Juventus vs Barcelona preview

November 21, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Image: Reuters / Dylan Martinez

Juventus will attempt to get revenge on Barcelona for the 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou and at the same time remain in the hunt for the first position in the group.

The Catalans, on the other hand, would secure the first place with a win or draw in Turin and that is what they will be looking to do.

Italian champions Juventus have experienced some problems at the start of the new season, especially on domestic stage.

Following the 3-2 loss to Sampdoria, the Bianconeri now trail leaders Napoli four points, and they could also be leapfrogged by AS Roma, who have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Juventus hold a three-point advantage over third-placed Sporting CP in Group D of UEFA Champions League, and they could be in problems if they lose to Barcelona.

The Bianconeri were largely outclassed in the first match, suffering a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou, and they are now priced at 3.00 (2/1) to beat the Catalans.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Mattia De Sciglio should be drafted into the starting line-up, while a number of first team regulars will be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Buffon – De Sciglio, Barzagli, Benatia, Alex Sandro – Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi – Douglas Costa, Dybala – Mandzukic.

Unlike their next opponents, things are going according to plan for Barcelona, who already have a ten-point advantage over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

And while Valencia are just four points behind, we cannot realistically expect los Che to mount a serious title challenge this season.

Barcelona have also done well in Europe, where they are close to cementing the first place in the standings after taking 10 points from first 4 fixtures.

The Catalans have been made 2.50 (3/2) favourites to win in Turin and they are definitely in better form than the opposition at the moment.

Ernesto Valverde, however, has a number of selection worries as the likes of Javier Mascherano, Sergi Roberto, Arda Turan, Ousmane Dembele, Andre Gomes and Rafinha are all unavailable.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Semedo, Pique, Umitit, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Alcacer, Messi, Suarez.

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