It is early days but who could have thought we would see this scenario, Juventus placed 17th taking on Chievo who sit top of the table.
Last season’s champions will be desperate to get their first win of 2015-16 after disappointing loses to both Udinese and Roma. The Bianconeri have looked very underwhelming so far and will need a victory to take heavy pressure off the team. Meanwhile, Chievo have notched up impressive wins against Empoli and Lazio.
Key Battle – Claudio Marchisio vs Nicola Rigoni
The Juventus playmaker is back from injury and will provide a huge boost to the Bianconeri. Fans saw just how much they have missed Marchisio against Roma a fortnight ago and will be happy to see him back into the squad. Nicola Rigoni will be the man Chievo need to minimise Il Principino’s effect in midfield and wrestle the momentum Chievo’s way.
Team News
Allegri’s men were dominated in the middle of the park a fortnight ago and the likely inclusion of Marchisio into this fixture will see them with a massive boost, someone sorely missed in the opening phase and will heavily rely upon to hold possession this season. Marchisio’s return is also a boost for French superstar Paul Pogba and Italian youngster Stefano Sturaro, the two who will likely accompany in midfield.
The current league leaders will likely go in unchanged, after the team impressively beat Lazio 4-0 prior to the international break. Juventus will make several switches to the team that lost to Roma with Alex Sandro and Hernanes set to debut, while Dybala will also start which will flip their formation from a 3-5-2 t0 4-3-1-2. Mario Lemina comes into the squad and could make his debut off the bench.
Juventus expected starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Hernanes; Dybala, Mandzukic.
Chievo expected starting XI (4-4-2): Bizzarri; Dainelli, Cesar, Gobbi, Frey; Birsa, Hetemaj, Rigoni, Castro; Meggiorini, Paloschi.
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Head-to-head
Chievo do not have the most admirable of records against Juventus, having lost 17 of the 24 top tier fixtures between the sides. They have also lost the last six straight. The Bianconeri are unbeaten at home against Chievo.
Prediction
Expect Juve to notch up their first win here, at home where they have been so dominate in the past. They will be desperate to get the three points and as good as Chievo have looked so far, the Old Lady’s best will see them ease past the Flying Donkeys.
Juventus 2-0
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