It’s never boring at Eastlands these days and it’s been another turbulent week for Manchester City ahead of their trip to Italy to take on Juventus (Juve 6/4, draw 23/10, 9/5 – match betting) in the Europa League.
Thursday’s clash at the Stadio Olimipco looks like it could be a welcome distraction from the troubles off the field concerning their captain and top goalscorer Carlos Tevez.
The Argentina striker handed in a written transfer to the club stating that he wants to leave City because he misses his family back in his homeland.
City have stated that they will not be selling the former Manchester United forward, who has also revealed that his relationship with some of the chief executives at the club have “broken down beyond repair”.
It’s extremely doubtful that City will play their disillusioned striker in a match that will have no real impact on the club’s season as they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.
Juve were one of the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy this season but have crashed out of the competition in the group stages as Lech Poznan have proved to be a surprise package in the tournament so far.
The Italian side have proven difficult to beat and have not lost a game in their last 16 outings in all competitions.
It should be an exciting game with both sides having nothing to lose.
However, with the distractions off the field and the Blues likely to field a weakened side as they challenge at the top of the Premier League, it should be a win for the Old Lady.
It’s a similar situation for Liverpool as they take on Dutch side Utrecht at Anfield on Wednesday, although their star striker has not asked for a move away from the club (Liverpool 2/5, draw 7/2, Utrecht 7/1 – match betting).
The Reds have been very inconsistent in recent weeks having looked comfortable in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, they failed to show up in the 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
With the unpredictable performances in league it’s not surprising that it’s hard to predict how Liverpool will play against Utrecht.
The Merseyside club secured a goalless draw with a young side when these two sides met in Holland back in September.
Utrecht have been disappointing in Europe and in the Dutch league and the Reds should come out top in this one in front of their home fans despite the likelihood of fielding a weakened side ahead of Roy Hodgson’s game against former club Fulham this weekend.
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