Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Two teams struggling to meet expectations will convene in Turin on Wednesday evening, when Juventus host an ailing Manchester City in the Champions League.
Almost side by side in the league-phase standings, Juve have regularly failed to turn one point into three this season, while City are enduring a crisis of confidence.
Juventus
Since losing their first-ever encounter with Manchester City in 1976, Juventus have remained unbeaten against the English side, recording three wins and two draws. However, like City, Juve also find themselves in an unstable position in this season’s Champions League standings, having followed two opening victories with just two points from their next three matches.
After suffering their only defeat of the 2024/25 season against Stuttgart, Thiago Motta’s team drew with Lille and Aston Villa last month. Another draw last weekend—Juve’s 19th league stalemate this year—further dented their Serie A title hopes, leaving them seven points off the top.
The two-time European champions narrowly avoided a first home league loss on Saturday, coming back from two goals down against Bologna. Teun Koopmeiners pulled one back, and substitute Samuel Mbangula equalized in the 92nd minute.
That result extended Juventus’ run of four consecutive draws across all competitions, with seven in their last nine matches. Still, they remain defensively solid, boasting the best record in Serie A, with only 10 goals conceded and 10 clean sheets in 15 games.
Team News
Juventus’ injury concerns have eased slightly, with star striker Dusan Vlahovic returning on Saturday after three weeks out with a thigh issue, and Nicolo Savona also making his comeback.
Savona is expected to compete with former Manchester City defender Danilo for a spot at full-back, while Thiago Motta is likely to retain Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti as his central defensive pairing.
However, Juve remain without Nico Gonzalez, Weston McKennie, and another ex-City player, Douglas Luiz. They are joined on the sidelines by long-term ACL absentees Juan Cabal and Bremer, while Andrea Cambiaso’s availability is in doubt due to an ankle sprain.
Manchester City
Manchester City’s recent struggles continued with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in their last Champions League outing, where they squandered a three-goal lead in the final 20 minutes at home. Coupled with a 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP in Lisbon, City are in the midst of their worst form under Pep Guardiola.
Conceding seven goals in their last two European games after keeping clean sheets in their first three has left City with just eight points, currently only enough for a play-off spot. Winners in 2023, they have reached the knockout stages for 11 straight seasons, topping their group in the last seven, but now Guardiola must focus on avoiding an early exit from the competition.
Domestically, City’s woes continued with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, where Rico Lewis equalized before being sent off. This result means City have won just once in their last nine matches across all competitions and risk setting an unwanted club record.
They also carry a five-match winless streak against Juventus in UEFA competitions – their joint-longest against any opponent – though this will be their first encounter with the Bianconeri during Guardiola’s tenure.
Team News
Manchester City’s injury list remains extensive, though Pep Guardiola may have Phil Foden back midweek after the England international missed the Crystal Palace draw due to bronchitis.
Defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji picked up injuries in last week’s victory over Nottingham Forest, joining John Stones and Mateo Kovacic on the sidelines. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are also long-term absentees.
Suspended domestically but eligible for Champions League action, Rico Lewis has been a standout performer, creating 13 chances while playing every minute of the campaign – making him the youngest to do so this season.
Matheus Nunes, emerging as a key figure, has registered three assists in his last three Champions League outings, leading the team in that category. Guardiola may rely on the Portuguese midfielder once again.
Conclusion
While Juventus excel at keeping clean sheets, they remain a team in transition under Thiago Motta, making Manchester City likely to secure at least a point.
City’s recent struggles have raised concerns, but Juventus’ home form in the Champions League has been inconsistent, with four losses in their last six games—matching their total defeats in the prior 40.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
