Juventus and PSV Eindhoven are set to clash in a thrilling UEFA Champions League playoff showdown, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the last 16. The first leg takes place at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening, where Juventus will look to continue their recent resurgence while PSV seeks revenge for their earlier defeat to the Italian giants.
Match Preview
Juventus have been one of the best defensive teams in the league phase, conceding just seven goals in eight matches. However, their attacking output has been a concern, netting only nine times – the joint-second worst among the top 24 teams. Despite their solid defensive performances, they could only finish 20th in the standings, failing to secure direct qualification to the knockout stage.
Under Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri have started to turn their form around, with back-to-back Serie A wins against Empoli (4-1) and Como (2-1), thanks to a late goal from Randal Kolo Muani. A win over PSV would mark their first three-game winning streak of the season.
PSV Eindhoven, on the other hand, finished 14th in the league phase and missed out on a top-eight spot despite an impressive 3-2 victory over Liverpool on the final matchday. Peter Bosz's men are currently unbeaten in six matches across all competitions and have been prolific in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 11 outings. However, a recent 1-1 draw with Willem II has put their Eredivisie title ambitions under threat, as Ajax could overtake them with their games in hand.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Juventus have several injury concerns heading into this fixture. Pierre Kalulu remains sidelined with a muscular issue, while Bremer and Juan Cabal are long-term absentees with ACL injuries. Arkadiusz Milik is also unavailable due to a calf problem, and Andrea Cambiaso is nursing an ankle injury. Newcastle United loanee Lloyd Kelly made his debut in the win over Como but is expected to start on the bench.
PSV face defensive worries of their own, with Adamo Nagalo and Olivier Boscagli struggling with injuries. Ryan Flamingo is back from suspension and could partner Armando Obispo at the back. Malik Tillman (ankle), Ricardo Pepi (knee), and Richard Ledezma (head) are also sidelined. Captain Luuk de Jong, who has already scored 14 goals this season, will be the key man up front.
Juventus predicted lineup: Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona; McKennie, Locatelli; Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Kolo Muani.
PSV Eindhoven predicted lineup: Benitez; Karsdorp, Flamingo, Obispo, Junior; Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, Til, Lang; De Jong.
Prediction: Juventus 2-1 PSV Eindhoven
With Juventus finding their rhythm and Kolo Muani in top form, they are expected to edge past PSV in the first leg. The Dutch side has been an attacking force, but Juventus' defensive solidity should give them the upper hand, ensuring they carry a slender advantage into the return fixture in Eindhoven.
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