Juventus vs. Chelsea: Date, Time, Live Stream and Preview

UEFA Champions League action continues on Tuesday, as the first phase of the 2012-13 tournament inches nearer to its conclusion. Among the day’s most intriguing matchups is a Group E duel between host Juventus and defending champion Chelsea.

The contest should provide some clarity at the top of the crowded Group E standings.

Chelsea, with a record of 2-1-1 and seven points, is tied for the group lead with Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukrainian Premier League. Juventus, at 1-3-0, is just one point behind.

Currently ranking third in the English Premier League, Chelsea travels to Turin fresh off a loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Juventus, despite a scoreless draw in their most recent contest against Lazio, currently leads the Italian Serie A.

Juventus and Chelsea played to a 2-2 draw in their first Champions League meeting of the season back on September 19.

Tuesday’s rematch is sure to be even more riveting.

Where: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy

When: Tuesday, November 20, 2:45 p.m. EST

Live Stream: Fox Soccer Channel

Chelsea: Who will provide scoring for the defending champions?

Ahead of Tuesday’s battle with Juventus, Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has given reason to believe that he will bench Fernando Torres in favor of Daniel Sturridge at striker.

The move would seek to stimulate the team’s offense, which has sputtered of late.

Whoever is given the starting role will be of utmost importance to Chelsea in the match, as sufficient scoring will be necessary to accommodate a defense that will play without the injured John Terry.

The pair of goals Chelsea scored in the first half against Juventus in September was not enough, as they allowed the Italian club to battle back and salvage a draw.

The defending champions must keep the pressure on the home team from start to finish on Tuesday in order to secure a lead and then preserve it.

Juventus: Can they rise to the occasion and give themselves a chance to advance?

Juventus have remained in contention in Group E by not losing a single match to this point in the first phase. However, they’ve only managed to secure a single victory as three of their four Champions League matches have resulted in draws.

It seems as though Juventus are able to play to their competition in any given match but have difficulty elevating their play to the next level. That will need to change on Tuesday if they hope to advance in this year’s tournament.

A victory is all but necessary for them to move on.

Acting manager Angelo Alessio, who is filling in for suspended head coach Antonio Conte, has called the game a must-win. In press conferences, coaches and players alike have asked Tuesday’s crowd to provide them with a “red-hot atmosphere” in their home stadium.

The home team certainly realizes the importance of the match, and the energy is sure to be electric as both squads are desperate for a win.

Time will tell which one is able to rise to the occasion.

Prediction

A raucous crowd will give the Italian club the edge, and a back-and-forth match will eventually fall the way of the home team.

Juventus 3-2 Chelsea