Bayern Munich vs Juventus

March 15, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Bavarians have recovered from their slump in form just in time for the return leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus and are confident they will be able to dispatch the Italian giants and get through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Is the slump over for Bayern Munich?

Having conceded two second-half goals in Turin for a 2-2 draw last month, Bayern Munich have suffered a dip in form, which saw them record a surprising defeat at the hands of Mainz at the beginning of March 2-1. Goalless stalemate with Borussia Dortmund followed, but Bayern Munich managed to get their campaign back on track with a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen last time out. Still with tangible lead at the summit of the Bundesliga table, Bayern Munich are on course of the record fourth consecutive domestic title, but the Bavarians also want to make their presence known in Europe and Pep Guardiola is keen of bidding farewell to his current employers with European crown on his head. Having scored twice in Italy, Bayern are in the driving seat against Juventus and will aim to extend their perfect home record in the competition when they meet the Italian giants on Wednesday.

Javi Martinez has returned to training five weeks after undergoing knee surgery, but is unlikely to be risked from the beginning and Mehdi Benatia is tipped to be given a starting berth for the clash against Juventus. Unlike Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber continue to miss out.

Can Juventus stun the Bavarians?

The Turin-based giants have did remarkably well to recover from Bayern’s initial pressure in the first leg and to use their organized defences to shrug off the attacks and build enough momentum to score twice and get back in the game for a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Max Allegri’s troops are highly motivated for another demonstration of courage and are eager to stun the favoured Bavarians for a place in the quarter-finals. All they need to do is to score first and will rely on Bayern’s defensive woes to do so. Following their stalemate against the German champions, Juventus went on to record three straight Serie A triumphs and continue their impressive push towards another domestic title. The Old Lady are unbeaten since October in the league, having won 18 of their 19 matches during that period. Juventus were beaten by Inter in the Coppa Italia, but the semi-finals elimination will not have distracted the Old Lady, who are expected to go full strength forward against the Bavarians.

Mario Mandzukic is a doubt for the Wednesday’s match as the Croatian striker limped off during Friday’s win over Sassuolo. Giorgio Chiellini is still suffering from a calf injury and could be left in Italy. Martin Caceres is a confirmed absentee with his Achilles tendon problem.

Verdict

We are in for another exciting duel between great rivals, who will give everything they have in order to secure progression to the quarter-finals. Juventus are not carrying a white flag to Munich and Pep Guardiola’s men are in for a difficult task against the Old Lady.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes    1.73 (8/11) @PaddyPower

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals    1.7 (7/10) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Home win    1.44 (4/9) @WilliamHill

 

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