UEFA Europa League Preview: SC Salzburg – Juventus FC
Getting Off the Mark
Austrian side SC Salzburg were tremendously unlucky with their Europa League draw. The minnows aren’t expected to make a significant impact on this edition of the UEFA Europa League. With the likes of Juventus and increasingly ambitious Manchester City in their
group, Salzburg was tipped to be the punching bag of the group and the Austrians have done precious little to dispel the notion.
Huub Stevens’ side are at the bottom of Group A and have yet to record a single point. Their opening day home defeat by a 2 – 0 score line to Manchester City was followed by yet another loss in Poland. A repeat of the score line was on the cards as the Austrians
had little impact on the competition. Salzburg’s domestic form has been no better, as the club stands a disappointing seventh in the league. Their last outing was a 2 – 0 defeat to Kapfenberger at home on the weekend.
Coach Stevens still managed to stay optimistic, “I think and hope that we can also show our strength on Thursday. The atmosphere in the team is good, even though everyone is disappointed”
Bianconeri finding their groove
The Bianconeri renaissance looks firmly on track as the former Italian and European champions put in yet another impressive performance against Lecce in the Serie A. Turin giants thrashed Lupi 4 – 0 and extended their unbeaten streak to four matches in all
competitions. Juventus stand fifth in the league and Del Neri would be hoping his team translate their domestic form at the European stage.
The Bianconeri are yet to record a victory on European front as both their matches so far have resulted in draws. The club stands third in the standings behind Manchester City and Lech Poznan. Juventus need to tighten at the back as the club has already
conceded four goals so far.
However, the club has an air of optimism surrounding it and wing back Marco Motta voiced his sentiments, “We got a fantastic win against Lecce. We must give continuity to this result starting from Thursday's match. We need a determined Juve in order to obtain
the three points in Europe that we have yet to conquer''
Team News
SC Salzburg
Stevens will be delighted to have a clean bill of health as the tactician has a full strength squad to choose from.
Expected Formation
Salzburg will line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Alan being the lone striker. Dusan Svento and Jakob Jantscher will look to provide the width. Christoph Leitgeb and Gonzalo Zarate will form an attacking midfield pairing that will look to support Alan. Salzburg
has a weak defence and Gerhard Tremmel will have to be in supreme form with his gloves.
Probable line up
Gerhard Tremmel, Christian Schwegler, Ibrahim Sekagya, Rabiu Afolabi, David Mendes, Dusan Sve, Franz Schiemer, Jakob Jantscher, Christoph Leitgeb, Gonzalo Zarate, Alan
Juventus FC
Juventus are still without the services of Gianluigi Buffon and Armand Traore who have failed to feature for the club so far this season. Leandro Rinaudo and Davide Lanzafame have now joined the duo on the treatment table.
Expected Formation
Del Neri will use the favoured 4-4-2 formation with Amauri and Del Piero leading the line. Claudio Marchisio and Mohammed Sissoko will form a reliable midfield pairing while Jorge Martinez and Simone Pepe will line up on the wings. Alexander Manninger has
become the Bianconeri cup goalkeeper and will keep the gloves instead of Storari.
Probable line up
Alexander Manninger, Marco Motta, Nicola Legrottaglie, Giorgio Chiellini, Jorge Martinez, Claudio Marchisio, Mohammed Sissoko, Simone Pepe, Amauri, Del Piero
Key Players
Alessandro Del Piero
The Bianconeri legend has been in record breaking form as he equaled Giampiero Boniperti’s record of 178 Serie A goals on the weekend. The veteran will look to add further goals to his European tally and also look to set up Amauri.
Gerhard Tremmel
The custodian will be tested from time to time by the Juventus front men and Tremmel’s form on the day will be critical for Salzburg if they are to take any points off Juventus.
Prediction
Juventus will be resting a lot of key players for this away trip so one may expect them to struggle. However, Salzburg’s form has been shaky at best and a second string Bianconeri will still have too much for Dir Bullen. Juventus to eke out a 2 – 1 victory.
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