One of the most exciting clashes in the Champions League this week sees a headstrong Juventus visit a confident Manchester United side that is finally finding their feet this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo was set to miss this crucial fixture due to a suspension he picked up after seeing red against Valencia in his first European game this season. The ban was reduced to a single game and the former United winger will return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
United go into the game after a closely contested 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford bridge. Juventus saw their 100 per cent record in the league broken over the weekend as they split points with Genoa.
We take a look at some key battles that might determine the winner …
Juventus’ destructive wingers against United’s in-form fullbacks
Dybala and Costa can provide some firepower on the wing
It’s not easy to predict how Massimiliano Allegri will assemble his frontline. Dybala, who played upfront against Young Boys and bagged a hat-trick is just back from a minor injury. The Argentine is accustomed to his role as a number ten, just behind the striker but can be destructive on the right wing too.
Luke Shaw has been one of the most consistent players for United this season and will be unfazed by the attacking threats. Should Juan Cuadrado start, Shaw might have to deal with tons of crosses targeted at Ronaldo.
Costa on the other hand prefers to cut in and the United left-back’s approach to this will be different. In both cases, Shaw needs to win his battle if United are to take something from the game.
On the other side, a hungry Ronaldo will be looking to get off the mark in the Champions League. He should be up against Ashley Young who did a good job against Eden Hazard on Saturday as Antonio Valencia didn’t make the squad. Marcus Rashford will be dropping deep to lend a hand as United look to assert themselves on both wings.
Anthony Martial v Joao Cancelo
Anthony Martial was among United’s best in the comeback win over Newcastle
Joao Cancelo has been quite a revelation for the Bianconeri. The 24-year-old has been solid at the back and also dropped an impressive performance against his former club Valencia earlier this season.
Martial is charging into this fixture after a brilliant performance against Chelsea. The French International scored a brace against the London club two weeks after bagging the equaliser in United’s comeback win over Newcastle.
Should Mourinho opt for an attack-minded approach like he did in the second half against Chelsea, this duel can become a feisty one.
Paul Pogba v Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic will be up against Paul Pogba
Games are often decided by who wins the midfield battle. United have a slight advantage going into the game with Emre Can missing through injury.
Pogba and Pjanic will be battling it out in the heart of midfield. The Bosnian will be the key passing outlet for the visitors as they attempt to get past United’s counter-press.
Pogba will have a key role in midfield on Tuesday night in his first game against his former team. The former Champions League runner-up must prevent Pjanic from getting comfortable on the ball and cut down passing lanes.
Whether the French international will be allowed to venture into the final third and get creative or be restricted to setting up a defensive block remains to be seen as Mourinho has not been consistent with Pogba’s role so far this season.
