are in Manchester ahead of the match at Etihad tomorrow, and the ‘keeper sees the English side as one of the contenders for the trophy.

“There’s great enthusiasm for the match tomorrow,” Buffon told journalists in the pre-match Press conference.

“It’s my first time playing in this stadium. Manchester City can win the Champions League, and it’ll be nice to start our European campaign with such a big test.

“It’s the best way to help us recognise ourselves again, to know our value and have the sole purpose of knowing where we want to go.”

Sergio Aguero will be missing for the hosts, but the Juve captain is not celebrating the face he won’t have to face him.

“They have seven or eight attacking players who could all play in the top five teams in Europe.

“It’s not possible to play more than three strikers at once, and it’s a shame not to see some players on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Corradi: Manchester City Have
Too Much For Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/corradi-manchester-city-have-too-much-for-juventus/?

Sep 14, 2015

Former Italy international Bernardo Corradi says that even without Sergio Aguero, Manchester City will have too much for Juventus.

Corradi, who used to play for the Premier League side, sees his former club triumphing over the Bianconeri when the two sides meet at the Etihad stadium on Tuesday.

“In addition to their poor form, Juventus have also lost Marchisio and find themselves in difficulties that they probably never expected,” Corradi told Tuttomercatoweb.

“On the other hand, here is a Manchester City side that have spent considerably and have a squad that is well equipped.

“Despite some absentees I believe Pellegrini’s team will have too much for Juventus.

“Whilst they are missing Aguero, Juventus also have major absentees.

“The point is that the two teams are in two completely different situations and it should make for an entertaining match, it’s a challenge for Juventus and not a turning point, but it’s definitely a key moment in the season.”

Juventus have taken just one point from their three league matches this season whilst Manchester City have won all five Premier League games and have yet to concede a goal.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Allegri: ‘Juventus must improve’

http://www.football-italia.net/72972/allegri-%E2%80%98juventus-must-improve%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Coach Max Allegri admits Juventus must ‘reverse the trend’ of bad results against Manchester City tomorrow.

The Bianconeri face the English side at Etihad tomorrow night, having taken just a single point from their first three Serie A games.

“We have to play with intensity, courage and technique to improve our confidence,” Allegri explained in his pre-match Press conference.

“It has been lowered because of the results, and we have to reverse the trend. At the moment there are a thousand questions about the team, because the results have not arrived.

“We can only find out who we are by playing, we don’t know if we can start talking about the Scudetto or the Coppa Italia, that doesn’t make sense.

“We have to be calm, and work, and see things in a different way. In football, the mood depends on results.

“On Saturday [in the draw with Chievo] I felt sorry for the lads, the team did a lot of things right, aside from being ruthless.

“At the moment we’re not scoring enough goals, it takes us a lot of chances to get one, when we start scoring the games will be different.

Echoing the words of captain Gianluigi Buffon, Allegri sees Manchester City as a team which can win the Champions League.

“City are one of the favourites. We have to forget about the League, and think about the Champions League.

“We’ll have the opportunity to find space, and to play in a different kind of match than in the Italian League. We have to stay focused, and know that a positive result will change everything.

“Last year Juventus played on a par with Real Madrid, and dominated other games, playing a more ‘European’ style of football and we deservedly reached the final.

“To only talk about the League is reductive, Juventus must have the ambition to remain among the top eight teams in Europe, but playing good football.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Man City are one of the Champions League favourites - Allegri

The former Milan boss feels his side will have to raise their game to beat the Premier
League leaders while Gianluigi Buffon hailed the attacking talent City can call on.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/09/14/15354192/-?

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri believes Manchester City are one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season.

Allegri led the Serie A champions to the final of the competition in 2014-15, and feels City have as good a chance as anyone of picking up the silverware this time around.

City have begun the campaign in fine form, having won all five of their opening Premier League matches, which is in stark comparison to Juve, with the Italian outfit picking up one point from three matches in Serie A.

And Allegri has called on his players to raise their performance levels if they are to beat Manuel Pellegrini's side in their Group D opener.

"Manchester City are one of the Champions League favourites," he told reporters. "Tomorrow will be the first of six group matches and our aim is to get through.

"We'll need to put in an intense performance, show plenty of courage and also play at a high technical level.

"The team's given everything in the first three games, we've lacked goals and also been a little unlucky."

