Manchester City's first hurdle in this year's UEFA Champions League comes in the form of last season's beaten finalists, Juventus. It's a tough first test for a City team that's had issues getting out of the group stage in recent seasons.
Things already look different this campaign, though. Manuel Pellegrini's team are bossing the early running in the Premier League, having won all five games and scoring 11 times without conceding, per the league's official site.
Those are City's reasons for optimism. Looking to transfer that form to Europe, Pellegrini has opted for the following team selection, per the team's official Twitter feed:
City's bench offered one or two surprises:
Pellegrini had previously suggested star striker Sergio Aguero would miss the match with a knee problem. The prolific Argentinian's return in any capacity is great news for City.
Meanwhile, James Robson of the Manchester Evening News queried the decision to leave £55 million man Kevin De Bruyne on the bench:
As for Juve, manager Massimiliano Allegri cannot rely on the same midfield that dominated last season's tournament. The departures of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo have seen to that.
Here's Allegri's selection for the visit to the Etihad, per the English arm of Juve's Twitter feed:
The inclusion of Brazilian playmaker Hernanes alongside Paul Pogba in the middle could cause City problems—so could towering strike partnership Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata.
Meanwhile, Argentinian live-wire forward Paulo Dybala makes the bench:
City's Champions League exertions have taken their toll on the club's league form in recent seasons. Disappointment on the continent has often been followed by a tepid showing at home.
What the current Premier League table toppers need is an early fillip for their confidence. Getting past Juve won't be easy, but beating the Serie A kingpins in Manchester would certainly boost belief City can make real waves in Europe's premier club competition this year.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567087-manchester-city-vs-juventus-starting-xis-lineups-from-2015-champions-league
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