Predicted 4-2-3-1 Juventus Champions League line-up: Best XI Available For UCL Final

Juventus will have their Best XI available for the game vs Real Madrid – Credit: Daily Mail

Juventus are set to play their biggest game of the last few years. For the second time in the last three years, The Old Lady will play in the UEFA Champions League final. This time they will battle against Real Madrid, the reigning champions and one of the top teams in Europe over the past decade. The game will be played in Cardiff this Saturday, and Juventus is not expected to make too many changes to the side that has played the majority of the European campaign.

Team News

Juventus will be almost at full strength ahead of this game, because the lone absentee will be Marko Pjaca due to a knee injury. No one else will miss Saturday’s game, because Sami Khedira recovered from his injury and will start.

With that in mind, the SoccerNews team has prepared a predicted line-up and formation Juventus are expected to field this Wednesday.

Defence

Massimiliano Allegri is not going to make too many changes on the defensive side of the ball. After all, The Old Lady have conceded just three goals during the current UEFA Champions League campaign, and have allowed just one in their last four European matches.

Gianluigi Buffon will stand between the posts. The defensive line will feature Dani Alves on the right and Alex Sandro on the opposite flank. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will operate as centre backs. Buffon’s performance will be key for Juventus, as the veteran goalkeeper will need to be at his best to contain an attacking line that features the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and potentially Gareth Bale.

Midfield

Allegri does not make too many changes ahead of decisive games. Due to this, we are extremely confident he will deploy two central midfielders, and a three-men line ahead of them. Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic will stand in the middle of the pitch, giving the side some much-needed balance. Khedira will operate as the disruptive presence against the opposing playmakers. Meanwhile, Pjanic will control the tempo of the side and will distribute the ball accurately.

Ahead of them, there will be three creative players who won’t have a lot of defensive responsibilities. Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic will play on the wings while Paulo Dybala will feature as an attacking midfielder. The tactical movements of Mandzukic will be quite interesting, because he can move into a central role to operate as a second striker. That move would give Dybala far more space in the final third.

Attack

As it has been the trend during the entire season, Higuain will lead The Old Lady as their lone striker. ‘Pipita’ has not been very successful in Europe this season and his track record in decisive matches is rather poor. However, there is no question he will be extra motivated to leave that label behind him. And as if the Final itself was not enough motivation, Higuain will play against his former club. Will he be the hero for Juventus?