Manchester City are finally going to play their first ever game in the Champions League. They're in a difficult group, but they're perfectly capable of getting through it. Their first test is Italian side Napoli, whose front three have gained an incredible reputation for their skill and finishing ability.
City are stressing over the fitness of James Milner and Gareth Barry, who both have late fitness tests on Wednesday ahead of the game itself. Nigel de Jong is missing as well, so we could be forced right down to the bare bones of their midfield. It could also force Mancini to play five at the back.
Mancini does have some positive selection issues up front, though (if positive issues exist). Mario Balotelli is suspended after picking up a straight-red card against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League in March, so it's between Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero to fill the forward positions. Personally, I think we'll see a front four of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and David Silva. The football those four produce when playing together is out of this world, and with Napoli expected to play just three in defence, it could work to our advantage.
Napoli's main threats are Ezequel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik, who set Serie A on fire last season and attracted some of Europe's top football clubs, including Barcelona & City!
I think we're going to be in for a shock on Wednesday. City have scored 15 goals in 4 games in the Premier League, but I don't think we're going to have the same freedom against Napoli. Having a manager with Champions League experience and Italian tactical know-how is needed when a situation like this arises, and Roberto Mancini should have all the right moves to dodge Napoli's darts.
I think City will win 2-1. Napoli are a week or two behind in preparation for the new Champions League season, and some of the players we have at our disposal should hopefully carry us through! City's strength in depth is about to be tested for the first time this season, and think we'll be okay.
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Savic, Lescott, Clichy; Yaya Toure, Silva, Nasri; Aguero, Dzeko.
Subs: Pantilimon; Kolarov, Onuoha, Zabaleta; Balotelli, A. Johnson, Tevez.
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