Following the undeserved victory over Lazio, Juventus returned to contention for the Champions League places and the Bianconeri now have a great chance to close the gap behind their rivals. Chievo clinched survival as they beat Lecce, meaning the Flying Donkeys arrive to Olimpico completely relaxed.

Juventus still chasing European places

Having started the season in excellent manner, Juventus were considered as one of the favourites for the top 4 place, but the Bianconeri suffered a major dip in form at the turn of the year and slipped down the Serie A standings. Luigi Del Neri’s side managed to arrest the poor run and showed a considerable improvement over the last couple of months, and that, together with their rivals’ unexpected slip-ups, saw the Bianconeri return to contention for the final Champions League berth. Juve closed the gap behind fourth placed Lazio to four points by beating them last weekend, although the Old Lady were very lucky to pick up all three points after Lazio had missed a host of clear-cut chances. The attacking department has been doing pretty well since the arrival of Alessandro Matri, but the Bianconeri still have major problems at the back, as witnessed by the fact they have conceded six goals in last four home games.

Claudio Marchsio returns to the side after missing the Lazio game through injury, while Rinaudo, Quagliarella, Iaquinta and Grygera remain long-term casualties.

Chievo ensured survival

Chievo have established themselves as a real mid table side over the years and even though the Flying Donkeys are usually very close to the danger zone, they always manage to do enough to escape the relegation struggle. Chievo are one of the toughest teams to break in Serie A, especially when they are in desperate need of points, but having theoretically ensured survival with last weekend’s victory over Lecce, the Flying Donkeys are expected to discard their cautious approach at Olimpico and try to surprise the more illustrious opponent. With Juventus in desperate need of points in this match, Chievo will sit back and wait for the opportunity to hit the hosts on the break, and once such counterattack could easily result in a goal. The visitors enter the game without any pressure, which should result in a good away performance.

Jokic and Mandelli return to the side, meaning that Luciano is the only unavailable player at the moment.

Verdict

Juventus have no choice but to attack from the off and they should be able to score against indifferent Chievo, but with their own back line conceding way too many goals of late, the Bianconeri look unlikely to keep a clean sheet in this match. Therefore, backing both teams to score looks like a very good bet here.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: 888Sport