Manchester City celebrates a goal by Fernandinho. (Photo : Reuters)
Manchester City and AS Roma will square off in the second friendly match of the Australian leg of the 2015 International Champions Cup to be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, July 21.
ESPN reported that Citizens coach Manuel Pellegrini is intending to feature their newest acquisition, English winger Raheem Sterling, in both of their ICC friendlies. City's other match, against Spanish giant Real Madrid, will be on Friday next week at the same venue.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder's £49-million move from Liverpool to the Etihad set the British record for the most expensive transfer in history. Sterling is set to join his new teammates for the first time on Friday for training.
Meanwhile, Rudi García's squad faces a lot of issues going into the annual competitions, as per Tribal Football. The French manager is concerned whether team captain Francesco Totti could still perform at 38 years of age while his other star scorer, Seydou Doumbia, is currently on a decline.
Rumors have arisen that the 27-year-old Ivorian might be dealt away before the new season begins, although Doumbia is with the Giallorossi for the ICC.
The predicted result is a 2-0 win by City over the Wolves. It would be an entertaining match up as both teams play to their strengths and weaknesses, but Pellegrini's team is much superior and will overcome in the end.
Manchester City starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Hart; Kolarov, Kompany, Mangala, Zabaleta; Touré, Fernandinho; Nasri, Sterling, Agüero; Džeko
AS Roma starting lineup (4-3-2-1 formation): Lobont; Yanga-Mbiwa, Cole, Castan, Cholevas; Florenzi, De Rossi, Pjanic; Ljajic, Doumbia; Totti
