Juventus Preview:
Thiago Motta, the young and upcoming coach who was a revelation at Bologna with his stylish vision of the game, started life well at Juventus. However, yet another draw last weekend – their 19th in the league since the start of the year – also saw the two-time European champions fall further off the pace in the Serie A title race. They currently sit 7 points off surprise leaders Atalanta. That made it four straight draws across all competitions, and seven in the last nine. The Turin giants still boast Serie A’s best defensive record, with just 10 goals conceded and 10 clean sheets from 15 games so far. Juventus have seen injury issues start to ease with the return of both Dusan Vlahovic and Nicolo Savona recently which they hope will improve them going forward. A win over a beleaguered City side feels essential for the team and Motta heading into the Christmas period.
Manchester City Preview:
What can we say about Manchester City. We are so used to them steamrolling any opposition put in front of them, but with an injury crisis that is doing little to aid matters, their form has been dreadful. Last season’s player of the year, Phil Foden should return to action in Turin which is a big plus, but unfortunately for Guardiola, the same cannot be said about Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic or John Stones. And, of course, Oscar Bobb and Rodri are nowhere near returning to the fold. Kevin De Bruyne is back though, and his link up play with star striker Erling Haaland could be exactly what City need to get back to winning ways. Haaland has only scored 4 times in his last 8 games for his club but looked sharper against both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. If the service is provided, Haaland will score.
Predictions:
Two teams desperate for a win may well end up cancelling each other out. With Juventus having had so many draws recently, that outcome does look likely, however with Foden and De Bruyne back to provide quality service to Erling Haaland, the bet of the night is the boosted offer on Haaland to have 2+ Shots on Target.
Form guide
Juventus: 22nd in UCL, 8 points
Last five (all competitions): D-D-D-D-W
Manchester City: 20th in UCL, 8 points
Last five (all competitions): D-W-L-D-L