Manchester City vs. Napoli preview, UEFA Champions League
Manchester City will host Serie A side Napoli at the Etihad Stadium in the first Group A match of the UEFA Champions League this season. After finishing third on the English Premier League table last season, this is Manchester City’s first time in the European competition and look to be facing some tough competition, as along with Napoli they are to take on Bayern Munich and Villarreal.
Manchester City and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Hart-c18699 revealed he was looking forward to playing in his first ever Champions League tournament. Despite the fact that it was his and his club’s first time in the competition, he insisted they were not overwhelmed by the task at hand. Instead, according to Hart, the Manchester City squad and supporters were eagerly awaiting the clash against the Italian side.
Hart said while speaking to reporters:
“We’re not going to go into the Champions League fearing anyone. It’s exciting. As a group of players and as a group of fans, we can’t wait.”
With many people claiming that Manchester City had one of the easier groups, Hart felt that his side were actually in one of the tougher groups. The English stopper said his side would be facing a tough match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 on Wednesday and then would have to take on Bayern Munich and Villarreal, both of whom have had previous Champions League experience.
Hart continued:
“Being seeded in the third pot for the draw, we were expecting two very tough teams and we got the toughest of the fourth seeds in Napoli.”
Like Hart, the Manchester City manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Mancini revealed that it would be difficult for his side since it was their first time in the European competition. The Italian manager said it was crucial to make it past the first stages of the competition, but admitted that it wouldn’t be easy for the Citizens since they would be up against the likes of Napoli, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.
Mancini said:
“It’s always difficult for me to play against an Italian team. Napoli is a good team with fantastic supporters.”
With teams like Manchester United, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mancini-c23323 admitted it would be difficult for his side. The European competition has proven to be very unpredictable in the past, with some clubs going on to win it in their very first appearance in Europe; like Aston Villa in 1982.
He continued:
“The group is very strong. You can win the group or finish in fourth position.”
Team news
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini could go along with Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko in attack, which will be the first time the three strikers play together. Yaya Toure, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joleon-Lescott-c18941 look to resume their defensive duties in midweek.
Mancini insisted it was important for him to have options in his squad and was pleased with having spent in the summer transfer window to bring in reinforcements. Manchester City face an away game at Fulham over the weekend after the home fixture against Napoli on Wednesday. It was for this reason that the Italian boss wanted his squad at full strength, so they could recover from mid-week fixtures.
Mancini said:
“It is not important that we are away [in the league] after every Champions League game. What is important is that we recover after every game because playing in the Champions League is very hard.”
Napoli
Napoli are expected to present a strong attacking line-up with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Goran-Pandev-c15161, the on loan striker, is not expected to start, he could be brought on some time later in the match since he has experience playing in the European competition. Christian Maggio will be playing a wide role, while Marek Hamsik and Gokhan Inler will be starting in midfield.
Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro will be in the heart of defence for the Italian outfit, along with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 defender, will be at the right-back position, with Salvatore Aronica occupying the left-side.
Possible line-ups
Manchester City
Joe Hart; Gael Clichy, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-c8346 Tevez, Edin Dzeko.
Napoli
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Lavezzi-c13073, Mario Santana.
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