CITY v Juve

At last the focus can turn to football matches for Manchester City. After a week dominated by the reports that Carlos Tevez had handed in a transfer request attentions now turn to Turin. City of course are already through to the knockout stages but a win against Italian giants Juventus and finishing top of the group would surely be the icing on the cake.
Domestically City now head into a hectic part of the season with games coming quick and fast and it is with one eye on the Premier League that Mancini selects tonight’s team. Strikers Balotelli and Tevez will remain behind with injured striker Adebayor, and as Roque Santa Cruz wasn’t registered for the competition it leaves Jo as the only recognized striker.
Despite already qualifying Mancini will still be going all out for the top spot. "It is important to win this game because we want to top the group. We prefer not to meet the teams who come from the Champions League“ Mancini told press.
Micah Richards also believes that the players that are selected tonight will be looking to perform to their maximum in order to force their names onto the team sheet on a more regular note.
Adam Johnson however wants to do his best for City in memory of one of his friends, who died recently. Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper, Dale Roberts who was found dead in his home on Tuesday. “I’m absolutely devastated about Dale’s passing; he was a really good friend,” said Adam. “I grew up with Dale. We were in the same class at school and also played at Middlesbrough together. His parents are friends with my parents and we often went on holiday together.
“I know he was so desperate to improve and get up the leagues as a player, and he was a really good keeper, too. My heart goes out to his family and friends – he was one of my best mates and I’ll really miss him.
“I’m going to go out to Juventus to play in honour of Dale and dedicate my performance and hopefully a victory to his memory.”