Dybala will start against FC Barcelona – Credit: El Pais
Juventus did most of the homework in the first leg, defeating Barcelona with a convincing 3-0 score that put them quite close to reach the tournament’s semifinals. However, they can not get complacent as Barcelona came back from an 0-4 loss to defeat PSG in the previous round. The second leg of this tie against Los Blaugranas will be played on Wednesday at Camp Nou Stadium.
Team News
Marko Pjaca is out with a knee injury, and the Croatian winger will miss the remainder of the season as a result. The only doubtful element was Paulo Dybala, but the Argentinian hotshot looked healthy during Tuesday’s practice, and should be ready to go on Wednesday. Massimiliano Allegri will have the rest of the squad available.
It is worth noting that Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira would miss the next match if they receive a yellow card.
The Soccer News team has prepared a predicted line-up and formation Juventus are expected to field this Wednesday.
Defence
Allegri is not going to make too many changes on the defensive side of the ball. After all, The Old Lady have conceded just two goals during the current UEFA Champions League campaign.
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. All five players got some rest this past weekend when Juventus played against Pescara in the Serie A.
Midfield
The midfield zone will feature two central midfielders: Khedira and Miralem Pjanic. The former Real Madrid star will handle a,defensive role, while the Bosnian playmaker will have more freedom. Pjanic’s role will be crucial considering Juventus will struggle to have possession most of the time.
In front of them, Allegri will employ a three-man attacking line with Cuadrado on the right flank, Mandzukic on the opposite side, and Dybala slotted in between. Dybala’s role will be one to watch closely. The former Palermo star will line-up as a n° 10, but will act as a support striker behind Gonzalo Higuain. Dybala scored a brace in last week’s affair, and he will look to build on that performance at Camp Nou.
Attack
Just like it happened last week, Higuain will lead The Old Lady as a lone striker. ‘Pipita’ has not been very successful in Europe this season (three goals in eight matches), but that won’t matter. Barcelona’s defensive line will need to be on their toes if they want to contain the Argentinian star.
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