Manchester City started the 2010-11 campaign on a rather slow note but they have started to pick momentum. At the weekend Roberto Mancini's side defeated Premier League champions Chelsea 1-0 at Eastlands and are in hugely confident mood ahead of the visit of Juventus to the city.
City have won three of their last five matches and are gathering momentum. Furthermore, the Citizens will be looking forward to picking up their second win in the group stage of the competition after having won 2-0 against Salzburg in Austria a fortnight ago.
Midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is himself a former Juventus player, believes that the Bianconeri can be beaten and enthuses, "We have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea who are seen to be part of the big four. That just shows how strong we are. There is still a long way to go but we believe in ourselves. "We know how good we are. Now we have to win games week in, week out. We have to show it on the pitch.''
Repairing The Damage
Juventus' start to the 2010-11 season in all competitions has been very disappointing but Luigi Del Neri's side seem to be picking up momentum. The Bianconeri hammered Cagliari at the weekend and there is a suspicion that the former Italian and European champions have turned the corner.
However, Juve striker Alessandro Del Piero knows that a win against Manchester City at Eastlands is not an easy task but remains optimistic. The former Italy international says, "Manchester City are in excellent shape and it will be very hard for us. It always is when you are in England. They have invested heavily and one of the reasons they can be successful is that they have a great squad of players.''
Juve were held to a 3-3 draw by Polish side Lech Poznan in Turin in their opening game of the Europa League a fortnight ago and are desperate for all three points.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Jerome Boateng is fit and could start on Thursday evening. Micah Richards too could be available although Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful with a knee problem while Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are out.
Juventus
Jorge Martinez is ready to return to action and this will increase the options for coach Del Neri.
Prediction
Manchester City will go into the match as slight favourites but should know that Juventus are not a bad side. Although the Italian giants have been struggling so far this campaign, they do have the quality. A narrow win for the Citizen looks to be the most likely outcome.
Man City 2-1 Juventus 
