For our latest Big Game Focus, we take a look at the crucial Champions League clash between Juventus and Manchester United in Turin.
Juventus could guarantee their place in this season’s knockout rounds of the Champions League by beating Manchester United at the Juventus Stadium tonight. Max Allegri’s side are top of Group D after winning all of their three matches so far, including a 1-0 win at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
United are second in the group on four points, but could find themselves third if they lose to Juve and Valencia beat Young Boys in the other group match.
Here is our preview of the game, including betting advice, team news and predicted line-ups.
Betting tips
Cristiano Ronaldo will fancy his chances of finding the net against his former employers, given their recent wobbly form in defence. The Portuguese superstar is yet to score in the Champions League this season, although the reverse fixture against United was his first 90 minutes in the competition. Prior to that match, Ronaldo had scored one goal in each of his two previous games against United since he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009. His odds for Anytime Goalscorer are at 1.90 here.
José Mourinho is famed for his prowess in defensive organisation, but that seems to have gone out of the window this season. His charges have only kept three clean sheets in 15 games in all competitions. They have not shut out the opposition in any of their last five matches, and they have conceded two goals in two out of those. Juventus have scored at least two goals in 12 of their 14 games this season. Odds for Juventus Over 1.5 Goals are at 1.70 here.
The Old Lady remain unbeaten in all competitions so far this season. Only one of their games have ended in a draw. United, on the other hand, have only won three out of their last nine games domestically and in Europe. They have lost three of those. A Home Win for Juventus is valued at 1.60 here.
Team news
Former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can will be unavailable for Allegri’s team, as will wingers Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi. Striker Mario Mandžukić will return to the squad after he missed the match at Old Trafford with injury.
Out-of-form striker Romelu Lukaku will miss out for United for the second consecutive match after he got injured in training last week. He is the only major absentee for the Red Devils, with captain Antonio Valencia available for selection again.
Likely line-ups
Juventus: Szczęsny; João Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanić, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Ronaldo
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelöf, Shaw; Herrera, Matić, Pogba; Mata, Sanchez, Martial