Match Previews

Match Preview: Juventus vs Manchester United

A trip to Turin is in store of United as the middle match of a trio of tricky away ties – with Juventus aiming to get the job of qualifying done early in the group stage.

With another late victory, José Mourinho’s men look much-improved while Massimiliano Allegri’s squad continue with their remarkable consistency.

These are the big Champions League matches that elite clubs thrive on.

Kick-off: 20:00 [GMT]
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Referee: Ovidiu Hațegan
Other Group H fixture: Valencia CF vs BSC Young Boys (17:55)
UK television channel: BT Sport 2

The Old Lady

Group position: 1st
Current run: WWWDW
Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo [7]
Most assists: Cristiano Ronaldo [4]
One to watch: Paulo Dybala

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Federico Bernardeschi – hip (day to day)
  • Emre Can – illness (unknown)
  • Douglas Costa – groin (day to day)
  • Moise Kean – knock (unknown)

Expected lineup:

(4-3-3) Szczęsny; De Sciglio, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanić, Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Ronaldo.

Key quote

“”I was pleased by the words of Cristiano [Ronaldo about being happy playing for Juventus.] Fun equals victory. Right now we’re winning, but it’s not that trophies are coming. The important thing is to arrive and in May in all the goals to be achieved” – Massimiliano Allegri

Next match: AC Milan [A] 11/11/18

The Red Devils

Talking points

Paul Pogba will return to Turin for the first time since leaving the club and insists it still feels like “home,” while Cristiano Ronaldo once again faces his visiting former club.

The small matter of the Manchester Derby is up next, so United will undoubtedly have one eye on City on Remembrance Sunday. However, a big match for Juventus will mean the similar predict for the hosts.

Chris Smalling believes the never-say-die belief has returned for United – as he said on Saturday, “We’re showing that attitude –never giving in and you can see that coming out. No matter how bad that first half was, that second half we all believed we can go and win. It’s a great feeling and it’s bringing us closer together.”

Victory for The Old Lady will result in them qualifying for the knockout stages.

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Diogo Dalot – knock (unknown)
  • Romelu Lukaku – knock (unknown)

Expected lineup:

(4-3-3) De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelöf, Shaw; Herrera, Matić, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford, Martial.

Key quote

“It’s a match we want to win of course but independent of tomorrow’s result, our matches against Young Boys and then Valencia are the ones that will determine our qualification. I think we will fight to qualify until the last match.” – José Mourinho

Next match: Manchester City [A] 11/11/18

Possible key battles

– Ronaldo vs Smalling

– Pjanić vs Herrera

– Chiellini vs

Match facts

  • No side has won more away Champions League matches at Juventus than United (2 – level with Bayern Munich)
  • Ronaldo is goalless in each of his last five Champions League games – since scoring a 90th minute penalty against Juventus in April for Real Madrid, he has played 389 minutes and attempted 15 shots without success
  • United have failed to score in their last two Champions League games – they haven’t failed to score in three consecutively since November 2005.

Enjoy the match!



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