Manchester City travel to Juventus Wednesday night facing mounting pressure to secure points that could help them avoid additional playoff games, as both teams battle for position in the Champions League’s new format.
City enter the Allianz Stadium match having collected just one point from their previous two European outings, including a shocking 3-3 home draw with Feyenoord after surrendering a three-goal lead. The defending champions face an unbeaten Juventus side under Thiago Motta, though the Italian club sits sixth in Serie A after drawing nine matches.
Injuries continue to plague Pep Guardiola’s squad, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake unlikely to feature after picking up knocks against Nottingham Forest. The defensive crisis may force Kyle Walker to retain his position despite poor recent form. John Stones remains sidelined, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, though Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic could return to the squad.
Juventus will miss defenders Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal but received a boost with Dusan Vlahovic’s return from a three-week absence. Andrea Cambiaso may also be available after participating in Tuesday’s training despite an ankle concern.
History favors the Italian side, who have won three of the teams’ last five meetings, with Manchester City yet to secure a victory. Their last encounter in 2015 saw Juventus prevail 1-0 in Turin.
