Chelsea vs Juventus - 5 key battles to watch | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Chelsea are looking to make amends for their loss to Juventus in the reverse
Chelsea are looking to make amends for their loss to Juventus in the reverse

#3 Ben Chilwell (Chelsea) vs Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)

Chilwell is turning into a world-class full-back
Chilwell is turning into a world-class full-back

While Reece James is having a stormer on the right flank, Ben Chilwell is producing a similar kind of form on the left. He has scored thrice and assisted once this season thus far.

He was on the fringes of the squad at the start. But now Chelsea struggle without him, as Chilwell has turned his situation around in style.

Tuchel's wing-back system is bringing out the best in him too, with the 24-year-old offering great width and an outlet for crosses.

Juan Cuadrado brings something similar to Juventus. While his stats aren't as good as Chilwell's, his energetic sprints from the flanks are valuable in stretching opposition defenses.

The two are likely to come up against each other multiple times while making their trademark runs. It will be interesting to see how this clash pans out.


#2 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus) vs Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

Bonucci - the mortar to Juve's brick
Bonucci - the mortar to Juve's brick

One of the best centre-backs of his generation, Leonardo Bonucci continues to go strong even at 34. His experience and big-game expertise are particularly valuable on these big European nights.

Lately, he's also scored a few goals, netting twice from the spot in the 2-0 victory over Lazio on Saturday. Whilst his aerial prowess is well-documented too.

Bonucci's defensive nous will be needed in keeping out Kai Havertz. The German is likely to start as Chelsea's striker in Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner's continued absence.

The German hasn't scored a lot of goals. But his predatory instincts mean even the smallest of openings is enough for him to wreak havoc in the opposition defense.

He's never had any luck against Juventus, firing a blank on all three previous occasions Havertz has faced them. Could he get fourth time lucky?


#1 Reece James (Chelsea) vs Alex Sandro (Juventus)

James has been unstoppable this season
James has been unstoppable this season

With four goals and five assists in all competitions this season, Reece James is enjoying the best spell of his career right now.

He's brought a new dimension to Chelsea's attack with his creative brilliance and an eye for goal, something that will be crucial on Tuesday too.

Alex Sandro will have the Herculean task of keeping him in check, while performing his own duties of helping out offensively.

As we've seen many times in the past, with both club and country, the Brazilian is prone to getting caught out of position. He isn't too fast on the recovery either.

Such issues will be severely punished by James, who's been too hot to handle for even the meanest sides this season.

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