Matchday six of the UEFA Champions League sees two underperforming teams clash as Italian giants Juventus host Premier League champions Manchester City. With both teams currently struggling for form, it could prove to be vital for both teams to win and spark an upturn in fortune this season.
Previous meetings
This will be just the third encounter between the two sides, with the Bianconeri currently enjoying a 100% record against tonight’s opponents. Their previous meetings both came in the 2015/16 season in the group stage of the Champions League. Matchday one saw Juventus come from behind to win 2-1 at the Etihad stadium thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata. When City travelled to Turin on matchday five, they again left empty-handed as a Mandzukic strike on 18 minutes was enough to give Juventus all three points and a 100% record against The Citizens.
Current form
It has been a season of frustration and underperformance for both sides so far. While Juventus still currently boast an unbeaten record in Serie A and have only lost once in all competitions, performances have often been dull and lacklustre. Thiago Motta’s only defeat as Juventus boss came in this competition, as VfB Stuttgart defeated them 1-0 in late October. Juve have won just two and drawn seven of their nine games since then. They currently find themselves sixth in Serie A and are seven points behind the current leaders, Atalanta.
Man City are also out of sorts at the moment and have endured a period of form that is unparalleled to anything in the Pep Guardiola era. Following their 1-0 victory over Southampton in October, City would go on to lose five straight games, including a 4-1 thrashing away at Sporting, before throwing away a 3-0 lead at home to Feyenoord and drawing 3-3. They then lost a crucial league game away at Liverpool before finally winning again, as they beat Nottingham Forrest 3-0. However, an unconvincing performance away at Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw last time out suggests that they are still not out of this bad spell.
Manager’s thoughts
Thiago Motta was full of respect for The Old Lady’s opponents ahead of tonight’s game and is clearly aware of the threat and quality the reigning Premier League champions possess. When asked for his thoughts on tonight’s opponents, the 42-year-old said:
“I cannot pass judgement on their current situation, but this is a team that has proven their immense value over the years, so I have enormous respect for them and for their coach Pep Guardiola, for whom facts simply speak for themselves, as he has managed to win everything and consistently. Commanding the game is not just about possession but attitude: we know that Manchester City want to attack and keep the ball; we will have to defend well and show great quality when we have possession.”
Pep Guardiola also had kind words about tonight’s opponent, and praised Thiago Motta and Juventus. However, he was fully focussed on his sides performance, saying:
“Juve is Juve. In Italy, they are the best team. Historical team.They are accustomed to playing with a lot of pressure. You see what Thiago is trying to do. He did an incredible job in Bologna. All the managers need time. Hopefully, Juventus board can give it to him this time to create what he wants to do.We must play this game. We know their potential and who we are. If I were a player, I’d only focus on my team. I have great respect for Juventus, but we must focus on ourselves because that’s the only way to get out of this situation.”
Team news
The hosts have had somewhat of an injury crisis this season and will again be without some players tonight. Long-term absentees Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are still sidelined with ACL injuries while summer signing Nico Gonzalez still remains unavailable. In more positive news for Juventus, star striker Dusan Vlahovic returned on Saturday and fullback Nicolo Savolo has also recently returned to action.
The visitors are also struggling with injuries recentyl. Ahead of the game, Guardiola confirmed that duo Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic, who have been out for the last few weeks, have travelled to Turin but was cautious about their return to the pitch. When asked if the duo could return tonight, the Spaniard said “I don’t think so. Maybe a few minutes for Kova but I dont think so.” City are also without Rodri due to an ACL injury and Oscar Bobb due to a leg fracture while defensive trio John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are also unavailable.