Prediction: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score
Odds: 29/20
Bookmaker: William Hill
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his return to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening as Juventus face off with Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese superstar returns to England nine years after his departure for Real Madrid in a match which could go a long way in deciding how the group will play out.
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils head into the game with the Italian giants having dropped two points at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Despite going behind to Antonio Rudiger’s first-half goal, a brace from Anthony Martial put them ahead only for Ross Barkley to score a last-minute equaliser. United now sit tenth in the Premier League table having only kept one clean sheet in league play this season; a huge reason behind their downturn in 2018/19.
Their fortunes have been improved in the UEFA Champions League and currently sit second in Group H having claimed a win and a draw out of their opening two games so far. They started perfectly with a 3-0 win away from home against Young Boys and followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Valencia. The Red Devils do need to rectify their European home form if they are to get a result. If they do not earn a victory against Juventus, they will make it three home games in the UEFA Champions League without a win, something that has not occurred in over two decades.
Team News
Antonio Valencia could return to action after having an operation. However, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Dalot and Marcos Rojo are ruled out of the game. The match is also too soon for the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard.
Juventus
Max Allegri’s Juventus side come into the match at Old Trafford having dropped their first points of the season at the weekend. The Bianconeri had previously won ten consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring at least two goals in every game. However, they only managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Genoa on Saturday. Despite that, they are still four points clear at the top of the Serie A standings.
The Italians have also enjoyed a flawless start to their campaign in the UEFA Champions League. They kicked off with an excellent 2-0 win away from home against Spanish outfit Valencia. They followed that up by blowing away Young Boys 3-0. They now have the chance to win four consecutive matches in the competition for the first time since April 2017. As a matter of fact, they could also keep their third clean sheet in a row in the Champions League – something they have also not managed to achieve since the same year.
Team News
Leonardo Spinazzola is ruled out due to a cruciate injury and is likely to be joined on the sidelines by former Liverpool man Emre Can who has been struggling with illness. Sami Khedira is also out with a thigh injury. All eyes will obviously be on former United man Cristiano Ronaldo as he makes his return to Old Trafford.
Key Facts To Consider
- The two teams have an identical head-to-head record coming into the game (W5, D2)
- The last match between the two ended 3-0 to the Red Devils
- There have been 30 goals scored in 12 games between the two sides
- Jose Mourinho has only one game against Juventus throughout his managerial career
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored on both of his previous matches against Manchester United in the Champions League
Conclusion
This game certainly promises plenty of drama and storylines. Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly be at the forefront and he will surely be one of the main candidates to find the back of the net. Considering the Red Devils’ leaky defence, plenty of goals can be expected at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score
Odds: 29/20
Bookmaker: William Hill
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
