UEFA Europa League preview: Lech Poznan – Juventus FC
Progression looms ahead for Lech
No one expected the Polish minnows to make any sort of impact on the competition when the draws were made for the group stages. With teams such as Juventus and Manchester City sharing the same group, Lech Poznan were outside bets to finish in the top two. However,
the defeat of Manchester City and impressive home form has seen the Polish sides on the brink of progression going into match day five.
As things stand, Lech Poznan lead the table after accumulating seven points from opening four games. Even though Manchester City are level on points with the Polish side, Lech’s superior head-to-head record guaranteed them the top spot
in the group. Jose Bakero’s men are unbeaten at home in the Europa league and the squad will be hopeful of a positive result. For inspiration, the players should look no further than the 3 – 3 draw they achieved earlier this season when they travelled to Italy.
However, Bakero’s men are struggling in the league as they languish 11th in a 16-team league. The coach must ensure his squad maintain their focus on the continental stage and continue their focus in the proceeding
stages.
Bianconeri still hunting for a win
Juventus have been unable to get out of their ‘draw’ mode in Europe this season as Luigi Del Neri’s men are still looking for a victory. The Old Lady has drawn all four group games played so far. While Del Neri will be pleased his men have gone undefeated,
any further stalemates can seriously dent Juve’s Europa League ambitions.
Currently, Bianconeri are in third place with four points – three behind Lech and City – from as many games and failure to register a victory might end their adventure. This holds true especially since Juve will be playing a dangerous
Manchester City in Italy.
However, Bianconeri have gone unbeaten in 10 league games and morale is sky-high. The manager and players have echoed their wish to go for broke which can only be good news to Italian football.
The trip to Poznan will also be Old Lady’s first trip to Poland ever since former Juve great Gaetano Scirea died in a car crash while he was on a scouting mission for his beloved club. The players will want to offer a tribute to the legend
with a victory against the home side.
Team News
Lech Poznan
Kolejorz are without the services of Joel Tshibamba as the forward has suffered a broken nose in a car accident. Artjoms Rudnevs and Sergey Krivets are carrying minor knocks and their inclusion is still under clouds.
Juventus FC
Juve have more serious injury worries than their Polish opponents. Defenders Marco Motta, Zdenek Grygera, Paolo De Ceglie and Nicola Legrottaglie will not travel to Poznan while Amauri is also struggling with injuries. Alberto Aquilani
is cup tied so he will not make the trip to Poznan.
Key Players
Bartosz Bosacki
The club captain will need to be in top form to handle a rejuvenated Bianconeri side. Bosacki will need to lead his side from the back while handling the double threat of Alessandro Del Piero and Vicenzo Iaquinta.
Alessandro Del Piero
Juve are facing a humiliating exit from the competition that doesn’t even match Juve’s glamorous European pedigree. Del Piero will have to deliver the goods for his side with one of those inspired performances.
Prediction
The temperature in Poznan is expected to drop down to -20 at the time of the match. Even the best of athletes will struggle against such frost. Juve will need to ignore the weather and go for a victory. Bianconeri are a far superior side
on paper and should come good with a 2 – 1 victory.
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