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Juventus will be returning to Champions League action as they visit the Parc Olympique Lyonnais to face Lyon for the first leg of the Round of 16. Though Lyon has been struggling in Ligue 1 as they toil at the 7th spot, the hosts will be up for the challenge against the Italian giants under lights in front of home support. As for Juventus, they currently reside at the top of Serie A in spite of constant pressure from the likes of Lazio and Inter Milan. Although Maurizio Sarri’s men are likely to get a result in their favour, the head coach would be eager to get as many away goals as possible.
Match Details
Date- Thursday, February 27
Kick-Off- 1:15 AM (IST)
Venue- Parc Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon
Youssouf Kone, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Rafael and Memphis Depay are on the sidelines for the hosts due to injury. Bruno Guimares had an impressive debut at the weekend and could have a part to play for the French club against Juventus. Martin Terrier, Maxwel Cornet and Bertrand Traore will be contending for sports on the attacking front. Marcelo, Joachim Andersen and Jason Denayer are likely to feature in defence.
Juventus
Maurizi Sarri could persist with Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo as the front three. Aaron Ramsey has done well in the last few games and should feature in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi in midfield. Leonardo Bonucci was ruled out in the 2-1 win against SPAL and should be back in defence. There is a possibility of Giorgio Chiellini returning to the squad after overcoming his long term injury. Matthijs de Ligt is likely to start, in case Chiellini is given further rest.
LYN (Expected Playing 11)- Lopes; Marcal, Denayer, Andersen, Tete; Mendes, Tousart; Terrier, Aouar, Traore; Dembele
JUV (Expected Playing 11)- Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Ramsey, Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Ronaldo
Moussa Dembele has been one of the standouts for Lyon on the attacking front. The centre-forward has 14 goals, two assists and a pass accuracy of 70% from 25 appearances in Ligue1 this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be lethal in the final third for Juventus. The Portuguese talisman has two goals from 532 minutes in the Champions League this season, while also having 21 goals from 21 appearances in Serie A.
Houssem Aouar is turning out to be pivotal in midfield for Lyon. Aouar has a goal and two assists from 355 minutes in the Champions League this season.
Paulo Dybala has impressed in the European competition this season for Juventus. Dybala has three goals, two assists and has a pass accuracy of 85.5% from 206 minutes.
Considering Lyon’s injury crisis and Juventus’ quality and depth in their squad, the Italian giants will be the favourites to get the win.
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