Here is how Juventus could lineup against Ajax in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals.
Juventus will face off Ajax in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday. The hosts got an all-important away goal and drew the game 1-1, but the chances of a comeback from the Dutch heavyweights cannot be written off, especially following the humiliation faced by Real Madrid in front of their own crowd.
The Old Lady struggled to keep possession during the first half of the game, but they looked devastating on the counter attacks. Seconds before the half time, a goal from a simple throw-in. Rodrigo Bentancur found Joao Cancelo in the wings, who picked out Cristiano Ronaldo running into the penalty box. The Portuguese International did no harm by bulging the back of the net from a close-range header.
Ajax made a quick start in the second half and equalized within two minutes of the restart. David Neres made an excellent run to cut past the defence and drag the ball wide of the goalkeeper to find the back of the net. The game had more intensity, but neither of the team was able to get the lead.
The head-to-head statistics show that Juventus have been far the better side, but Ajax have been fearless in their approach. Besides, the visitors are not considered as the favourites to qualify for the next round which implies that the pressure will be very less going into this fixture.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo recovered from a hamstring injury to play a pivotal goal in the first leg at Johan Cruyff Stadium. He is expected to start this game, but Massimiliano Allegri has been dealt with injuries to many stars. Giorgio Chiellini and Douglas Costa have been ruled out of the contention, whilst Emre Can and Blaise Matuidi have recovered in time to face the Dutch outfit.
Juventus released an update regarding the fitness of their players and it stated as follows
“There are encouraging signs over the fitness of Giorgio Chiellini and Emre Can ahead of Juve’s second-leg clash with Ajax.
Both players missed the first-leg of Juve’s Champions League quarter-final against Ajax in Amsterdam which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Updates from Juventus.com, Sky Sport Italia and Goal.com’s Romeo Agresti suggest that Chiellini and Can are progressing well and could make the squad for the return leg.
Douglas Costa picked up a calf injury and is not expected to be back in time for the game while Daniele Rugani is expected to be fit for the match.
Mattia Perin suffered a right shoulder injury in training today and won’t make the squad for Ajax.”
On the other hand, there should be no problem for Ajax who will probably stick to the same lineup. There are no suspensions for either of the sides.
Predicted Lineup
Juventus: Wojciech Szczęsny, Joao Cancelo, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro, Miralem Pjanic, Rodrigo Bentancur, Blaise Matuidi, Federico Bernadeschi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic.
