Prediction: Tottenham vs Juventus



Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365

Tottenham are in pole position to reach the Champions League last eight after coming from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw in Turin, but eliminating a side like Juventus could prove a difficult task in spite of the small advantage. The Bianconeri have plenty of experience in playing these kinds of games, and they have reason to hope for a positive outcome.

Tottenham

Spurs have seriously raised the club’s profile in England over the last decade or so, becoming serious title contenders and they have slowly started showing their potential in Europe as well. Tottenham proved their worth this term by topping the Champions League group that also included European powerhouses Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, but they looked to be nearing the exit as they went two goals down in Turin.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side, however, produced a remarkable comeback as goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen secured a 2-2 draw ahead of the return leg. Tottenham have since eliminated Rochdale from the FA Cup, while winning league games vs Crystal Palace and Huddersfield, so it is fair to say Spurs head into the crucial Champions League encounter in very good spirits, and ready to claim yet another major scalp.

Team News

With full-back Serge Aurier suspended, Kevin Trippier will start at right-back, whereas the game may come too soon for centre-back Toby Alderweireld.



Juventus

While the exciting title chase with Napoli in Italian Serie A has been the main preoccupation in recent months, Juventus are also keen on impressing in the UEFA Champions League and hopefully mounting a serious title challenge. The Bianconeri came very close to lifting the coveted trophy in 2015 when they were beaten by Barcelona in the final, but this time there is a long way to go until they reach the final stages.

As you probably know, Juventus made a real mess out of the first leg of their last 16 stage clash vs Tottenham, taking a two-goal lead only to squander it later in the game and it is clear they will have to work hard if they want to make it to the next stage. Since the first match against Spurs, the Bianconeri have reached Coppa Italia final, while improving their league position, meaning they can now fully focus on the all-important clash in London.

Team News

The good news is that Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia De Sciglio have recovered from injury, but Juan Cuadrado and Federico Bernardeschi are out injured.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spurs unbeaten in this year’s Champions League (W5 D2)
• Juventus unbeaten in last 20 fixtures (W17 D3)
• Spurs won last four UCL games at home
• Tottenham scored exactly three goals in each of those
• Juventus won last 10 away fixtures, conceding just one goal

Conclusion

The two sides are pretty evenly matched at the moment and we fully expect them to play out another close game that could easily finish all squared. It is anybody’s guess who will qualify for the quarter-finals, but we believe betting on draw is a sensible thing to do.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365