Preview
Manchester City face AC Milan at the Allianz Arena in the semi finals of the Audi Cup, a preseason tournament hosted by Bayern Munich. The tournament also features Bayern and Brazilian team Sao Paolo, who play the second semi-final. The winners of both games will play the final on August 1. All games in the tournament are scheduled to take place on Bayern's home ground - the Allianz Arena.
Manchester City are well into their pre-season having already played four games. After being defeated in their first two against SuperSport United and AmaZulu FC, the team seems to be finding their feet under new manager Manuel Pellegrini. They recently won the Barclays Asia Trophy, defeating both South China and Sunderland 1-0 to lift the trophy.
AC Milan, on the other hand, have only just begun their pre-season schedule. The game against City will be only their second. Considering the Serie A season begins later than the Premier League season, the AC Milan team will be behind in their fitness levels.
Team News
City will be without defender Matija Nastasic who suffered an injury in the game against Sunderland.
"We will have to wait to find out how serious the injury to Nastasic is," Pellegrini said. "At this moment we don't know whether he needs an operation or if there is another solution but I have a lot of players that I can rely on."
The manager refused to give any clues as to who will be starting the game.
"Yes the whole squad is here except for Matija [Nastasic]," the Spaniard said. "I don't know who will play against Milan yet. It's more important we see who is fit and who is ready to play."
Unfortunately, former Manchester City current AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli will also be missing.
"Mario [Balotelli] is a very important player for us but he won't feature in this tournament because he has been away with Italy at the Confederations Cup," said AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri. "He has only been back for two days and needs to build up his fitness first."
Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong, however, is in line to face his old club for the first time since his transfer last season.
Where to Watch
Kick-off is at 9:45pm IST (Wednesday, July 31) and live coverage is available on Sony Six.
