European giants Juventus and Barcelona meet in the Champions League next week, with both teams still having yet to confirm their place in the knockout phase of the competition. Just three points separate the duo in Group G, with a win for the home side potentially blowing the group wide open.
Champions League – Juventus Stadium, Turin – Wednesday 22nd November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at PaddyPower |
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Juventus Turin
FC BarcelonaMatch Preview
Juventus host Barcelona in Turin next week, with the away side searching for the three points that would confirm them as Group G winners. However, with Massimo Allegri’s men looking to avenge their defeat at the Camp Nou earlier on in the campaign, it could well be a tense affair in Italy. With the likes of Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain set to feature, many within the game are expecting great things ahead of kick off. For those still unsure of who to back next week, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as providing our top betting tip ahead of kick-off.
Juventus Team News & Form
A late goal from Gonzalo Higuain rescued a point for Juventus away at Sporting Lisbon last time out in Europe, ensuring that they stay three points clear of the Portuguese side in the standings. Their opening round defeat against Barcelona remains their only loss in the Champions League this season, with manager Allegri keen for his team to record a positive result in front of their home fans next week. Higuain could well line up alongside international team mate Paulo Dybala, as well as Sami Khedira and Captain Giorgio Chiellini. Having scored just five goals in their four Champions League matches so far this season, Juventus will be looking to return to form in front of goal against Barcelone.
Barcelona Team News & Form
The Spanish giants have dropped just two points in Europe so far, leaving them on the brink of qualification from Group G. It is the same story domestically, with boss Ernesto Valverde having led his side to the top of the La Liga standings, four points clear of their closest rival. Lionel Messi has three Champions League goals already, with the Argentine looking to add to his tally in Turin, having scored twice in the home tie between the two teams. Elsewhere, Ivan Rakitic could line up for Barcelona having helped Croatia to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Head to Head
The two teams have met six times in the past, with Barcelona having won three of such matches, as well as drawing one. Barcelona’s successes include their 2-1 win in the 2015 Champions League final.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away team, it is Barcelona who are the slight favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The visitors can be backed at odds of 3/10 at Skybet, while those looking to bet on a home win for Juventus can take advantage of 9 odds from Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 7/10 with William Hill.