Juventus lead this Champions League quarterfinal tie by only a slim margin, but it might not take much to secure a semifinal berth.
Juventus hold just a 1-0 lead after the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie with AS Monaco, and even that much took a penalty to earn thanks to a determined and effective defensive display from Monaco. Now with the match heading back to Monaco's turf, Juventus need to play well in order to assure that they advance to the semifinals.
Monaco's task is just as difficult, however. They're a defense-focused team that, at times, struggles to score, and they find themselves absolutely having to score one goal just to equalize and hopefully force the tie to extra time if they can hold off Juventus' attack. Keeping a balance between attack and defense won't be easy for them, but it's an absolute must if they're going to get the job done.
Key player - Carlos Tevez (Juventus)
No matter what formation Juventus go with in this match, Tevez is their attacking lynchpin. They will be pushing hard for an early goal, and no matter who gets the last touch, you can guarantee Tevez will be involved at some stage of it. He's a magician with the ball at his feet, and if anyone can crack Monaco's tough defense, it's the hard-nosed Argentine.
Key Matchup - Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (Monaco) vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus)
Ferreira-Carrasco is one of Monaco's best attackers, but he had a miserable match against Juventus last week. Lichtsteiner kept him locked down hard, and he struggled to find a way to get by the Swiss wingback. If he can figure out a way to overcome Lichsteiner this time, it will give Monaco a real chance in this match and the tie -- but if he doesn't, they'll be facing an uphill battle they may not have the firepower to overcome.
AS Monaco injuries and suspensions
Out: Lacine Traore (leg) In doubt: Tiemoue Bakayoko (thigh)
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Paul Pogba (hamstring), Martin Caceres (ankle), Luca Marrone (thigh), Kwadwo Asamoah (knee), Romulo (groin) In doubt: Arturo Vidal (tonsillitis)
Juventus have a long injury list, but other than Pogba, none of the players guaranteed to be out are relied-upon starters. Vidal is a question after a bout of tonsillitis early in the week, but there was strong hope on Tuesday that he'd be fit to start. Monaco still lack Traore up top, and rotational midfielder Bakayoko is still a strong doubt with his thigh injury.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco, France
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), beIN Sports 1 (France), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2GO, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go Italia (Italy), beIN Sports Connect (France), Sky Go (U.K.)
from SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1IHgCBm
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire