Juventus host Cagliari today in the Juventus Sports Arena. Today’s game could turn out to be the turning point of the season for the Bianconeri. With the Milan derby taking place, Juventus have a golden opportunity to extend their lead should results go their way.
Joint at the top, Juventus have 37 points after 17 games having won 10 of their games and drawing 7. The Bianconeri have scored 28 goals and conceded only 11.
Team News
Juventus
Manager: Antonio Conte
January has been a month that is a curse for the men in ” Black and White ” for the past few seasons. Juventus have started well, this following year notching up an away win against Lecce. Although, not the best of Juve performances so far, what mattered the most is gettin 3 points. At home, the Bianconeri are unbeaten at their new stadium scoring 18 goals and conceding just 5 goals in their 8 games so far. The Juvents Sports Arena has become a fortress for the Turin giants.
Gianluigi Buffon is expected to lead the team starting at goal. At defence, Giorgio Chiellini is suspended and will miss this game. A usual combination of Bonucci and Barzagli are expected to fill in the centre back slots. Lichtsteiner will start at right back and Ashton Kutcher look alike Paolo De Ceglie is expcted to fit into Chiellini’s shoes at left back.
A trident midfield of Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal are expected to start. The best midfield combination in the Serie-A season will have Pirlo employing the deep playmaking role while Marchisio and Vidal are expected to support the Maestro.
An inconsistent, lacklusture attack of Simone Pepe on the right, Vucinic on the left and Matri up front are expected to start. Alessandro Matri joined Juventus on loan, about a year back and will be playing against his former team. Marco Borriello is expected to be included on the bench. The former Roma and Milan frontman is under tremendous pressure to perform if brought on following controversial banners displayed by the Juve Ultras against Lecce. Fabio Quagliarella is out for this game after facing a cheekbone injury against Lecce.
Expected starting line up
Formation : 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Buffon
Defenders: Lichtsteiner- Barzagli- Bonucci- De Ceglie
Midfielders: Marchisio- Pirlo- Vidal
Forwards: Pepe- Matri- Vucinic
Player to watch out for
Cagliari
Manager: Davide Ballardini
Cagliari find themselves in the top half of the table at the 10th position. Out of 17 games played, they have won 5, drawn 6 and lost 6. They are the 3rd lowest scores in the league with 15 goals and have conceeded 17 goals. Their away record however, is far from convincing winning 4 losing 3 and drawing 1. Away from home, the Rossoblu have scored 9 and conceded 10 goals.
Agazzi is expected to start at goal. At defence, a dual combination of Astori and Cannini are expected to play. On the defensive flanks Pisano and Agostini will be fielded in on the right and left side of the flank respectively. Perico is set to miss this game.
A combination of Ekdal, Dessena and Nainggolan are expected to start at midfield. Ekdal co-owned by Juventus and Cagliari is set to have a go at his former team. Dessena and Juventus target Nainggolan should be partnering Ekdal. The Rossoblu have their captain Daniele Conti injured and is unexpected to make it to the game. Eriksson and Sampaio will be absentees for this game as well.
Andrea Cossu is expected to start and provide support to Larrivey and Ibrabo. Physically well built, the striking duo could cause the Juventus defence a few problems aerially. Cossu will play the attacking midfield role and is expected to man mark Andrea Pirlo as well.
Expected starting line up
Formation : 4-3-1-2
Goalkeeper: Agazzi
Defenders: Pisano- Canini- Astori- Agostini
Midfielders: Dessena- Ekdal- Nainggolan
Attacking Midfield: Cossu
Forwards: Larrivey- Ibarbo
Player to watch out for
Radja Nainggolan- Juventus calling?
Milestones
1. Juventus are the only unbeaten team throughout major lagues in Europe.
2. Juventus are unbeaten at their new stadium hosting 8 games by winning 6 games and drawing only 2.
3. Juventus have not conceeded a goal in their last 3 games at home.
4. Juventus have won their last 4 games at home
5. Cagliari have lost their three previous games against Juventus.
Top Scorers
Alessandro Matri-Juventus
7 goals
Daniele Conti and Joaquin Larrivey
3 goals
Past Meetings
Juventus 4-2 Cagliari
Cagliari 1-3 Juventus
Prediction
Juventus 2-0 Cagliari
