Prediction: Juventus vs Bayern Munich

Last year’s Champions League finalists take on Bayern Munich eager to bounce back from a Serie A slip-up against Bologna, which saw their impressive run come to an end.

Juventus

Repeating the last year’s heroics will be very difficult, but Juventus will not surrender in advance. The Italian champions have demonstrated great character and resilience throughout this season so far and should not be taken for granted. Juventus from the first part of the season no longer exist as the team has gone through a massive transformation in just a couple of months. The Old Lady finished the group stage of the competition in second place behind Manchester City and their final game of that phase of the Champions League versus Sevilla was at the same time Juventus’ final loss up to this point. Allegri’s men have gone 14 matches without a loss since December, but their 13-match winning streak was snapped this weekend with a goalless stalemate at Bologna. The slip-up could cost Juventus their leading spot in the Serie A standings as Napoli are just one point behind with a game in hand. However, Champions League is the main focus and Juventus will use all of their strength to go out and put a solid display against the Bavarians. They will depend on their two best players this season, Paul Pogba and Paolo Duybala who have been the main force so far. The Argentine has impressed with his mature performances and 14 goals thus far.

Team News

Allegri is having some defensive problems ahead of Bayern Munich’s visit as Caceres and Chiellini are both out with injuries.

What is more, Alex Sandro is down with a knock just as Mario Mandzukic and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Bayern Munich

German champions are on the road of doing the unbelievable. Pep Guardiola wants to depart in style and will do anything to lead his team to the historic fourth Bundesliga title. The Bavarians are on the right path as their eight-point advantage gives them plenty of room for optimism. Guardiola’s another aim will be to win the Champions League, but he will have to go past Juventus’ strong defences which have so far shipped only 15 goals in the league. However, Bayern Munich have their own tool to achieve the goal of progressing through and will rely on fantastic scoring exploits of Robert Lewandowski. The Real Madrid and PSG target has so far netted 32 goals in all competitions and has formed a remarkable partnership with Thomas Muller. The two of them shared 56 goals between them and Juventus defences will be put to a serious test. The Tuesday game will be an emotional affair for Arturo Vidal, who returns to Juventus only a couple of months after his departure. King Arturo is a popular figure in Turin and should be given a warm welcome upon his arrival to Juventus Arena. Emotions will be put aside, though, as a lot is at stake. Bayern Munich ended the group stage at the leading spot in front of Arsenal, with five wins and one defeat, but the Bavarians will be keen on extending the ten games without defeat when they come to Italy.

Team News

The visitors will have to improvise in the back as Pep Guardiola is without his first choice centre back.

Jerome Boateng will be out until Aprol, while Javi Martinez and Holger Badstuber are alslo injured for the game and are facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Key Factors to Consider

• Robert Lewandowski scored 32 goals this season
• Juventus conceded only 15 Serie A goals thus far
• The Old Lady are unbeaten at home since August
• Bavarians won six of their last 10 games on the road
• Guardiola’s charges scored nine goals in last 3 games

Conclusion

Titanic clash between two of the Europe’s biggest teams is bound to be an entertaining match. Both rivals will be eager to exploit other team’s defensive problems and we should be in for a treat at Juventus Arena.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: WilliamHill