Olympiakos vs. Juventus: Key Issues That Will Shape Champions League Game
No other Champions League pool is as finely-poised after two rounds as the one in which Juventus find themselves. Group A sees all four sides level with three points each, no team able to establish themselves and take command as yet.
Matchday Three seems set to provide a key stage in the quest for qualification to the knockout rounds, with Atletico Madrid hosting Malmo and the Bianconeri traveling to Greece to face Olympiakos. They do so in relatively poor form, their recent results beginning to cause concern among fans of the Turin giants.
Their controversial win over Roma was immediately after their loss to the Spanish champions, while this past weekend saw Sassuolo hold Juve to a 1-1 draw. Having dropped points in the league for the first time this term, Massimiliano Allegri knows a win on Wednesday evening is now even more essential.
Over the following pages is a look at the key issues which may decide this encounter, with Juventus determined to leave Athens with all three points.
The Confidence of Juventus
1 of 4
The effects of those recent results may be the most influential factor in this match, as the constant pressure to win games begins to build upon the Juventus squad. If those poor performances continue at the Karaiskakis Stadium, Olympiakos will be ready to capitalise upon the weaknesses displayed by the Bianconeri.
Having already overseen a victory of Atletico Madrid, their coach Michel has proven he is unafraid of the biggest sides, showing he is an excellent tactician. Allegri will need to match the Spaniard’s awareness, selecting a team and tactics capable of overcoming the reigning Greek champions.
The Fitness of Arturo Vidal
2 of 4
While there is no doubting the quality which runs through this Juventus side, the importance of Arturo Vidal simply cannot be understated. The Chilean midfielder remains the central figure in this Bianconeri team, the driving force which pushes the club to excel in the biggest matches.
Having recovered from knee surgery before the World Cup, the early part of his 2014-15 campaign has been interrupted by a string of related ailments. The player insists he is in good health, taking to Twitter to declare his knee “is very good,” per Football Italia.
Juventus will need a strong performance from the 27-year-old in order to deliver victory, and they will hope he can shine once again.
Struggling Strikers to Start Scoring?
3 of 4
If Vidal is now recovered and ready to play for Juventus, it seems the same cannot be said of Fernando Llorente, with the striker reportedly suffering with a back complaint. Media reports on the peninsula (h/t Football Italia) appear to indicate that injury will see him sidelined on Wednesday, with Alvaro Morata set to start in his place.
Llorente’s form and his failure to score this season has already proven to be a concern for the Bianconeri, and was discussed here last week. However, the other strikers available to Allegri have done little better, with Morata’s goal against Atalanta seeing him as the only forward other than Carlos Tevez to net this term.
Sebastian Giovinco and Kingsley Coman have shone in their brief appearances, but Juventus need the trio to make a more significant contribution if they are to progress in the Champions League.
Defensive Issues to Address
4 of 4
The season began in incredible fashion for the Juventus defence, registering consecutive clean sheets in their opening six games of the campaign. Since then, however, the Bianconeri have allowed four goals in their last three fixtures, with Allegri struggling to find a consistent lineup due to a combination of injuries.
Andrea Barzagli remains sidelined with the calf complaint that has seen him fail to make a single appearance this term, and he has since been joined by Martin Caceres. The Uruguayan has been sorely missed in recent weeks, his impact on the side before his injury was discussed in detail here.
With Angelo Ogbonna expected to start alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini once again, Juventus will hope that the three men can hold Olympiakos at bay.
