Two of the strongest clubs in the UEFA Champions League collide as 2015 finalists Juventus host five-time champions Bayern Munich. Join The Roar for live scores from 6:45am (AEDT).
Juventus and Bayern Munich are evenly matched across the park and should be expected to play out a tight opening leg in Turin.
Juventus are in great form, even if their last match was a dour nil-all draw against Bologna in Serie A. However they rested several players in that match, with one eye firmly on tonight’s contest against Bayern.
Bayern have excelled in the Bundesliga, as per usual, but are certainly not invincible in Europe. Despite dominating the group stages, an away defeat to Arsenal proves the German giants can be vulnerable against teams who take the game to them.
Nor are Juventus strangers to causing upsets in the Champions League. Their semi-final victory over Real Madrid last season proved they have the discipline and structure required to beat anyone in the competition.
If Juventus are to secure a vital first-leg lead, key stars Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala have to pitch in with strong performances. Dybala is a rising star, but can the Argentine cope against a well-organised Bayern defence?
Bayern have no shortage of class strikers, with Robert Lewandoski the key figure up front. If Juventus let their guard down, Lewandoski will hurt them on the scoreboard.
The persistent threat offered by class players Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Douglas Costa could also prove decisive, as Bayern search for vital away goals.
Former Juventus star Arturo Vidal lines up against his former club. Vidal was a vital figure behind Juventus’ run to the Champions League final last year, and now will be tasked with stopping the very team where he made his name.
Prediction
Bayern have an edge in terms of creativity, but Juventus proved last season that solid defensive structure can take a team a long way in the Champions League.
If the hosts remain patient, like they did against Madrid last season, they have what it takes to go to Germany with a priceless lead.
Juventus to win 1-0.
Jamie Maclaren may have played his last game in Australia after the outgoing Melbourne City captain was not included in the A-League Men All…
Did Stefan Ortega save the title for Man City?
Ange was not happy after Spurs' 2-0 loss to Manchester City. He questioned the club's 'foundations' post-match.
Rodrigo Bentancur was unimpressed after being subbed off in the 55th minute of Tottenham's 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
Ange Postecoglou was fuming after his team lost 2-0 to Manchester City to put the defending champions on the cusp of a record fourth-straight…
It will be a bumper occasion, there will not be a spare seat in the house and of course, Sydney FC could well produce a miracle with their backs against the wall.
