Juventus vs Chelsea: Champions League team news and prediction
Juventus and Chelsea got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start, getting the better of Malmoe FF and Zenit St. Petersburg, respectively. In Chelsea's hardest group stage game, they'll look to avoid defeat as they aim to successfully defend their European crown.
Ahead of this one, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including what time this clash kicks off, where to watch the game, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Wednesday 29th September, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Juventus Stadium, Turin (Italy)
What TV channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
Juventus were in dire form heading into their Group H opener against Malmoe FF, picking up just one point in their opening three league matches, but made light work of their Swedish opponents at the Eleda Stadion. Alex Sandro opened the scoring for the Old Lady and a quickfire double from Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata shortly before the break ended the game as a contest as Juventus eased to a 3-0 win.
Chelsea were unbeaten in their games leading up to the welcome of Zenit earlier this month, but were made to work hard for all three points against the Russian side. Indeed, it wasn't until midway through the second that the Blues found the breakthrough as Romelu Lukaku broke Zenit's resolve. The Russian giants were unable to find a way back into the clash as Chelsea kicked off their Champions League defence with a 1-0 win.
Team News
Juventus earned a 3-2 win over Sampdoria on Sunday, but victory in the early Serie A kick off came at a cost. Paulo Dybala was forced off after just 22 minutes, while Alvaro Morata sustained a knock with eight minutes remaining and the pair are ruled out until after the international break. Federico Bernardeschi, Moise Kean and Dejan Kulusevski are battling for two spots on the frontline, with the latter duo expected to be given the nod. Elsewhere, Kaio Jorge and Arthur are sidelined, but better news for Max Allegri is the availability of Federico Chiesa, who missed the win over Malmoe FF due to injury.
Thomas Tuchel has selection issues in midfield after N'Golo Kante tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. With Jorginho also a doubt, Tuchel may be forced into fielding a partnership of Saul Niguez and Mateo Kovacic, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also an option provided the Italian doesn't recover in time for tonight's game. Mason Mount, Reece James and Christian Pulisic also miss the trip to Italy, though the former may return for Chelsea's welcome of Southampton on Saturday.
Probable XIs
Juventus (442) - Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Sandro; Chiesa, Bentancur, Locatelli, Rabiot; Kulusevski, Kean
Chelsea (3421) - Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz; Lukaku
Key Battle: Matthijs de Ligt vs Andreas Christensen
Matthijs de Ligt is a man in demand among Premier League clubs. Tottenham are believed to be monitoring the Dutchman, as are Chelsea with a view to a big-money January move. Indeed, some outlets are reported the Blues are plotting a £102m bid for De Ligt as they seek to bolster their backline.
Chelsea will have the chance to witness De Ligt's quality in person tonight with the 22-year-old set to partner Leonardo Bonucci at the heart of the Old Lady defence and while he has endured a stuttering start to life in Italy, the youngster is still viewed as one of the hottest defensive talents on the continent. Andreas Christensen at one point could lay claim to such a title, too, with the Dane impressing under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel.
Now 25, it's taken a little longer for Christensen to realise the potential he showed during his loan stint with Gladbach between 2015 and 2017, yet Tuchel has helped the Dane progress accordingly, becoming a key man in the Blues' three-man backline. The absence of Dybala and Morata makes Christensen's job that bit easier tonight, yet he's a player who won't allow complacency to set in as Chelsea seek to make it two wins from two Group H games.
Score Prediction: Juventus 1-2 Chelsea
