Gotta be the Old Lady at the Dragao
The reigning champions of the Primeira Liga and Serie A go head-to-head at the picturesque Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday evening with Andrea Pirlo in need of a win to continue the Old Lady’s upward trajectory. Since the turn of the year Juventus have looked a lot stronger and despite the setback of their 1-0 loss in Naples last time out, come in as favourites for this first leg. A tenth straight Scudetto is looking unlikely this term so it is all eggs in the Champions League basket, as has seemed the intentions of the board, once again and it is a nice last 16 tie in Portugal. Juve won 3-0 at Camp Nou to earn top spot on the final matchday in Group G, Porto are a lesser prospect than Barcelona, there is value in the Old Lady.
Considerations
The vast improvement we have seen in Turin has been built from the back, the return of Giorgio Chiellini has had an excellent impact on limiting opposition chances and having kept two clean sheets against Inter Milan, one versus Roma and Sampdoria in their last five outings, they will be full of confidence coming into this encounter. Another option from a punting perspective is to back Juve to win to nil, which you can find at a massive 3.81 with Betfair, maybe a smaller unit play but I will not be overcomplicating things in my selection.
It is great to have the Champions League back but I do see this fixture being the least entertaining of the three matches this week, hence why under 2.5 goals is so short on the market, but all points towards the Juve and both teams to score no punt. Sergio Conceicao will have other ideas.
Goals?
Not for me, no value in unders to which I see the most likely outcome.
- Porto have scored in nine of 10.
- Porto have conceded in six of 10.
- Porto have seen both teams score in six of 10.
- Porto have seen over 2.5 goals in four of 10.
- Juve have scored in seven of 10, but none of two.
- Juve have conceded in four of 10, but just two of eight.
- Juve have seen both teams score in two of 10.
- Juve have seen over 2.5 goals in three of 10.
I am excited about the price here, Juventus have improved a lot lately and you cannot underestimate the Cristiano Ronaldo factor when it comes to the Champions League.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Juve underestimated Porto, 2-1 to the hosts.