UEFA Europa League Preview: Juventus FC – FC Red Bull Salzburg
Bianconeri yet to win
Luigi Del Neri’s side has had an unpredictable European campaign so far. Bianconeri are yet to record a win and coincidentally, yet to lose. The opening three matches have ended in draws. Their campaign has not been disastrous but for
a club that is used to playing in the Champions League, their performances have left a lot to be desired for.
Following three draws, Juve stand third in the league behind Manchester City and Lech Poznan. To their credit; two of the draws have been achieved away from home and Juve now look at an easier run of games. Bianconeri play FC Salzburg
at home while Lech Poznan will face the group leaders Manchester City. Should Juve manage to bag the three points tonight, they will go second in the group.
However, Del Neri has warned against complacency, “Salzburg are a good team and very quick. They made our life difficult a fortnight ago. This game will be crucial for us because a win would move us up the standings before a difficult
game in Poland next time. We'll try to win because we want to go as far as possible in this competition as we care about Europe."
Die Bullen face an early exit
Huub Stevens’ side has failed to make any sort of impact on the secondary European competition and indeed the Austrian outfit languishes at the bottom of the group with a solitary point
The Bulls drew 1 – 1 against Juventus at Red Bull Arena a fortnight ago and must win tonight in turn if they are to harbour any hopes of progression. Salzburg’s domestic form has been equally disappointing. Following Die Bullen’s 1 – 1
draw with Rapid Vienna on the weekend, Huub Stevens’ men stand fifth in the league.
The tactician knows his team requires maximum points but indicates a stalemate won’t be a disaster either, "Juve would love to win, and almost need to win if they are to qualify. They need to beat us and will play to do so. They are a
top-class team and we need to be at our absolute best to take anything back. If we take a point in Turin that is very good, but it is too little for us.''
Team News
Juventus FC
The Italians have been desperately unlucky with injuries so far this season. So much so that Del Neri has only named 19 players for his squad that will face Salzburg.
Jorge Martinez and Paolo De Ceglie join a never ending list of long-term causalities. Felipe Melo and Alex Manninger are also set to miss the match due to injury worries.
FC Salzburg
Salzburg will be without the services of David Mendes and Ibrahim Sekagya as the duo picked thigh injuries during the match against Rapid Vienna. However, goalkeeper Eddie Gustafsson made it to the training on Tuesday following injury
enforced absence – he might start from the off.
Key Players
Milos Krasic
The Serbian wing wizard has been the ‘man-to-go-to’ for much of this season and tonight will be no different. Milos sat out the game against AC Milan due to suspension and will be fresh enough for a start. With Juve severely depleted due
to injuries, Krasic will have to deliver the goods for his team.
Rabiu Afolabi
The Nigerian centre back put in an inspired performance against the Turin giants as his side salvaged a point. Expectation will be no different for his form on the day can be decisive.
Prediction
Even though Bianconeri are yet to record a victory in Europe, their domestic form has been impressive of late and time is ripe to translate that on to continental stage. Juve, despite injury concerns, will register a hard-fought 2 – 0
victory.
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