Judgment day for Juve to save their season
Nantes host Juventus in their Europa League last 16 second leg on Thursday in aiming to upset the odds after an impressive 1-1 draw in Turin.
The French side have not been able to match their Europa League form in Ligue 1 this season but will relish the challenge of hosting the Old Lady at Stade de la Beaujoire.
The competition will be prioritised by Juve as an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League next season, having suffered a points deduction in Serie A.
I for one, would certainly be here for Paul Pogba getting back to full fitness to take on Manchester United in the latter stages.
Nantes were the poorer side in the first leg, as should be expected, but the performance on the whole should ensure that Massimiliano Allegri does not panic despite the slightly worrying scoreline.
Background
Nantes are also in a nice position to throw everything into this last 16 tie with their position in the league very stable, but also one where they are very unlikely to seal European competition for next season via their domestic placing.
Antoine Kombouare’s men are set to be without: Ignatius Ganago, Jean-Charles Castelletto and Quentin Merlin while Nicolas Pallois is doubtful.
Juve have injury issues of their own with Arkadiusz Milik, Fabio Miretti, Kaio Jorge, Daouda Peeters, Paul Pogba and Mohammed Ihattaren are sidelined, while Federico Chiesa is a doubt.
The occasion should lift Nantes for this one, it could be the biggest game of some of their players’ careers, but there is no getting away from who the stronger side is here, this is a top side heading to a lower mid table and it has been rightfully priced up as such.
Juve will be spurred on to get the job done in 90 minutes and I am happy to back them to do so.
Goals?
Nantes handled them in the first leg and may do in the second, it would not be a surprise to see this one go unders but I am happy to back the Old Lady.
Nantes have scored in six of ten.
Nantes have conceded in four of ten.
Nantes have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Nantes have seen over 2.5 goals in two of ten.
Juve have scored in nine of ten.
Juve have conceded in five of ten.
Juve have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Juve have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
