Prediction: Juventus vs Villarreal

Prediction: Juventus win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League is back once again this week as a handful of European clubs attempt to edge their way through the Round of 16. The second leg is always where the men are separated from the boys and while the away goals rule may have been scrapped, there’s still a lot of tension in the air. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be a fascinating battle between Juventus and Villarreal after their 1-1 draw in Spain.

Juventus

They’ll struggle to make a real go of a title push in Serie A given how far behind they are from the leaders, but Juve are steadily beginning to make up for what had been a disastrous start to the campaign. They’re one game away from the final of the Coppa Italia, they look good in their pursuit of UCL football next season, and a place in the last eight this time around is well within reach.

Team News

Dybala and Chiellini are listed as fitness concerns for this one with the following players being on the shelf: McKennie, Zakaria, Bonucci and Chiesa.

Villarreal

After a season that saw them win the Europa League last time around, we’d say Villarreal will be pretty happy with their performance thus far in the Champions League. They’re good money for a round of 16 berth and with another resolute defensive performance, which we all know they’re capable of, they could easily push into the quarter-finals – to the surprise of many who have seen their 7th place inconsistency in La Liga.

Team News

Moreno has been ruled out due to injury with Foyth, Albiol, Capoue and Moreno all being doubtful to feature.

Factors to Consider

• Juventus finished 1st in Group H whereas Villarreal finished 2nd in Group F.
• Juventus have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Villarreal have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Juventus have scored 10 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Villarreal have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’re expecting another tense and tight affair from both sides, as was the case when they met in the first leg. However, with the Italian crowd behind them and with a slightly superior squad, we do anticipate that Juve will be able to just about edge over the finish line. We picture them going 1-0 up before clinging onto the lead, eventually ending in a narrow 2-1 aggregate win and a place in the quarter-finals.

Prediction: Juventus win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport