Juventus vs Locomotiv Moscow
Stadium: Allianz Stadium
Betting Odds: Juventus 1.18; Draw 6.50 ; Locomotiv 17.00
Probability of Win: Juventus 81%; Draw 14% ; Locomotiv 5%
Juventus
Injury Concern: De Sciglio (thigh), Douglas Costa (thigh), Ramsey (groin)
Predicted XI: Szczęsny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Higuaín, Cristiano Ronaldo
Juventus have reached the round of 16 or further in 16 of their last 19 Champions League campaign, while they have won all three of their previous home games against Russian visitors – scoring nine times in the process and conceding just once. Unbeaten in all contests this season, Juventus look set to enjoy another successful campaign. Now under the management of Maurizio Sarri, the Turin giants are top of Serie A with 22 points from their eight matches, winning each of their last five in the league to move above an impressive Inter Milan.
The Old Lady look well-placed to launch a challenge this term, though, and as mentioned, they are currently top of Group D with four points having drawn with Atletico Madrid and beaten Bayer Leverkusen thus far. It is difficult to imagine a scenario where Sarri’s side fail to make it through this particular group, and the upcoming double-header with Lokomotiv could well see the Serie A giants book their spot in the next round.
Juventus have dominated Serie A in recent years, but it would be fair to say that the club are desperate to enjoy Champions League success. Cristiano Ronaldo was signed with the view to leading the side to European glory last season, but Ajax incredibly knocked the Italian champions out in the quarter-finals.
Locomotiv Moscow
Injury Concern: Miranchuk (ankle), Rybus (groin), Djordjević (knee), Smolov (thigh)
Predicted XI: Guilherme; Zhivoglyadov, Höwedes, Ćorluka, Ignatyev; Zhemaletdinov, Krychowiak, João Mário, Barinov, Al. Miranchuk; Éder
Lokomotiv Moscow picked up only their third UEFA Champions League win on the road in 17 attempts (3 Wins, 3 Draws, 11 Losses) in their last away game against Bayer Leverkusen and are looking to win back-to-back away games for the first time.
