Barcelona vs Juventus – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Barcelona host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League as Messi takes on Ronaldo. Ronald Koeman knows that a draw would secure top spot in the group for Barca and that any defeat by one goal would do the same. In order for Juventus to jump into first spot, they need to overturn a 2-0 aggregate on head to head by winning by three clear goals or on “away goals”.

Barcelona Form

Barcelona have had a poor season so far. In Liga, they have lost four of their ten matches and sit 12 points off league leaders Atletico Madrid. They lost 1-0 to Atleti two weeks ago and were beaten 2-1 at Cadiz on Saturday. Their 14 points from 10 matches is their worst season to a league season in over 30 years and Koeman is already facing real pressure.

In Europe, they have been imperious, winning all five of their group matches by a 16-2 aggregate scoreline including a 2-0 away win at Juventus on matchday two. They beat Ferencvaros 3-0 in their last match despite resting several players.

Barcelona Team News

Ousmane Dembele injured his hamstring in the defeat to Cadiz and misses out whilst Ansu Fati’s long term knee injury gives Koeman less options in wide areas. In defence, Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti remain out injured with knee problems and Sergi Roberto misses out at right back with a muscle injury.

Koeman is expected to rest several players with Neto likely to play in goal with Marc-Andre ter Stegen rested. Carles Alena could play in midfield to allow Sergio Busquets a break too. Lionel Messi should start and Koeman has hinted as much but Pedri and Trincao should get opportunities alongside the legend.

Barcelona Motivation

Barcelona have four home matches in a row now and will want to finally get some momentum going this season. They would love to beat Juventus but putting in too much energy is just not worth it in an injury-hit squad. With players rested too, Barca would likely be very happy to get a draw, top the group and move on.

Juventus Form

The Old Lady have a mixed start to this season despite losing just one match since Andrea Pirlo took over… to Barcelona. In Serie A, they are unbeaten but have drawn five of their ten matches which puts them six points off the top. They beat Torino 2-1 at home on Saturday as Weston McKennie and Leonardo Bonucci scored.

Like Barcelona, they have cruised to qualification in a straightforward group. They beat Dynamo Kiev on matchday 5 as Federico Chiesa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata netted.

Juventus Team News

Juventus have relatively clean bill of health aside from two issues at centre back. In defence, both Merih Demiral and Giorgio Chiellini are major doubts with muscle injuries whilst Sami Khedira is not registered for Europe.

Alvaro Morata was suspended for Saturday’s Serie A match so should start this one and Ronaldo was unable to play against Barcelona earlier this season due to COVID-19 so he should be given the nod for this match even if many other players are rested.

It is not clear if Pirlo will play a strong XI or rest most of his team but both Aaron Ramsey and Saturday’s scorer Weston McKennie will be hoping for starts in midfield.

Juventus Motivation

Even with Barcelona’s poor form, a win by three goals or any two goal win besides 2-0 is a tough ask. However, Juventus are expected to try to do it and look to take top spot in the group in the hope of avoiding a meeting with the likes of Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

Key Stats

Barcelona have lost 2 of their last 5 matches

Barcelona have seen over 3.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 home matches

Barcelona have fallen behind in 6 league matches, winning none of them

Barcelona have kept 1 clean sheet in their last 6 home matches

Juventus have drawn 4 of their last 7 away matches

Juventus have kept 1 clean sheet in their last 12 away matches

Prediction

This game is very difficult to predict due to the unknown over lineup strength. This might be a game where it is worth placing additional bets one hour before kickoff when the two teams announce their starting XI’s. I am tipping Juventus to get at least a draw.