Juventus v MAN CITY – Jo Starts, Nimely Tchuimeni on the Bench

A long-winded tussle that has captured the attention of the country since the summer. A story that intensified in the past week and was the most talked about item on the news. Two contrasting alternatives, vying to be accepted. Emotions of adulation, tension, anger and dreams being crushed. But enough about the X-Factor final. Let’s concentrate on the football!

Although difficult, we must put the turbulence of the last few days behind us and focus on the trip to Italy. A trip to Turin to face Juventus is never going to be the easiest fixture, but City are in the rare position of having already qualified for the next round with a game in hand. However, it’s vitally important to finish top of the group, thus, in principle, guaranteeing an easier match in the knockout stage.

If I sound slightly desperate to emphasise the important of this game, it’s because I probably am! This will be my second ever European away trip and after the previous one ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Racing Santander, it would be great for the Blues to pull out all the stops this time around.

However, understandably, manager Roberto Mancini has decided to take with him a virtual fringe squad, leaving behind many of his top players, including the likes of Mario Balotelli and the afore-mentioned Tévez. Shay Given will start in goal, whilst Jo is expected to lead the line, with Liberian born Academy graduate, Alex Nimely Tchuimeni on the bench. Joleon Lescott has the flu and hasn’t made the trip, whilst only Pablo Zabaleta, Jerome Boateng and Jo, from those who started against West Ham, have travelled.

Patrick Vieira will start and should be handed the captain’s armband against his former club. New signing Gai Assulin, an Israeli international and Rafael Nadal look-a-like is not eligible. Winger Adam Johnson will start, and has dedicated this game to former Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper Dale Roberts, his best friend who sadly died this week aged 24.

Here is the side which Mancini may select:

                                                        Given

Boateng                  Boyata                      Richards                    Kolarov

                    Vieira                      Ibrahim                    Milner

SWP                                                                                               A. Johnson
                                                           Jo

Subs: Taylor, Zabaleta, Logan, Mee, Bridge, Tutte, Nimely Tchuimeni

Referee: Istvan Vad - The 31 year old Hungarian isn’t the most experienced at this level, but does have a sister called Anita who is also a referee.

Prediction: Juventus 1 – 1 MAN CITY - I don’t think it will be the most exciting of affairs, with goals to be scored by Milos Krasic and Adam Johnson.