Chelsea v Juventus – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Chelsea faces Juventus in the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The Blues sit three points behind the Old Lady with two matches to play in the group. In the reverse fixture, Max Allegri’s team won 1-0 despite having just 27% possession and being outshot 6-16 by Thomas Tuchel’s team.

Chelsea Form

Since losing 1-0 away at Juventus, Chelsea has gone nine matches unbeaten in all competitions. Malmo was beaten 4-0 at home and 1-0 away on Matchday 3 and 4. The side has been playing well in the league as Norwich was thrashed 7-0 and Newcastle 3-0 at St. James’ Park. A shock 1-1 home draw with Burnley saw complete domination until conceding late.

Chelsea won 3-0 at Leicester in their last match after dominating throughout with 70% first-half possession and further goals ruled out due to offside.

Chelsea Team News

Thomas Tuchel is set to have Romelu Lukaku back amongst the substitutes for this match. Timo Werner is also available after injury. Kai Havertz is a doubt upfront with a hamstring injury so Werner could start, otherwise, it could be fit-again Christian Pulisic as a false nine.

Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are hoping for recalls in defence. Mateo Kovacic is still out but Jorginho has shaken off a niggle and will play.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea needs to win this match to have a chance of topping the group. They are expected to use the best XI and go all out for the three points.

An aggressive, attacking approach is likely on the tight Stamford Bridge pitch.

Juventus Form

Juve has won all four of their Champions League matches as they won 4-0 at Malmo, beat Chelsea 1-0 at home, and did the double over Zenit (1-0 away, 4-2 at home). Their Serie A season has been far from impressive with four defeats in their first 13 matches.

After losing at home to Sassuolo and away at Verona, they refocused and beat Zenit 4-2 as Paulo Dybala scored twice, Federico Chiesa once and Alvaro Morata once. A late goal then secured a 1-0 home win against ten-man Fiorentina before a strong 2-0 win at Lazio in their last match. Leonardo Bonucci scored both goals from the penalty spot. The Old Lady dominated with 2.77 xG to just 0.25 xG for Lazio.

Juventus Team News

Allegri could be without striker Paulo Dybala due to injury whilst fullback Danilo is out for several weeks. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is carrying an injury from Wales duty and is doubtful with Giorgio Chiellini and Mattia De Sciglio are expected to miss out in defence.

Juventus Motivation

Juve needs a point from this match. They played a back five against Lazio and looked solid but Danilo is absent from that lineup. Allegri could stick to that shape to match up to Chelsea and look to nullify them.

As with the reverse fixture, Juventus won’t care too much about possession and will instead hit Chiesa and Morata on the counterattack.

Key Stats

Chelsea have conceded just 4 goals in 12 PL matches (1 in 4 conceded in UCL)

Chelsea have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5 PL matches

Chelsea’s last 6 wins have come to nil

Juventus have lost 2 of their last 5 matches

Juve have conceded in 4 of their last 6 matches

Juve had won their 4 CL group stage matches

Verdict

Chelsea needs a win and faces a Juve team with several absentees. Thomas Tuchel’s side should have enough to win and their excellent defensive record could make a win to nil a very attractive option.