Ahead of Manchester City’s away clash with Juventus, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs preview the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
– VIDEO: Man City boss Pellegrini determined to avoid Barca
– RATE, SHARE & WIN: ValoraFutbol Fan Ratings
– LA LIGA TOP 5: Five-star Barcelona run the show
– XAVI: Barca legend Xavi on El Clasico and Messi
– FOLLOW: Live football scores from around the world
Do you agree with the assessments of Juventus and City’s Supporters Clubs? Let us know using #360fans on Twitter or commenting on the Sport360 Football Facebook page.
Nayef Khatib, JUVENTUS CLUB UAE
While Manchester City have the luxury of already being through to the Champions League last 16, Juventus are yet to secure their passage. A win in Turin on Tuesday, however, would see the Bianconeri progress, while a draw could see them through if Sevilla fail to beat Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
It seemed like it would be Juve, not City, who would top the group when last year’s finalists won 2-1 in Manchester in their opening game two months ago. But the English side have stepped up their game while the Bianconeri’s inconsistent domestic form translated to uninspiring back-to-back draws with Gladbach, after a home victory over Sevilla. Still, Juve at least look favourites to advance in second place.
The Serie A victory against AC Milan at the weekend was a major boost to morale and with City suffering a heavy defeat to Liverpool, confidence will be high that another victory can be secured over Manuel Pellegrini’s side. On the injury front, Juve are without Sami Khedira and Hernanes, while Patrice Evra is also doubtful.
PREDICTION: Juventus 3-1 Man City
LIKELY JUVE XI: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Cuadrado; Morata, Dybala
JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH: Paulo Dybala. It was always going to be tough to fill Carlos Tevez’s boots but Dybala has been stepping up and scoring more often recently – including the winner against Milan; this is his chance to shine in Europe.
MAN CITY PLAYER TO FEAR: Yaya Toure. City seem to have a long list of injuries at the moment but Toure is the beating heart of the team and always a danger when striding forward with the ball or arriving late in the box.
WHERE TO WATCH: We will be gathering in Garden on 8 at the Media One Hotel in Dubai’s Media City, while in Abu Dhabi our Juventini brothers will be at Marina Al Bateen.
TWITTER: @juaeclub
FACEBOOK: Juventus Club Doc UAE
Michael Boparan, DUBAI MCFC SUPPORTERS CLUB
Manchester City will be keen to forget what was the most disappointing and disjointed performance for many years last weekend against Liverpool. Most supporters apportioned blame to Manuel Pellegrini for not starting Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho – two of the most consistent performers thus far this season. Although the manager was defiant in saying that he would pick the same team, he was at a loss for the reasoning. The only positive is that it can only get better for the Juventus game.
A win would see City qualify for the last 16 in top spot and thus avoid the likes of Barcelona, Bayern, Real Madrid/PSG, Porto and Atletico Madrid, while a draw would leave City needing to beat Borussia Monchengladbach at home in their final group game to guarantee pole position.
Sergio Aguero will play his second game in four days after recovering from his hamstring injury and he is key to City’s hopes of winning in Turin. Kun has always taken some time to hit form after injuries – hopefully his brilliant strike against Liverpool means this time he will hit the ground running. Elsewhere, City are likely to be without Kompany, Silva and Mangala, none of whom trained ahead of the game.
PREDICTION: Juventus 1-2 Manchester City
LIKELY MAN CITY XI: Hart, Zabletta, Otamendi, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Yaya, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero
MAN CITY PLAYER TO WATCH: Fernandinho. He was excellent against Sevilla and has, along with Kevin de Bruyne, been City’s best player this season. He is quick in the tackle and swift in releasing the ball, snapping defence into attack.
JUVENTUS PLAYER TO FEAR: Paul Pogba. He is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and it is no coincidence that the form of the much sought after youngster has led to an upturn in the Bianconieri’s recent results. Pogba will provide ample cover for their solid defence.
WHERE TO WATCH: Dubai Blues meet at Huddles Bar, Citymax in Al Barsha – all are welcome!
FACEBOOK: Dubai Manchester City Supporters Group