The Champions League is back and what a game we have here! Two legendary clubs Manchester United and Juventus meet at old Trafford and one certain Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester. Man Utd have shown some signs of life most recently as they nearly beat Chelsea and came from 2 down against Newcastle to win whereas Juventus have been nearly flawless as they’ve only failed to win one game throughout the whole season. These teams have provided some classic European matches before and we’ll be hoping that this one lives up to its billing!
Key Facts
Man Utd have won just 2 of their 6 home matches in all competitions this season. 3D 1L.
Man Utd have conceded 18 goals in 12 games in all competitions. However they’ve conceded none in the Champions League.
Man Utd have only kept 3 clean sheets in all competitions
4 of previous 5 Man Utd games had over 3.5 goals.
Martial is currently the man in form having scored 3 goals in last 2 apps.
Man Utd have been solid going forward with 20 goals in 12 games.
Man Utd have beaten Juventus in 3 games in a row. However the last meeting was in 2003.
Romelu Lukaku has now failed to score in 7 consecutive apps for Man Utd.
Juventus have won all 5 away games this season.
Juventus have a 14W 7D 2L record in their last 23 CL group matches. Don’t lose often.
Juventus have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 games.
5 of last 7 Juventus games had under 2.5 goals.
Ronaldo has scored 5 goals in his previous 7 apps for Juventus.
Ronaldo has scored in both of his matches against Manchester United in 2013.
Juventus are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League.
Team News
Manchester United: Alexis Sanchez will be out for Mourinho for this match meanwhile Fellaini, Lingard, Dalot and McTominay will have late fitness tests to determine if they’re available. Meanwhile Antonio Valencia could be in contention to play. We can expect Jose to go with a similar lineup to the one against Chelsea. Martial for sure should be the first name on the sheet given his form right now.
Juventus: Juve will be without their striker Mandzukic who is ruled out with an injury and Emre Can and Sami Khedira are out too. We can expect Dybala to come in for Mandzukic while Ronaldo and either Costa or Bernardeschi are top contenders to complete the front 3. Chiellini is expected to return into the starting lineup after Sitting the Genoa game.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Many will have Juventus winning this match and they’re tipped as favourites to win at 2.50. However, we’ve seen some really good signs from United, they’ve shown fight for their manager and it’d be a little risky to go against them. We’d actually rather not back a winner here. Over/unders are also very risky because it’s Mourinho vs Allegri so from that point of view surely an under, but when you look at how high scoring Man Utd games are this season all of a sudden it doesn’t seem like an under is a safe option. The bet that well make is BTTS at 1.85 simply based on United. They defend poorly but surely they should be able to get a goal at home. Another pick is Ronaldo to score anytime at 2.30. He’ll be massively motivated to return to old Trafford and get his first CL goal on the season so expect him to bag one. Our prediction is a 1-1 draw.
Match Odds (TonyBet)
Manchester United Win – 3.15
Draw – 3.25
Juventus Win – 2.45
KICK OFF – 23rd October 2018 – 8pm UK Time
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