Juventus vs Torino

September 21, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Saturday’s Serie A match program closes with a bang as city rivals Juventus and Torino prepare to go head-to-head in another highly anticipated edition of Derby della Mole. Unbeaten in five rounds in the new season, both clubs head into the game in high spirits and eager to continue respective fine forms.

Bianconeri keen to keep winning

Max Allegri’s men have suffered two defeats in the new season but none of those came in the Serie A where Juventus boast a perfect record of five wins in as many matches. With only goal difference keeping them behind the high-flying Napoli who are leading the chase for Scudetto at the moment, Juventus are eager to keep up the pressure. The midweek win over fierce rivals Fiorentina will have been an important and timely confidence boost for Max Allegri’s men. Mario Mandzukic struck seven minutes into the second half of the Fiorentina match as he latched on a Juan Cuadrado cross with a flying header to help Juventus earn a vital victory against Viola. It was a game in which Max Allegri decided to drop legendary Gianluigi Buffon to the bench and reward former Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny with his first start of the season and the Polish international could be awarded another starting berth as Juventus manager continued to demonstrate impressive squad depth.

Mattia De Sciglio is suffering from an ankle injury, whereas Sami Khedira has been ruled out with a knee problem. Additionally, Marko Pjaca remains a long-term absentee due to his knee injury.

Unbeaten Torino

Sinisa Mihajlovic has been credited with transforming Torino into a consistent performer and a side to be reckoned with as the Bulls continue to display impressive run of form. The less illustrious of the two clubs from the city of Torino is coming off from an impressive 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Preseason friendlies are included in the tally but they nevertheless serve as a proper testament to Torino’s consistency. Mihajlovic’s men are putting in exciting performances as they continue to play an attractive brand of football. The attack-oriented approach is costing them goals, however, as Torino only managed two clean sheets in last eight matches. Torino are displaying great determination and strength of spirit, however, as they keep grinding out results with their never-die attitude. Torino remain one of five unbeaten Serie A sides this season but now face a great challenge in extending the run. The Bull have lost four of their five matches against local rivals and history is working against them ahead of the Saturday night’s clash.

Afriyie Acquah, Kevin Bonifazi, Antonio Barreca and Joel Obi all continue to miss out through respective injuries. Mihajlovic has no other selection issues ahead of the match.

Verdict

Torino make a short trip to Juventus Arena in fine form and high spirits. They have a negative tally when it comes to matches against their local rivals and with Juventus, under great pressure to keep winning, they are highly unlikely to get anything out of the Saturday’s match. The Old Lady boasts a stronger squad and home support which come as two main prerequisites for a victory here.

Top pick: HT/FT Juventus   2.15 (15/13) @Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   1.87 (13/15) @10Bet

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   1.63 (5/8) @188bet

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