20th November, 2012
Chelsea aim to end their poor domestic run in the UEFA Champions League, but face a tough challenge against Group E contenders Juventus in Turin tonight.
On matchday 1, both teams ended in an exciting 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge but this time around, the Italian champions and the title holders eye a place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Though Chelsea are joint-top of their Group, only a point separates them from tonight’s opponents and a win for either side could increase their chances of qualification depending on the other results. Juve were held 0-0 at the weekend against Lazio but are still on top of Serie A table while Roberto Di Matteo’s side have lost twice in four games, dropping to third place in the EPL title race.
Angelo Alessio’s side have no fresh injury worries as playmaker Andrea Pirlo returns to the side after serving a domestic ban, but striker Mirko Vucinic is still sidelined. Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner will be fighting for a place in the squad due to Sebastian Giovinco’s poor show against Lazio.
On the other hand, Di Matteo has admitted that Daniel Sturridge could be included in the starting XI in place of Fernando Torres after the Spaniard’s lacklustre performance in 2-1 defeat to West Brom Albion. Oscar, Juan Mata, Ramirez, Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic started on the bench in that loss, but are expected to start against Juventus today.
“It’s going to be a difficult match for sure – Juventus are under pressure as well to win this game and it’s going to make it an interesting match. It will be an open game. We have proved before that when it comes down to it, our players can be counted on. It’s important we communicate with eachother and that the players express themselves, and I’ve always encouraged that.
“Both sides can win it. Juve are at home and maybe that could be a bit of an advantage, but sometimes playing at home can be a hindrance too,” said Di Matteo.
“We know, without beating about the bush, that it’s all or nothing and we want to go through. We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win. Of course, we could take our chances better. We know how good Chelsea’s goalkeeper is, but we have to create lots of chances. They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team. At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing,” said Angelo Alessio, Juventus’ assistant coach.