Juve captain Gianluigi Buffon has agreed with his manager regarding City being one of the best sides in the competition, and has hailed their attacking talent.

City signed both Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne over the summer to further bolster their forward line, and Buffon feels that their offensive players are some of the best on the continent.

"For me it will be my first time playing in this stadium, against City who are one of the candidates to win the Champions League," he said.

"It will be nice to start with such a big test. City have seven or eight of the best attacking players in Europe."

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Against Man City, Juventus may revert to last
season's tactics to get first win

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2612278/juventus-may-go-to-old-tactics-to-get-on-track-vs-man-city?

Sep 14, 2015

It's not been a happy month for Juventus.

Not only are they struggling to win Serie A matches, a league they dominated with ease for the past four years, but they must now deal with the fact they've lost one of their best midfielders, Claudio Marchisio, to injury. The player is suspected to miss at least a month and manager Massimiliano Allegri is now tasked with not only finding the perfect partnership up top, but learning how to balance a midfield that is practically entirely different to the one he had last season.

By contrast to the Bianconeri, Manchester City have had a terrific start to their Premier League campaign, demonstrating cohesion and a remarkable appetite for success. Even during the tough matches, such as the one they played over the weekend against Crystal Palace, they still managed to find the goal that sealed all three points and maintained their perfect record.

With David Silva linking play and a midfield that has both destroyers and creators, City barely have any weaknesses. However, Juventus should draw inspiration from Crystal Palace's performance, as they demonstrated on Saturday that City's back-line can struggle when playing against an opponent who understands how to stretch play and make use of the wings as well as one that works the channels well.

Once upon a time, Juventus were a side that effectively penetrated through the middle. With Andrea Pirlo's passing and the movements of Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, much of the Bianconeri's attacks went through the middle. This season, things have changed to suit the skill set of the new arrivals and that means playing with a little more width.

Left-back Alex Sandro proved his determination against Chievo, pushing forward and attempting crosses as much as possible, the only problem was that his teammates at the forward positions could do little with what he produced. Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado proved to be Juve's best player on Saturday night, he was perhaps the only one who understood how to apply pressure and get past the opponent in one-on-one situations. Allegri must make use of their talent.

However, according to latest reports, the coach wants to revert back to a 3-5-2 formation against Manchester City in hopes of offering his defence a little more support to provide more balance within the side. That means it's likely that neither Sandro nor Cuadrado will start with the coach preferring to rely on the men with a little more experience, Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

With City's centre-backs so comfortable in the air, he is less interested in Sandro's crosses and more interested in going back to what Juve used to be able to do last season -- pulling defenders away and creating spaces to score by keeping possession and playing the ball to feet. Yet, does the team have the personnel required to play a fast game in attack that can overwhelm their Champions League opponent?

This particular match comes at a very bad time for the Old Lady. Great intelligence is required to beat a Premier League team that boasts confidence and great determination, not to mention spectacular players. With so many changes in the squad during the offseason, it will take remarkable team play for Juventus to create opportunities for themselves and neither Alvaro Morata nor Mario Mandzukic are adept enough at making the difference up top when they aren't paired with a world-class wizard like former striker Carlos Tevez.

The players haven't found chemistry yet and that has been shown in not understanding the movements of those they play with or how best to execute Allegri's tactics. This will require patience and the willingness to sacrifice. With the demand for Juventus to finally get their first win of the season, the pressure is piling on. For players with less experience, like Paulo Dybala and Morata, the current situation could make both force the situation, in the hope of being the hero.

Still, individual play is unlikely to result in success. This isn't a side that boasts many players who can make the difference on their own, so they must learn to look for one another and share the ball. Maintaining possession and looking for ways to penetrate is their best option as striking from distance and dribbling until they hit a brick wall has hardly panned out for them.

Likely to play a defensive game, the priority is to keep a clean sheet. Juventus must get back to their disciplined ways and learn how to close down space and press the opponent to win back possession. Thankfully for them, Sergio Aguero will not play due to injury and that is bound to hinder the home side. Once the Bianconeri recover their defensive stability, they can then work upon perfecting an attack that boasts talent but little understanding.

