Manchester City – Juventus

Citizens defeated Chelsea at Saturday, they’re still contenders for the Premier title and seem to have a good atmosphere, despite some rumors. However, Mancini’s team already exited from Carling Cup and one more failure would be extremely difficult to explain to the boss. I expect a strong line-up tonight (could it be weak?) and serious approach. Juve are a big challenge and players will be eager to prove themselves (once more) on a big scene. Recent defensive worries don’t look too serious anymore, as Micah Richards has recovered from injury and will take his place at right-back. Shaun Wright and Mario Balotelli will be sidelined, but their positions are far from being critical.

Juve made a bleak start in Serie a with just 7 points from 5 opening games. Fortunately, they’re still just 3 points far from the top. Their defense line looks more than shaky, as they conceded 3 against Doria 3-3, Lech 3-3, Palermo 1-3 and 2 vs. Cagliari 4-2. All of those were at home and at last one, new embarrassment was avoid thankfully to Krasic who scored a hat-trick. On the paper their squad looks very strong, but their performances don’t give too much faith they can challenge for a title. Serie a will certainly be a priority over Europe and important thing is Juve have Inter on the corner (away, at Sunday). Luigi Delneri will be without injured Amauri and Quagliarella who isn’t registered for EL. Also, there’s possibility to some players be rested.

Europa League is a chance for City to get some silverware this season. They won’t get a title in Premier and already failed in Carling. Mancini must impress the bosses every day, while players are best motivated against strongest sides which Juve definitely is. Visitors haven’t impressing, lately. Weak start could turn into disaster in case of failure at Milano, European second stage could be reached even with a defeat tonight. Home win.

Bet: Man City -1ah
Odd: 2.11  Canbet
Stake: 7/10


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Inter 2-1 Juventus

Inter moved into the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia with a win over Juventus, but they had to come from behind after Diego had given the Bianconeri the lead. Goals from Lucio and Mario Balotelli in the second half gave the Nerazzurri a deserved win.
Balotelli threatened as he broke into the penalty area early on before Amauri tried to catch Francesco Toldo out with a shot from range in a lively start to the game.
The first goal of the evening game in the 10th minute when Toldo allowed a shot from Diego to squeeze past him after some fine build up play by Antonio Candreva and Momo Sissoko.
With a third of the game to go, Inter were beginning to show signs of desperation. Balotelli threw himself to the ground after Chiellini eased him off the ball in the penalty area, but moments later he forced Buffon into a smart save after finding himself in all sorts of space on the left side of the penalty area.
Felipe Melo then picked up a yellow card for a foul on Maicon on the edge of the area, and it proved to be a costly one. Sneijder stepped up to take the free kick and Lucio stabbed the ball past Buffon for the equaliser.As the clock ticked towards full-time, Inter grabbed a deserved winner as Juventus played for extra-time. Thiago Motta's shot was saved by Buffon, and Balotelli pounced on the loose ball to put the Nerazzurri ahead in the 89th minute.

www.goal.com