Champions League: Vlahovic, Juventus Face Vital Villarreal Test

Villarreal vs Juventus

New Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is set to make his Champions League debut as the Italian giants travel to Villarreal for the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Vlahovic is in the midst of his longest scoring drought of the season, which has coincided with a couple of disappointing results for Juve.

The Serb will try to get the Old Lady back on track when they take on Villarreal.

After a rough stretch, the Spanish side is back in top form ahead of this tie, and the Champions League 2022 betting odds have them as slight favourites at home against the Bianconeri.

Talking Points

Villarreal missing top marksman Moreno

Villarreal will head into the Champions League knockout stage in very good form. The Yellow Submarine are unbeaten in their last four La Liga games, with three wins and a draw.

After beating third-placed Real Betis 2-0 away and holding La Liga leaders Real Madrid at home, Villarreal thrashed relegation strugglers Granada 4-1 to continue their impressive run.

With star striker Gerard Moreno out injured, Arnaut Danjuma stepped up and scored a hat-trick. The Dutchman is having a terrific season; aside from his eight La Liga goals – tied for the team lead – he has also produced his share of Champions League 2022 highlights with a team-leading four goals in six appearances.

Moreno is set to miss out again due to his calf injury, so Danjuma is expected to lead the Villarreal attack once again, with Giovani Lo Celso adding support.

Villarreal coach Unai Emery will also be encouraged by his side’s much-improved defence. They have conceded just one goal in their last four games, which sounds more like an Emery-coached team.

Veteran centre-back Raul Albiol looks set to return after missing the Granada match due to suspension. Although, midfielders Frances Coquelin and Ruben Pena are both out due to injury, while Etienne Capoue is a doubt.

Villarreal are unbeaten in their last six home games, with four wins and two draws, both coming against the two Madrid clubs.

Vlahovic in a drought, key defenders out

Juventus were tipped by many to make a run at the Serie A title after their busy winter transfer window, where they acquired star striker Dusan Vlahovic and midfielder Denis Zakaria.

However, the new-look Old Lady have suffered a couple of setbacks in recent weeks. They needed a late equaliser to avoid defeat against Atalanta, and they were once again held to a 1-1 draw by city rivals Torino in the Turin derby over the weekend.

Vlahovic, who scored in his debut against Verona, has now failed to score in his last three outings. That’s the Serb’s longest stretch of games without a goal for club and country this season, one he will look to end in his Champions League debut.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has been playing Vlahovic, Alvaro Morata, and Paulo Dybala in a front three in recent games, but it remains to be seen if he will stick with such an aggressive attacking lineup away from home in the Champions League.

American midfielder Weston McKennie is an option to come into the starting lineup to provide more defensive cover.

Juve will be weakened defensively with the absence of veteran centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Full-back Sandro started alongside Matthijs de Ligt in the derby and is likely to do so again in Spain.

Juventus are winless in their last three away games in all competitions, although those games have come against Inter, Milan, and Atalanta.

History

This will be the first-ever meeting between Villarreal and Juventus in the Champions League. Although, the two clubs have extensive experience facing Italian and Spanish teams, respectively.

Villarreal have face Italian sides 22 times in UEFA competition, winning nine times, losing seven, and drawing six. They have a terrific home record against Italians, with seven wins in 11 games.

Meanwhile, Juventus have faced Spanish sides 66 times, with 25 wins and 25 defeats. They’ve made 30 trips to Italy, winning just seven times with 16 losses.

Betting Tip 

	Villarreal vs Juventus	1X2 Draw @ 3.05
	February 23, 4:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Villarreal installed as slight 2.58 favourites over Juventus, who are priced at 2.84 to pick up the first-leg win away from home. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.05.

Gerard Moreno’s absence is a major blow for the home side, especially since he had been playing so well after returning from a hamstring problem.

But with Juventus struggling for form and missing their two most experienced defenders, the Yellow Submarine have a real shot at getting a positive result in their home leg. I expect them to keep things tight at the back and hold the Old Lady to a draw in the first leg.

 

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