Chelsea welcome Juventus to Stamford Bridge in a top of Group H clash in 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.
Victory could see Chelsea climb above Juventus to top spot of Group H with one match left of the group stage, whereas Juventus can seal qualification as Group H winners with a win.
A draw would see both teams safely through to the knockout stage with one match to spare.
Team News
Romelu Lukaku could return for Chelsea if he passes a late fitness test on an ankle injury.
Jorginho (cramp) is also in contention but Kai Havertz is a doubt, after the German was substituted with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s Premier League win at Leicester.
Mateo Kovacic remains absent with a hamstring injury.
Juventus could be without Danilo after the defender suffered a suspected thigh injury in Saturday’s Serie A win at Lazio.
Paulo Dybala (calf), Aaron Ramsey (muscle) and Mattia De Sciglio (hamstring) are doubts for the match and won’t feature unless match fit.
Giorgio Chiellini (Achilles) and Federico Bernardeschi (groin) remains absent.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won just one of five previous UEFA Champions League meetings against Juventus (W1, D2, L2).
- Juventus have failed to win in any of their two previous away visits to Chelsea (D1, L1).
- Two of Chelsea’s six Group H goals this season have been scored from the penalty spot by Jorginho – which both came in Chelsea’s last Champions League home match against Malmo.
- Juventus haven’t conceded in three of their four Group H matches so far this season.
- This is the first match involving Chelsea and Juventus to be refereed by Srdjan Jovanovic.
Prediction
Having delivered a ruthless display at Leicester on Saturday in which they played on the front foot throughout and managed the game well defensively, Chelsea cannot afford to relax because this is a crucial clash if they are to finish top of the group.
Juventus meanwhile were dominant in their away win over Lazio yet lacked the final touch and instead got lucky with two successful penalties, so there will be room for improvement but they cannot afford to dawdle with their shots or Chelsea could punish them.
On that note, I am expecting a cracker but if Thomas Tuchel’s Blues avoid having an off-day like they did in Turin, Italy, a draw should be the minimum aim but I fancy them to get the win given their confidence and momentum.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Juventus
Result: Chelsea 4-0 Juventus