The Flying Donkeys without Sergio Pellissier will hope to survive the onslaught from the Turin giants, who will be desperate for a win to put pressure on AC Milan.
Juventus (2) will host Chievo (10) in matchday 26 encounter of the 2011/12 Serie A on Saturday, March 3rd at 19:45 GMT.
The Bianconeri will go into the game as favourites, and will look to silence all criticism after their controversial 1-1 draw against A.C Milan. On the other hand, the Gialloblu have enjoyed an impressive league campaign, and witnessed
a 1-0 win over Cesena last weekend.
The return fixture of the ongoing season between the two sides finished as a goalless stalemate in October 2011.
Juventus
The Turin giants enter the game with history on their side, as they have not lost in their last eight home matches against Chievo; having won six and drawn the other two. However, the two draws, 3-3 and 2-2, have come over the
past three seasons, and the possibility of another high-scoring thriller cannot be ruled out.
Juventus have drawn three of their last four league matches, and they will be desperately looking to get back to winning ways.
Chievo
Chievo have always proved to be a difficult opponent for the Old Lady, as they have lost just once in the previous five head to head meetings. Mussi Volanti have been in impressive run of form of late, having won three of their
last five league games.
However, the main concern for Domenico Di Carlo’s side has been their ability to find the back of the net on consistent basis. They have a poor goal-scoring record, having netted only 21 times this season, and only Cesena have
scored fewer goals than them.
Team News
Juventus
Antonio Conte will be tempted to play the 4-3-3 formation, which proved to be extremely fruitful in their previous game at San Siro.
Simone Pepe and Arturo Vidal will sit out the game after picking up suspension against the Rossoneri last weekend. Fabio Quagliarella and Emanuele Giaccherini are most likely to replace the duo.
Expected starting line-up: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Quagliarella, Matri, Vucinic.
Chievo
The visitors have been dealt with a serious blow, as their experienced striker, Sergio Pellissier, will sit out the game through suspension. Apart from the missing striker, the manager has full squad to choose from.
Expected starting line-up: Sorrentino; Sardo, Andreolli, Acerbi, Drame; Bradley, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Thereau, Cruzado; Paloschi
Players to Watch:
Mirko Vucinic (Juventus)
Vucinic has been criticised for his recent performances for the Bianconeri, as the Montenegrin has failed to score since the 1-1 draw against Cagliari last month. Having scored just three goals in 19 appearances for the Old Lady,
the striker will be hungry to get back to his best form.
Cyril Thereau (Chievo)
The French striker has been one of the few players in the Chievo side, who has shown some promise in the attacking department. He has displayed strong dribbling skills coupled with an inherent ability to score from any position.
Though, a lot depends on how the striker is supported from the midfield, the youngster represents the visitor’s best chance of taking something from the game.
Predictions
The Bianconeri will be looking to grab three vital points in their bid for Scudetto, without any complacency for the visitors. It will be a tricky tie for the Old Lady, but they are expected to limp to a narrow victory.
Verdict: 1-0
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