Juventus v Dinamo Zagreb
Champions League – Wednesday, 7th December – 19:45 GMT – Juventus Stadium
Juventus
Juventus head into the last group match of the Champions League knowing that victory will guarantee them top spot in Group H.
It’s been a muddling campaign, but despite the mixed performances, the Bianconeri are undefeated, despite missing a number of key first-team players for most the season. On the plus side, Andrea Barzagli is back with the squad and training again, while Paulo Dybala is expected to play tonight.
Speaking ahead of the match, Allegri gave some indicators on his starting XI for the game.
“Dybala will certainly play some of the second half. I have let him return gradually from his injury, but Mandzukic and Higuain will start,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Everyone is fine. If I decide to play four at the back, then Stefano Sturaro will be the full-back, otherwise it’ll be three. It’s unlikely Giorgio Chiellini will play. He was out for a long time, so it’s only right to let him recover at his own pace.
“Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira will rest, so Patrice Evra and Mario Lemina will start. Marko Pjaca is recovering, but we won’t see him again in 2016.”
Allegri was asked whether it might have been better to finish second, considering some of the other bigger sides have finished in second place in their respective groups.
“It makes me laugh because for months we got criticised for not starting the group well, because it was so important to finish top of the group and get advantages, now you’re asking us if we’d be better off finishing second. You’re ridiculous!
“The important thing tomorrow is to start aggressive and get the game on track quickly, because it’s not easy when the opposition puts 10 men behind the ball.”
Probable lineup:
3-5-2: Buffon; Rugani, Benatia, Evra; Cuadrado, Lemina, Marchisio, Pjanic, Asamoah; Mandzukic, Higuain.
Injuries:
Bonucci (hamstring), Barzagli (shoulder), Alves (fibula), Pjaca (fibula), Mandragora (foot).
Suspensions:
None.
Dinamo Zagreb
Probable lineup:
4-5-1: Livakovic; Stojanovic, Benkovic, Schildenfeld, Pivaric; Situm, Pavicic, Knezevic, Gojak, Coric; Fernandes.
Injuries:
Antolic, Leskovic.
Suspensions:
Jonas
Hi there GP.Thanks for the preview. I was wandering what the status of Madragora’s injury is.I mean the Lad had the best chance he could get to get some regular football time with all the injuries in the midfield, and he pretty much wasted it. Is he going to be able to play at all in 2016?
hi there – Unfortunately the preview was not the work of TGP, just something i put together at the last minute – I’m sure TGP will be back with us soon.
As i understand it, Mandragora was due to spend 4 months out of action after the surgery on his foot (August) – He should be back towards the end of this month/start of next year. Theres also a suggestion that he might go out on loan to pescara for the remainder of the season but that may be dependent on our squad, injuries, AFCON and the mercato.
Group A:
1) Arsenal
2) PSG
Group B:
1) Napoli
2) Benfica
Group C:
1) Barca
2) Man City
Group D:
1) Atletico
2) Bayern Munich
Group E:
1) Monaco
2) Bayer Leverkusen(Tottenham)*
*Second spot to be decided tonight
Group F:
1) Dortmund
2) Real Madrid
* These two will progress, but depending on results tonight could switch places
Group G:
1) Leicester
2) Porto (Copenhagen)*
* Second place to be decided tonight
Group H:
1) Juventus
2) Sevilla*(Lyon)
* Depending on results tonight, places can still change. Only Juventus is mathematically through, regardless of results.
GUARANTEED GROUP LEADERS: Arsenal, Napoli, Barcelona, Atletico, Monaco, Leicester
GUARANTEED SECOND TEAMS: PSG, Benfica, ManCity, Bayern Munich
GUARANTEED TO ADVANCE: Dortmund, Real Madrid, Juventus
Looking at this and trying to add in all possibilities, I really don’t think there is a major difference in finishing as group leader or in second spot this season. A lot will depend on the luck of the draw and a few results in other groups, mainly the one containing Dortmund and Real Madrid.
If we finish second, we can get a whole host of top teams: Arsenal, Barca, Atletico and possibly Real Madrid. If we finish first, we can get PSG, Man City, Bayern and possibly Real Madrid.
The only thing we’re certain of is that we won’t face Napoli if we finish second, meaning that out of 7 draws, 3 are certainly top teams, with real Madrid a possible fourth.