The most important thing is to try to enjoy the match instead of combating pressure and dealing with exaggerated criticism. Balance will be restored and once it does, the results will follow. For now, all Allegri can ask for is that his side play with courage, heart and discipline until they rediscover their form.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

UEFA Champions League Preview:
Juventus vs. Manchester City

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/14/9300131/manchester-city-juventus-2015-uefa-champions-league-group-stage-preview-team-news-schedule

Sep 14, 2015

For a variety of reasons, Juventus-Manchester City is a European matchup we haven't seen much of in recent memory. The last time the two teams meet in England was 2010, a decent number of years where quite a bit has happened — both good and bad — for both clubs. Titles have been won, lots of money spent,

Every now and then it's interesting take a trip down memory lane and remember what once was. So, for the sake of refreshing our memory, here's the starting lineup from that trip to Manchester five years ago. Don't be shy. You know you're curious to rehash a few of those memories of yesteryear.

Alex Manninger (GK); Zdenek Grygera, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Paulo De Ceglie; Milos Krasic, Momo Sissoko, Claudio Marchisio, Jorge Martinez; Vincenzo Iaquinta, Alessandro Del Piero

Just for kicks, here's the actual visual evidence of that same Juventus starting lineup from that late-September night in 2010 when the Etihad Stadium was actually officially known as the Eastlands.

Three players from that starting lineup still remain at the club. One of them, Claudio Marchisio, was set to be a huge part of Tuesday's game until we found out he's hurt and won't even make the trip to Manchester. So, yeah, times are a different, and all of us can see that.

I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that it's been quite a change from five years ago when Juventus were still in the midst of discovering that Gigi Delneri wouldn't be around come that next summer. That was the Europa League, this is the group stage of the Champions League. Instead of a seventh-place finish in Serie A, Juventus are coming off their fourth straight Scudetto and a spot in last season's Champions League final.

Juventus' fortunes haven't been so hot to begin this current campaign. We know about all of the roster turnover, how nearly half of the squad is changed from the one that faced Barcelona in Berlin last June. And we know how this team has struggled to start the Serie A season on any kind of positive note through the first three games. Some of it has to do with so many new elements, some of it has to do with the fact that important players are either injured or completely out of form at the moment.

And some of it, honestly, is that Juventus, as a team, just aren't playing so well.

But the Champions League is the Champions League. And now that they've gotten to the final as a group, they'll certainly want to make their next visit a much shorter of a wait. There's only one way to have that happen — get out of the group stage and then see where things may lead to.

Considering how tough this Group D is this season, starting off on the right foot will be oh so incredibly crucial.


GOOD NEWS

Juventus actually have a point in Serie A now. Progress!


BAD NEWS

Juventus' on-field chemistry resembles poop emojis right now.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Will Big Game Juventus — or even Good Juventus — show up in Manchester?

We've seen this team struggle in games and then suddenly flip the switch under the brightest of lights and biggest of microscopes. Even while their form wasn't so great the last couple months of last season domestically, we all know what they did to get to the Champions League final. Sure, it's a new group and it's a new season, but that oh so lovely grinta and big-game alertness should always be there. What a better opportunity for them to show just that against a team that has undoubtedly started their domestic campaign as well as anybody and have the tipsters thinking Man City are a legitimate threat to make noise in this season's competition. Juventus are the underdogs in this one, and just like it was the case against Barcelona three-plus months ago, that's totally okay. Juve have thrived in the past in this kind of situation. So why not have it happen again?

2. What formation Max Allegri goes with?

This seemed a little easier to figure out with Marchisio healthy again. But, as we've come to know, that's changed rather quickly. The rumors going around the interwebs on Monday morning in the aftermath of the Marchisio news has Allegri going with one of two formations, a 3-5-2 or Christmas tree 4-3-2-1. Let's see what Allegri had to say about it during his pre-match press conference on Monday, shall we?

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "I have five midfielders available tomorrow. We'll wait & see if I go with three or four - I won't be revealing my team."

Ah, that's more like it, Max. You're back to what I come to expect out of you when talking about your starting lineup ahead of important games. Bravo to you.

But there's no denying that the injury to Marchisio — and who Juventus will be playing Tuesday night — will factor in to Allegri's tactical setup decision. City love them some attacking football with who they have up top, and Allegri may side with a more defensive-minded lineup because of that. This is certainly one of the more interesting lineup decisions he's had to make so far this season. Not just because of who's available to play, but who his team is playing, too.

