UEFA Champions League
Manchester United vs Juventus Preview
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford as Juventus takes on Manchester United on Tuesday for Champions League action.
Juventus is coming off a draw against 9th placed Genoa in Serie A.
Meanwhile, United is coming off a good, hard-fought match against Chelsea where they saw their lead chatter in the extra time.
Nevertheless, these two football powerhouses are hungry for a victory that will place them closer to the next round.
Team News
United boss Jose Mourinho announced on Monday that his side would be without Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Valencia.
Sanchez came off the bench on Saturday against Chelsea. The Chilean did not take part of the group practice at the Aon Training Complex on Monday.
On the other side, the Ecuadorian captain underwent surgery recently but may be fit against Juventus.
Additionally, Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay were all missing from practice as well. It is likely that all these may be absent against the Serie A champions as wells.
Meanwhile, foe Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri side, Emre Can, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic did not make the flight to Manchester.
However, Ronaldo will reappear in Champions competition after missing their last match against Young Boys due to suspension.
This past summer, Ronaldo was very keen of a return to Manchester. After all, the Portuguese star spent six years in Manchester while winning a Ballon d’Or and a Champions title.
Mourinho will have his hand fulls with having to content him and Argentine star Paulo Dybala.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Pogba, Matic, Fred; Rashford, Lukaku, Martial.
Juventus XI: Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi, Can; Dybala, Mandzukic, Ronaldo.
Prediction
This will be the first time these two sides meet since the 2002-03 season. The Red Devils won in that occasion both games in the second round of the tournament.
However, despite their recent downturn, Juventus form has been impeccable. The Italian side has not lost in 23 Champions League group stage games (W14 D7). Their only two losses came against Spanish sides.
Ronaldo and Co. have the edge with a United defense with flaws. However, United has quality in their front line that could present a problem for Juventus.
United has a slight/slim-edge over Juventus. A draw here would keep both sides happy but more so Juventus as they are the visitors. United needs to win in order to keep their recent run.
Manchester United 2 – 1 Juventus
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