Juventus head to the Allianz Arena for the second leg of their round of 16 clash against Bayern Munich with their task cut out for them. They need to beat the Bavarian defence and Manuel Neuer in this knockout match to stay in the competition.
After the enthralling first leg tie saw them draw 2-2 in Turin, Bayern Munich and Juventus head into the second leg with everything to play for in a high-stakes encounter between two big European giants. Both the teams would have likely sailed into the semi-finals, if not for the draw that pitted them against each other.
The away goal advantage that Bayern Munich have could work in their favour, and this makes it a must-win clash for the Old Lady. Bayern would qualify in case of a goalless or 1-1 draw, and they are also slight favourites in this home clash at the Allianz Arena.
Lineups
Bayern Munich
Pep Guardiola has a strong and fit squad to choose from, and will be fielding his strongest team against Juve. Bayern will most likely be fielding an almost unchanged side from the one that started in Turin in the first leg. There are some doubts over Arjen Robben though, as he is suffering from a cold ahead of the match.
Possible Starting XI: Neuer, Lahm, Kimmich, Benatia, Alaba, Muller, Vidal, Thiago; Robben, Lewandowski, Costa
Juventus
The Old Lady will be missing the services of veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini at the heart of defence. The Italian centre-back is out with a calf injury. Alvaro Morata could get a look in for the big match ahead of former Bayern man Mario Mandzukic, who is reportedly not fully fit
Possible Starting XI: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Dybala, Morata
Stats
- Bayern have won two of their last three matches against Juventus at the Allianz Arena, drawing the other.
- The Bavarians have won all of their last nine Champions League home games, since losing to Real Madrid in 2013-14.
- Juventus have won the last six of their Champions League second-leg encounters away, after they drew at home in the first leg.
- Bayern have conceded 13 goals in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Juventus have not beaten Bayern in their last five attempts, losing three and drawing twice.
Prediction
Bayern Munich 2 – 1 Juventus
While the Old Lady could conceivably pull off a memorable victory in Germany, Bayern Munich are firm favourites to see off Juventus at home and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Bavarians exposed the Juve defence last time around, but a late comeback by the Bianconeri helped them snatch a draw in front of their home fans.
Things will be different at the Allianz Arena with Bayern having the home advantage. It should be a close call between two great teams in excellent form, but Bayern may just manage to outperform their opponents in this fixture.
Odds
Bayern Munich – 4/9
Draw – 10/3
Juventus – 6/11
(via: Betfair)