3. Defending Manchester City's speed.

What formation Allegri uses will likely have a big role in how he wants to defend City and all of their attacking options. When you can roll out an attacking quartet of Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, not only are you going to have a lot of damn quality on the field, there's also going to be tons of speed on the field. As we've come to find out, Aguero won't be taking part in Tuesday's Champions League opener, which is probably a bigger loss than Marchisio is to Juventus' lineup. But there's still going to be plenty of offensive firepower out there for City going up against a Juventus defense that hasn't exactly looked strong to begin the season.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We didn't allow Lazio a shot on goal in Shanghai. When you're solid at the back it allows you to attack better."

4. Álvaro Morata or Mario Mandzukic?

This probably wouldn't be an issue if either one looked better than the other to start the season. But because both have looked relatively meh in the opening couple of weeks, it's actually something to think about. Maybe if Allegri goes with a Christmas tree it's going to be a total non-issue. If not, then he has a decision to make. Or does he? I could be reading too much into it all, but if Mandzukic didn't play on Saturday because Allegri wanted him fresh for City on Tuesday, then there's your answer. It wouldn't be the first time Allegri rested somebody who did a bit of traveling during the recent international break

Or, we can just think that Sky Italia is right and it will be the both of them, meaning I just wasted about 150 words trying to make a decision that isn't even there.

My starting XI (3-5-2):

Gianluigi Buffon;

Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini;

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Lemina, Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Alex Sandro;

Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic

Yeah, I went there folks. Don't like it, well, you tell 'em, Álvaro.

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

MANCHESTER CITY V JUVENTUS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/manchester-city-v-juventus-champions-league-preview/?

Sep 14, 2015
 

Juventus

Juventus will be hoping to bounce back from their worst start in the clubs illustrious 118-year-history when they travel to Manchester, to face a City side that are undefeated so far this season.

It’s been a dismal start to the season, whichever way you look at it. Two losses in the first two weeks of Serie A…..and just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, Juve were a goal down inside the opening 5 minutes against a Chievo team that sit pretty at the top of the table, while the Bianconeri languish just outside the relegation zone. Perhaps the only saving grace from last weekend’s eventful match were the promising performancees from new signings Hernanes, Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado.

My biggest concern watching the match against the Flying Donkeys was the utter lack of cohesion between the players, including the experienced ‘heads’ who were at the club last season and long before. The defence looked unsure of itself while the midfield lacked any real shape and the forwards looked rushed and hurried, desperate to create something against a resolute Chievo defence. On the plus side, there’s no denying the potential and raw talent is there, although it may take time until we see this team deliver at its best.

Next up, the Bianconeri are in Manchester, preparing for tomorrow night’s Champions League opener against a Man City side who are yet to concede a goal this season. Getting a result may be a tough ask and yet this team may just have enough to cause City problems, and perhaps even spring a surprise or two.

Coach Max Allegri gave a typically confident and optimistic press conference earlier today, but he dropped no hints about how he might line his team up on the night.

“We have to play with intensity, courage and technique to improve our confidence,” Allegri explained.

“It has been lowered because of the results, and we have to reverse the trend. At the moment there are a thousand questions about the team, because the results have not arrived.

“We can only find out who we are by playing, we don’t know if we can start talking about the Scudetto or the Coppa Italia, that doesn’t make sense.

“We have to be calm, and work, and see things in a different way. In football, the mood depends on results.

“On Saturday [in the draw with Chievo] I felt sorry for the lads, the team did a lot of things right, aside from being ruthless.

“At the moment we’re not scoring enough goals, it takes us a lot of chances to get one, when we start scoring the games will be different.

“I have five midfielders available tomorrow. We’ll wait & see if I go with three or four – I won’t be revealing my team.”

It’s tough to predict just how Max will field his squad, especially given that Juan Cuadrado has been one of the few positives this season and Allegri needs to find a way to play him. I can’t see us going away from home in a big game like this and deployin a 4-3-3, which means we’ll either see a 3-5-2 or Allegri’s favoured 4-3-1-2.

