UEFA Champions League
Juventus vs Valencia Preview
- Date: Nov. 27, 2018
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: UniMas
- Location: Turin, Italy
- Venue: Allianz Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 41,507
After suffering a defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, Juventus seeks revenge against Valencia at home.
Meanwhile, Valencia retain ambitions at advancing to the knockout stage with a win over clear favorites to win the tournament, La Vecchia Signora.
Juve will hope to rediscover their top form against Los Che after being stunned by United in Turin. However, Massimiliano Allegri’s side knows that a draw or win will be enough to move on the Italian side.
However, Valencia has struggled at finding the net, drawing in 10 games out of 17 matches between La Liga and UCL. Despite this, the team is on a small run and confident they can obtain a favorable score against the Cristiano Ronaldo-led team.
Team News
Allegri’s side will be missing Emre Can, Samil Khedira and Federico Bernardeschi due to injuries. Additionally, Matteo De Sciglio is doubtful with a minor injury.
Also, Frenchman Blaise Matuidi and Italian Giorgio Chiellini have been confirmed as starters for the match.
Marcelino, however, will not count with Ezequiel Garay and Denis Cheryshev. Other than that, Valencia will have a strong panel of players.
Possible Lineup
Juventus Potential XI: Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Mandzukic, Ronaldo.
Valencia Potential XI: Neto; Piccini, Gabriel, Diakhaby, Gaya; Soler, Kondogbia, Parejo, Guedes; Rodrigo, Mina.
Prediction
With just one goal in three games, Ronaldo will be seeking to add to his 2018/18 Champions goal count. Aside from their last match against United, Juventus has been very much business as usual this season. They have a clear dominance in the domestic league where they have an eight point gap between them in second place Napoli after 13 matches. They have won 12 of 13 fixtures in league action and boasted a perfect record in Champions League until Manchester.
However, Valencia must find a path to victory against Juventus if they hope to continue in this competition. The Mestalla club has a difficult task at hand on Saturday when they face Real Madri in La Liga. A win against the heavy favorites will boost their morale.
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