Last season’s Champions League finalists are facing a tough challenge in the first elimination round of the competition against the Bavarians, who have picked up their form and are coming to Italy eager to prove a point.

The incredible run snapped

Call it a pre-Champions League anxiety if you like, but Juventus failed to extend their impressive run of 15 straight league wins with a goalless stalemate against Bologna on Friday. The Old Lady remain unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions, ever since the UEFA Champions League group stage loss to Sevilla. Juve last met Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the competition three seasons ago with Bayern Munich winning both legs 2-0. Much has changed since those times and Juventus are coming into their duel with the German champions as the last season’s finalists. Max Allegri has did a great job in compensating the loss of his three key men from last season Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal who is now with Bayern Munich. Following the quiet and disappointing start to the season, Juventus are once again in their best form, brimming with confidence. Paulo Dybala has been particularly impressive with his 14 league goals this term, and the young Argentinean will once again be one of the most dangerous players for the hosts.

Allegri is faced with quite a few selection problems ahead of Bayern’s visit. Martin Caceres is a long-term injury, while Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro are still struggling with their knocks and are not expected to return to the squad until the end of the month.

King Arturo’s return

It will be an emotional reunion for Arturo Vidal, the fans’ favourite back in Turin. The Chilean was one of the three vital departures during summers and his transfer to Germany left a deep scar in the team’s play during the first half of the season. Vidal returns as enemy and will be given a fiery welcome as he returns to Juventus Arena. Bundesliga leaders are making their trip to Italy on the back of the 3-1 triumph over Darmstadt, which strengthened their position on top of the standings. Bavarians are currently eight point clear of the second-placed Borussia Dortmund and look set for another Bundesliga title, which would be a perfect farewell gift to Pep Guardiola. The Spanish tactician is likely to leave Bayern Munich on bad terms as the fans have turned on against him with a banner against Darmstadt. Former Barcelona manager might have won two Bundesliga titles, one DFB Pokal, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, but fans told Guardiola he ‘was never their thing anyway’ as their response to his departure. It didn’t affect his aims and ambitions and Guardiola is determined to try and win the Champions League as a gift of his own to the Bavarians. Robert Lewandowski continued his impressive scoring run, having bagged his 32^nd goal of the season at the weekend.

Sven Ulreich has returned to training following his ligament injury, but Guardiola has a lot of defensive worries ahead of the trip to Juventus. Jerome Boateng is not expected until the end of April with his muscle problem, while Javi Martinez has suffered a meniscal injury and will be out until March. The unfortunate Holger Badstuber has picked up another injury and his ankle problem could even prevent him from making it into the Euro 2016 squad.

Verdict

Bayern Munich won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, but it is fair to say that Juventus are much stronger than they were in 2013 and before that. I expect a close-knit affair with not much separating the two teams.

Top Pick: Both teams to score – yes   2.00 (1/1) @888sport

Alternative pick 1: Away win    2.65 (33/20) @Sportingbet

Alternative pick 2: Correct score – Bayern Munich 2-1   12.00 (21/2) @BetVictor