Tactical Analysis : Can Chelsea come out with a win?
The reigning European Champions open their European campaign with probably the toughest fixtures of all the groups. Juventus are on a 42-match unbeaten streak, while Chelsea have made a great start to the season as well, despite the Super Cup loss to Atletico Madrid.
Lets make one thing clear. Juventus are at this time, the most feared team in Europe, but are surely not unbeatable. They have been consistent for a long time, but here are my suggestions for what Chelsea can do to stop them on Wednesday night.
Juventus have been lining up with a 3-5-2, and after watching a few of their games, this is how it usually runs for them.
Juventus will probably line up in their preferred 3-5-2 formation -
Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Kwadwo Asamoah, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Sebastian Giovinco, Mirko Vucinic
How do they employ their tactics and can Chelsea counter them?
The two upfront will be Vucinic and Giovinco. Vucinic usually feeds off clever play in the midfield, or a defence-splitting pass by Pirlo. Pirlo can also play long ground balls to the wings, where Asamoah and Lichtsteiner can pick it up.
Now the Chelsea defense usually start a four-man backline, and Ivanovic and Cole will be absolute certainties tonight. These two will have to make sure they don’t push forward too far forward, as they will risk leaving space behind which can be exploited. Ashley Cole in specific will have to be on his toes, as Lichtsteiner plays a big role in attack and can easily catch Cole unawares.
The biggest worry for the Juventus attack is their lack of goals in recent times, which was the main reason they suffered a few draws last season. To counter this problem, they decided to bring Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal on loan, but you can’t see the Dane being of much help.
David Luiz will probably start for Chelsea, as they will need a quick and physical defender at the back to handle the Serie A side’s pace.
In midfield, Chelsea are expected to be overpowered throughout. Pirlo will play the role of transitioning of play from defence to attack. He usually stays central, which could allow Chelsea to pressurize him, and force him to give the ball away, like David Silva does for Spain. Such a role can be played by either Hazard or Mata if they are to start. Chelsea will have to rely on quick counter attacks when the Juventus midfield is upfront and Pirlo is at the back, given Pirlo’s inability to handle defensive duties.
Vidal is another player who can easily overpower our central midfielders. Chelsea will have to deny him and Pirlo any kind of space.
Juventus are probably one the most flexible sides in the competition, with the Italians having the ability to change their tactics in between the game. Roberto Di Matteo and his boys can do the same, as was shown against Reading when the manager removed John Obi Mikel and brought on Daniel Sturridge, which resulted in a 4-2 win.
The back three of Juventus can be exploited, and that is what Chelsea will have to rely on. Fernando Torres, if he is to start, can give them a run for their money. He is in good form at the moment, and can cause problems for the defence of the Old Lady.
Their 42 match unbeaten streak can play on Chelsea’s mind, but despite that record, they’re definitely not invincible.