There Champions League comes to life with the sixth day of the new single-round format, the bar is raised for Juventus: atAllianz Stadium Manchester City arrives. Almost identical performance so far for the two teams, tied in the standings at 8 with a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs and still some chance of gaining direct access to the direct elimination phase with a victory. In the last precedent in Turin dating back to 2015 the Bianconeri, then led by Massimiliano Allegri, got the better of the English: decisive goal by Mandzukic. For this evening’s match, one of the most highly rated referees has been appointed: the Frenchman Clement Turpin, assisted by his compatriots Danos and Finjean. Fourth official Vernice. VAR Millot and Delajod.
HOW JUVENTUS ARRIVES – The only real doubt is that relating to Cambiaso’s physical condition, who returned to the group in the finishing session after the problem suffered in the match against Bologna. The full-back will do everything to be there, but Motta will only decide at the last minute whether to field him or not from the first minute. If the line of caution prevails, room for Danilo. Di Gregorio is back in goal, the midfield formed by Thuram and Locatelli is confirmed. Yildiz also finds himself back in the starting lineup, in the trio of attacking midfielders completed by Conceicao. Weah out. The weight of the attack will be on Vlahovic’s shoulders.
HOW MANCHESTER CITY ARRIVES – The worst moment of the Guardiola era is not yet over, the numbers of the last month and a half are merciless: just one victory, compared to six defeats and two draws. Feyenoord’s comeback was sensational two weeks ago: from 3-0 to 3-3 in the final quarter of an hour. Among the causes of the crisis there is also the emergency linked to injuries, a reduced squad and almost forced choices for the Catalan manager: Ederson should return between the posts in place of Ortega, Akanji at the center of defense together with Dias and Gvardiol on the left. Gundogan plays, supported by De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Doku and Grealish favored to partner Haaland.