Manchester City will shift their attention to the Champions League on Wednesday night when they travel to Turin to face Juventus.
The Sky Blues are enduring by far their worst run of form since Pep Guardiola took charge. They have won just once in their last nine games across all competitions. While they ended their losing run with a 3-0 success over Nottingham Forest last week, Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the weekend.
In the Champions League, the Cityzens squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium last time out, dropping out of the automatic qualification spots as a result. So, Guardiola and Co. must be desperate to beat Juventus in Italy.
Manchester City Team News
Defensive duo Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji both sustained injuries in last week’s win over Nottingham Forest, while John Stones and Mateo Kovacic are also sidelined.
Phil Foden has missed the last couple of games due to bronchitis and his status remains unclear ahead of Man City’s trip to Juventus.
Predicted Man City lineup vs Juventus (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Stefan Ortega has started Man City’s last three games in goal, keeping one clean sheet and conceding four goals in the process. Guardiola is expected to trust the German again over Ederson.
Defence
The Sky Blues’ defence has been all over the place in recent weeks, thanks largely to their persistent injury issues. A couple of changes could be witnessed here, with young Jahmai Simpson-Pusey expected to get another opportunity in the Champions League. He could partner Ruben Dias in central defence.
That should see Josko Gvardiol move to the left-back position, replacing Rico Lewis from the last game. Kyle Walker, meanwhile, will retain his spot at right-back in the Man City lineup.
Midfield
Rico Lewis will miss the Manchester derby after being sent off in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, but he is eligible to face Juventus. The youngster could operate alongside Ilkay Gundogan in the double pivot in the middle of the park in midweek.
The City boss may give Bernardo Silva the nod over Kevin de Bruyne to operate in the hole, and the Portuguese’s movement, dribbling and link-up play will cause problems for Juventus’ backline. Having started at Palace, De Bruyne will hope to make a difference off the bench.
Attack
Savinho will try to add guile and pace from the right flank in the Man City lineup, while Jeremy Doku hopes to create problems from the opposite wing. The wingers will look to combine well with the midfielders and fashion testing the Juventus goalkeeper from distance.
There is no looking past Erling Haaland when it comes to leading City’s attack. The big Norwegian should be desperate to add to his season’s tally after ending his mini-goal drought against Palace.