Sky Italia have been reporting Juve using a 3-5-2 with Buffon fit and ready to start in goal. In front of him, we’ll likely see Caceres, Bonucci and Chiellini with Lichtsteiner and Evra as the full-backs. Pogba and Hernanes are almost certain to start in the middle of the pitch with either Lemina, Pereyra or Sturaro making up the midfield. Up front, Mandzukic will probably be given the nod with Alvaro Morata alongside him.

Probable lineup 3-5-2

Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Pereyra, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Mandzukic.

Injuries:

Khedira (thigh), Asamoah (knee), Marchisio (thigh)

Suspended:

None


 

  Manchester City

Probable lineup 4-2-3-1

Hart; Sagna, Mangala, Kompany, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, De Bruyne, Nasri; Bony.

Injuries:

Zabaleta, Fernando, Clichy, Delph, Agüero

Suspended:

None


 

Formation

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Man City will take struggling Juventus
seriously in UCL opener - Pellegrini

http://www.juvefc.com/manchester-city-v-juventus-champions-league-preview/?

Sep 14, 2015
 
MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini insisted Manchester City will not be lured into complacency by Juventus' poor start to the season.

While Premier League leaders City have a 100 percent record in the young campaign, Tuesday's opponents Juventus have only taken one point from three Serie A matches, and have made their worst start to a season since 1912.

But while the Champions League finalists lost Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo in the summer and are set to be without midfielders Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio for the clash at the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini remains wary of the defending Serie A champs.

"We play against a very strong squad. That is why they won the title four years in a row in Italy," the CIty boss said in a news conference on Monday. "That is not easy. They did not start the season very well in Italy but they continue having very good players.

"I don't think we must trust in Juventus [to make things easy for City] because it is a different competition. The Champions League also always motivates all the players so we are not thinking about Juventus."

While City have never reached the quarterfinals of the competition, Pellegrini is determined not to get ahead of himself and is concentrating purely on getting out of a difficult group.

"We are just thinking to win against Juventus and to try and qualify, as we did in the last two seasons, to the round of 16," he said. "After that we will see the draw."

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Manchester City V Juventus Team News: Agüero
And Marchisio Ruled Out Of Group D Clash, Silva Fit

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he would be without star striker Sergio Agüero
in the Group D opener against UEFA Champions League finalists Juventus,
but had better news regarding David Silva and Raheem Sterling.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/manchester-city-v-juventus-team-news-aguero-and-marchisio-ruled-out-of-group-d-clash-silva-fit/?

Sep 15, 2015
 
Manchester City have been handed another tough group in the UEFA Champions League in 2015/2016, but early-season form seems to suggest they should have few problems in making it through to the knock-out stages. While the Citizens have won each of their opening five games in the league, their Group D opponents Juventus, Sevilla and Borussia Mönchengladbach have failed to win a league game between them so far.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be further boosted by the news of David Silva’s return, with the Spain international expected to be passed fit for Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad. However, Sergio Agüero will be a noticeable absentee after picking up an injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed midfielder Claudio Marchisio would miss what is likely to be the Bianconeri’s toughest group game, but revealed he had enough options in midfield to cause Manchester City some problems.


Agüero ruled out for Manchester City, David Silva passed fit

Sergio Agüero will miss the opening game of his side’s UEFA Champions League campaign, as will long-term absentees Pablo Zabaleta, Fabian Delph and Gaël Clichy. However, there is positive news on David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri, with the Silva and Sterling in particular expected to be ready to face Serie A champions Juventus.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Group D meeting, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is quoted by the club’s official website as saying: “That’s why when you have choose your squad for season it’s important to have two players for every position.

“We have injuries, it’s difficult with the amount of games and intensity of the Premier League not to have injuries. In this case we have a lot of problems, but I trust this squad 100 per cent.”


Allegri confirms Marchisio will miss Manchester City clash

The former AC Milan manager has confirmed that Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s clash against City, while German international Sami Khedira continues to remain sidelined as he recovers from his thigh injury.

However, Allegri was keen to stress that he has quality options in midfield for his side’s Champions League opener. “I have five midfielders available and we’ll see if I go with three or four,” the Italian is quoted as saying by the club’s official website.

“I won’t be revealing my team just yet. I need to have a good think about things because Saturday’s game was an energy-sapping one.

“Hernanes played well, seeing as he hadn’t featured in a competitive game for a while, as did Alex Sandro. Cuadrado also looked good, it’s important for us to play to his strengths and give him the right support.”