If we finish first, we can’t face Sevilla/Lyon, which means that out of 7 possible teams, there are 3 top teams and a possible fourth in Real Madrid.
So yeah, no major difference this season. Luck of the draw will decide!
I understand, but to me, the real top rivals are: Barca, Bayern, Madrid and Atletico. While PSG, City, Arsenal and Dortmund are quality teams, but not favorites to challenge for CL. So avoiding Barca and Atletico at this stage is prefered, Madrid probably beat Dortmund and join them.
Coming second in group means there are probably 3 out of 6 chances of a very tough opponents (since Napoli and Sevilla are first in their group). Taking the first spot means there is 1 out of 7 chance of a very tough opponent. Finally we have to face very strong sides in CL, but given our form and injuries I prefer it in later stages.
Yes, I agree. Also just noticed I forgot to take into account that if we go in as second placed team, there are only 6 possible draws.
I want to avoid Barca and Bayern most of all. Atletico comes next on the I-want-to-avoid list. The rest I think we can beat with a fit and in form squad. We can have Atletico too imo, they are a great team, but individual by individual, I think we have more quality.
Only Bayern and barca have both great teamwork and great individual quality.
I rather not have them this early.
I dont necessarily want a team like Monaco or Leverkusen either, I would actually like a showdown with PSG or Arsenal, maybe Leicester.
Big quality gap between Arsenal and Leicester chap…. A huge difference in fact at the moment.
Just listing teams I would like to see us play next mate, not saying anything about their quality (I know close to nothing about Leicester)
I still wanna end first to show them we’re on top. No math needed for that, we should always finish 1st :p
Obviously 😛 I was just sharing the thought, I wouldnt be that very depressed if we turned out second. Who would you prefer in the next round? I would like PSG/Arsenal/Leicester
Not Arsenal, they are in real good form and could be a banana skin opponent unless we have all our players back and fit. When is the next round played?
End of February – start of March I believe..
Not saying Arsenal is easy or hard, just looks like a good match to watch!
By then, we should a fit squad, ready to take on anyone..
As it stands, looks like PSG is the one I would like!
What about you mate, any preference?
PSG for me, no fear for anyone really.
Anyone got a stream?
Do you have ace stream?
No. Used to have it but not anymore.
https://sportsmaza.com/juventus-live-stream/
https://wiz1.net/channel4
wiznet had sevilla – lyon at the start. It’s fine now, but started lagging like a min ago. Hopefully it stays with just once. Had a very hard time finding one too today :/
You can always use this one:
https://firstrowsportes.tv/
Our entry play to our strikers is… lacking. It’s very flat, predictable, and unreliabe without Dyba.
Nice Serie A match so far. Is this Juve vs Zagreb, or Chievo?
What do you expect with lemina and asamoah in midfield..
Let’s hope dybala will come on at the start of the 2nd half.
We should still be able to get more out of Pjanic. It’s also a problem of synchronized movement between midfield and forward line.
Gooolllllzaloooo
BAM!!!!!!!!! GOLZALOOOOO!!!!
that was some fancy footwork by Lemina actually
The fact that Higuain can generate that much power in a standing shot is scary! Golazooo
He was just moving backwards a touch even xD
Nvm he wasn’t :/
I know what you mean, because he was turning slightly to face the ball
danieleeeeeeee
Mario deserved a goal. He played great again
Real Madrid is gonna be 2nd in their group.
Oh ffs lol
Not spectacular, but very composed. Got the job done. Forza Juve.
So it will be one of PSG, City, Bayern, Real Madrid, Porto, Leverkusen and Benfica in the next round. Tough teams to face.
Nah! The only team that is worrisome is bayern… But thats because we ve had a poor record against.
Yeah Bayern remains the one team I dont want to draw.
And even so, last time we practically won if it wasn’t for those crazy last few minutes.
You mean if it wasnt for that retard referee 😛
Rugani is the next great Italian defender. #futurelegend
Maybe Allegri was keeping him off the field for so long because he wasn’t ready yet. Atleast that’s what i think. It’s clear he’s ready now and he’s getting the playtime he can get.
Great respect to Allegri and the team. Plagued with injury, yet still prevailed as group winners.
We’re getting Bayern…….or Real……either are fine by me 😉
My big hope is that with no CL football until Feb, we can get over this horrible run of injuries and get back to our best in the league. Torino in a few days, then Roma, then Milan. Thats a tough test.