The hunt for the Champions League
Top dogs Juventus host Champions League chasing Milan at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. Will the Old Ladies lengthy injury list push them off course from an 8th straight Scudetto or will Gattuso's men suffer further setback in their quest for a top 4 finish?
Juventus
La Vecchia Signora could potentially become the earliest Scudetto winners in history if they beat Milan and Napoli suffers defeat to Genoa on Sunday, extraordinary stuff. However, due to Juve's quite frankly tricky injury list coupled with their upcoming Champions League clash with Ajax on Tuesday some rotation is to be expected from the Turin side. However.. the matter of the fact is that even if Juventus are missing a host of players, their bench is nothing short of magnificent so it's not exactly a catastrophic situation.
From a betting perspective this game is a tricky one due to the factors involved with the main one being that Juve have all but won the league already which means that they will be able to focus on the Champions League much more. I know what some of you are thinking so i will address it accordingly, yes they are professionals and yes they will obviously give it their all against Milan and yes they still have amazing players on the pitch despite the injuries. These are all valid points but do not underestimate the nagging thought in the back of their heads reminding them of the über important CL fixtures and the fact that they have the chance of winning it for the first time since 96', this knowledge might just rock the boat enough for Milan to knick something here. I've seen a lot of different tipsters focus a lot on the fact that Milan have a horrendous record against Juve and it is true, they have not beaten the Turin giants in 8 games but circumstances definitely matter and i am not convinced that it will be as easy for Juventus as some people are making it out to be.
Notable absentees
Ronaldo, Douglas Costa, Cuadrado, Chiellini (different sources have said different things but i think the captain will be out), Caceres, Perin, Barzagli and Spinazzola.
Milan
The Rossoneri have had a slightly tough time of things in recent weeks with results not going their way and injuries to a few of their more important players (which i will mention farther down). Since losing the Derby della Madonnina which ended a 10 game unbeaten streak they lost their momentum with it, the defeat to Inter was followed by lacklustre displays against Sampdoria (0-1 loss) and Udinese (1-1 draw at home) greatly worrying Milan fans who have been fantasising about the Champions League since the 2013/14 season. Despite their downturn in form Milan have been a hard team to beat this season only losing 6 of their so far 30 games played and have honestly been doing quite well. This has been the most competitive season (bar Juventus) the Serie A has seen in quite a while and the fact that Milan are in 4th place above the likes of Roma, Lazio and Atalanta is impressive in itself given how lousy the red and blacks have been during the last few seasons.
Gattuso has recently put himself in the firing line having said that he should be sacked if Milan do not finish in the top 4 and i find this indicative of a few things. Firstly, his passion, if you consider yourself a real football fan it is impossible to have missed out on Gattuso's passion and extreme will to win as a player which he has definitely brought with him into management. These kind of things rub off on ones environment and it has been said that the players not only see him as a coach but also as a father-figure and speaking from experience, when playing for a coach you are willing to run through a brick wall for, anything is possible. So you best believe that Milan will be ready for a fight in Turin and wont willingly be giving up an inch of anything, they not only want a point to help them towards the CL but also to save their manager Gennaro Gattuso's job.
Notable absentees
Donnarumma, Paqueta, Kessie, Conti and Bonaventura.
Betting tip
Given the different factors and circumstances at play i will be backing Under 2.5 goals at 31/50 with Bethard.
If you are looking for better value, Juventus may very will edge it, they are, despite it all, playing at home and at the end of the day they are after all.. Juventus.
P.S.
I am up at 4 correct tips in a row and i always back what i write, join the movement.