[Socrates 8522]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Manchester City vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2566674-manchester-city-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Sep 15, 2015
 
Manchester City will be looking to take their immaculate Premier League form into their Champions League campaign as they take on Juventus on Tuesday in the first match of Group D in this year’s competition.

City have won five out five in the league and are yet to concede a goal. They find themselves five points ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal, and 11 in front of last season’s champions Chelsea. Leicester City, in second, sit four points behind the Blues.

City are setting all sorts of records, too. Victory over Watford saw them break a 103-year record of consecutive league victories, with their win at Crystal Palace on Saturday extending their current run to 11 straight wins. They have also kept six consecutive clean sheets in a row, something they have never managed before, and their five away wins in a row has equalled the club's best-ever tally.

Juventus, meanwhile, have begun the season in poor form. Having won Serie A at a canter last season while reaching the Champions League final, they haven’t looked the same this campaign, with just one point from their opening three matches.

Andrea Pirlo, a wonderful passer who brought control to the side, left for New York City FC, and Arturo Vidal, whose aggression and urgency was key to their success, joined Bayern Munich. It’s left them looking far less formidable, and City will be hoping to capitalise on their shaky start.

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
BUFFON: "It will be nice to start with such a big test. City have seven or eight of the best attacking players in Europe."

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
BUFFON: "Our Serie A start? We expected more, but now we just need to focus objectively on this match ahead of us against #MCFC."


Predicted Formations

City

Sergio Aguero is out of the game with a knee injury suffered against Palace on Saturday. Aguero was on the receiving end of a hefty challenge from Scott Dann that enraged Pellegrini and hasn’t recovered in time for this match.

The good news for City, though, is the return to the starting line up of David Silva and Raheem Sterling, both of whom missed the win at Selhurst Park. Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and Fabian Delph remain out, but Fernando has recovered from his recent injury troubles and is available for selection again.


City possible starting XI:

Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling; Bony

Yaya Touré ✔ @YayaToure
Great training session this morning! We are all looking forward to the game tomorrow!! #ComeOnCity !!!



Juventus

The Old Lady will be without Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah and Claudio Marchisio for the trip to the Etihad.

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
ALLEGRI: "Tomorrow the team will have to play carefully, knowing that we have in front of us one of the strongest teams in Europe."

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
ALLEGRI: "I have five midfielders available tomorrow. We'll wait & see if I go with three or four - I won't be revealing my XI."


Juventus possible starting XI:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Hernanes, Sturaro, Pogba; Pereyra; Morata, Mandzukic

 

Players to Watch

City: David Silva

David Silva missed Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace with an ankle problem, but he is set to return to the side for City’s first European match of the season.

The Spanish playmaker has been the Blues’ best player so far this term. He controls games with his passing ability, vision and creativity.

With the added pace and balance brought to the side by Raheem Sterling, Silva appears to be getting more room to inflict damage. He's a joy to watch and remains City's most potent attacking threat.


Juventus: Paul Pogba

The departures of Pirlo and Vidal have left Paul Pogba as Juventus’ outstanding player.

The Frenchman, 22, is on the cusp of greatness. He possesses a range of attributes only matched by a select few in world football: pace, power, an ability to run with the ball, tackle and score goals. There’s very little he can’t do.

He has single-handedly dominated matches since he moved to Juventus in 2012 after a frustrating spell at Manchester United.

It’s impossible to nullify him completely, but City need to minimise his impact on the game because he’s capable of winning the match with moments of brilliance.

 

Key Battle: Wilfried Bony vs.Giorgio Chiellini

In the absence of Aguero, it’s likely Wilfried Bony will lead the line for City, with Pellegrini expected to start with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has served him so well for much of the season so far.

Bony’s start to life at City has been mixed. His introduction to the side was delayed by his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, and then niggling injuries and Pellegrini’s switch to one man upfront saw his chances limited even further.

There have, though, been flashes of his quality. On Saturday at Selhurst Park, he showed some neat touches and excellent hold-up play, bringing others into the game and adding a physical edge to City’s attack.

If he can start well and play with confidence—and against Giorgio Chiellini, a hugely experienced defender, it won’t be easy—City will fancy their chances of scoring some goals against a side likely to be low on confidence.



Odds (via Odds Shark)

City: -120

Juventus: +325

Draw: +240