ATLETICO MADRID:
On Wednesday, Juventus will make a visit to have a clash with Atletico Madrid which marks the face-off between European’s best teams having to share similar defensive strategies. Although Atletico has to face two straight losses, they managed to get back on tracks after they knocked out Rayo Vallecano. Indeed Atletico isn’t that amazing to watch out for as they managed to score two goals in their last three matches. Their worst defeat came by the hands of Borussia Dortmund by 4-0 which displayed the lack of potentials in front of big teams. Last time Atletico went on to win the Europa League but failed to spark any magic in the Champions League, hereby carrying out the legacy. But the biggest advantage lies with Atletico Madrid being unbeaten in 12 home Champions League knockout matches, out of which they have won their last five games against Italian visitors. Juventus might find it difficult to take a lead against the European giant on Wednesday night. Thomas Lemar, Angel Correa, and Vitolo are wide options for Simeone, but it seems likely that Koke, Rodri Hernandez, Thomas Partey and Saul Niguez will start in midfield.
Key Player: Antoine Griezmann
Atletico’s forward and the French world cup winner is responsible for 67% of Atletico Madrid’s goal in the Champions League.
Antoine Griezmann, the next big hurdle for Juventus.
Probable Line-ups: Oblak; Arias, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Rodri, Thomas, Saul; Griezmann, Morata
JUVENTUS:
While Juventus have managed to reach the finals of Champions League but lost to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. But this time around with the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Old Lady is boosted with enough confidence to grab the title as the team won six and lost three in their previous 9 fixtures. Although Juve lost to Real Madrid at this stage of the last season but eventually won against Tottenham Hotspur. Massimiliano Allegri’s side will enter this match off the back of a 3-0 win over Frosinone in Serie A on Friday night. Incredibly, Juve is yet to lose in the league this season and sit 13 points clear of second-placed Napoli at the summit, suggesting that yet another Serie A crown is already wrapped up. Massimiliano will be looking to relish the summer’s mega-signing, Ronaldo on the Atletico as CR7 holds the maximum goals against Atletico. Ronaldo will be joined in attack by Paulo Dybala – linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks – and Mario Mandzukic, with the latter returning to the club that he represented during the 2014-15 campaign.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is all set to relish for Juve.
The Portuguese striker will look to relish some mind-numbing goals for Juve in the knockout stages as he’s being frustrated with a single goal in 5 appearances.
Probable Line-ups: Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi, Khedira; Ronaldo, Dybala, Mandzukic.
MY PLAYERZPOT XI:
VENUE:
Date: 20th February 2019
Time: 21:00 (local time), 01:30 (IST)
Venue: Wanda Metropolitano.
HEAD TO HEAD:
Juventus – 4 wins
Atletico Madrid – 2 wins
Draws: 1
PLAYERZPOT PREDICTION:
Juventus is completely focussed on the title and although Atletico’s exceptional past winnings on home, expect a single goal from them.
SCORE PREDICTIONS:
JUVENTUS 2-1 ATLETICO MADRID
