Kane v Chiellini and other key battles that could decide Tottenham v Juventus

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  • Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his Tottenham side build on their slender advantage over Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

    Spurs drew 2-2 in Turin, with two away goals placing much of the pressure on the Turin giants ahead of Wednesday’s tussle at Wembley.

    And, with much at stake, here we take a look at three key battles which could go a long way in deciding the outcome.

    Harry Kane v Giorgio Chiellini

    Both players are pivotal for their respective sides, with Kane continuing to establish himself as one of the world’s most prolific attackers.

    The 24-year-old netted one goal against the Old Lady in the first leg in Italy and will be aiming to punish the defending Serie A champions on home soil.

    The Englishman has scored 37 goals in 39 matches in all competitions this term – and has an incredible eye to nip in front of the defender and pounce at the business end – even against a granite-like defence that includes Chiellini.

    A colossus in the Juve backline, the 33-year-old veteran is still a central figure to Massimiliano Allegri’s team and will be tasked with keeping Kane on a tight leash

    That won’t be easy though, with the Spurs frontman having the ability to orchestrate proceedings when he has the ball at his feet and ghost into goalscoring positions, feeding off ammunition from the likes of Christian Eriksen.

    Mousa Dembele v Miralem Pjanic

    The Belgian bossed the opener against Juve, earning a catalogue of plaudits and reinstating his reputation as one of the best central midfielders around when fully fit.

    Consistency and frequent long-stay spells on the treatment table have restricted him in the past but the 30-year-old should be in buoyant mood to secure Spurs’ passage through to the last eight.

    Dembele needs to use his physicality and movement to sit deep and monitor Paulo Dybala’s influence on the game – as the Argentine is a genuine match-winner.

    But in Pjanic, the Bianconeri also have an elusive playmaker who is a master at finding space and wrestling out of tight positions.

    The Bosnian has created 13 chances and made 12 key passes in Europe this term – which is nearly 80% higher than Dembele’s contribution for the Premier League side, who remain unbeaten in the competition.

    This battle in the middle of the park will be fascinating.

    Davison Sanchez v Gonzalo Higuain

    With Toby Alderweireld sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Sanchez will have his hands full as he attempts to curtail the impact of Higuain.

    The Argentine was emphatic in the first leg – scoring a first-half brace – and has netted 24 goals in all competitions this season for the Turin side.

    A menacing presence in the air, the Colombian will be looking to close down Higuain at every opportunity in a bid to keep Spurs on the front foot.

    Sanchez’s pace and sheer presence could lead to problems for the visitors, and if the 21-year-old can stamp his authority on the game – using his combative style – then Higuain may struggle to dominate.

    The Juve attacker is not the most athletic footballer but possesses clinical finishing and the experience to out-think a player who is new to big-game scenarios.

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