The Bianconeri travel to Sicily looking to go six games unbeaten and move into Serie A’s top five.
While Juve have only dropped points in one fixture across all competitions in their last five games, Palermo have only won one of their previous five while also sacking coach Giuseppe Iachini and bringing in Davide Ballardini.
Juventus carry plenty of momentum into the clash after some convincing performances of late, especially their midweek clash against Manchester City. Allegri’s men look to be returning to form in what represents a dangerous clash for Palermo with stars such as Paulo Dybala in brilliant form.
The Argentine will be returning to the Stadio Renzo Barbera for the first time since making the switch from the Sicilian club and will be a key figure for Juve as he has been all season long, contributing six goals in 12 appearances.
Key Battle – Claudio Marchisio vs Luca Rigoni
Il Principino has not enjoyed the best of seasons for Juventus having been out for much of the campaign with injury and struggling to find form since he has been back. If Juventus are to continue their climb to the top of the table, they will need their star man in midfield to find his best and become an influential figure.
Luca Rigoni was exceptional against Juventus in their previous fixture and will relish the task of holding an out-of-form Claudio Marchisio quiet. If he is successful it will help the Sicilians immensely in keeping Juventus at bay and minimising their effect moving the ball forward.
Team News
Palermo are still without Roberto Vitiello and Uros Djurdjevic while Juventus will be without Sami Khedira, Roberto Pereyra, Hernanes and Simone Padoin due to injury while Mario Mandzukic will also miss some time after being forced into a substitution midweek against Manchester City.
Palermo Expected XI (4-3-1-2): Sorrentino (GK); Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Rigoni, Jajala, Hiijemark; Brugman; Gilardino, Vasquez.
Juventus Expected XI (3-5-2): Buffon (GK); Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Alex Sandro, Pogba, Marchisio, Sturaro, Cuadrado; Dybala, Morata.
Head-to-Head
Juventus and Palermo have met in Serie A on 18 occasions, with the former shading the head-to-head with 10 wins versus the Sicilians’ seven. There has been one draw.
Previous Meeting
The two clubs last met at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in March, with Juventus prevailing 1-0.
[interaction id=”56590b7cb8db3ddc5e8b6067″]
Prediction
Juventus will register a convincing win. With Alex Sandro in the team, the 3-5-2 has looked much more convincing. The Bianconeri have been riding a wave of momentum lately so expect them to come away with a win that will see them potentially move into Serie A’s top five for the first time this season.
Palermo 0 Juventus 2
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
