UEFA Champions League 2019-20: Juventus vs Atletico Madrid - Preview, Predicted XI, team news and more
In Matchday 5 of the Champions League 2019/20, Serie A champions Juventus will host Atletico Madrid in what promises to be an enthralling contest between two well-balanced sides.
Juventus are already through to the next round of the Champions League and barring two straight losses, Atletico should join them in the same. However, this game is still vital as it might just decide who tops the group, and therefore has the better chance of getting an easier draw in the next game.
As such, expect a brilliant battle from two teams filled with world-class players.
Juventus and Atletico Madrid team news
Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo missed Juventus' latest Serie A game against Atalanta, but the champions came out on top as Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain stepped up.
The Portugal international has reportedly trained ahead of Tuesday's affair and will be available for this game against one of his favourite opponents.
However, Douglas Costa has been ruled out of the match with a thigh injury. Defender Matthijs de Ligt is also unlikely to feature having suffered a dislocated shoulder against Atalanta.
Adrien Rabiot remains a doubt, whereas centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will miss the game.
Diego Simeone has a few concerns, as he remains without the services of central defenders Stefan Savic and Jose Gimenez through injury.
Striker Diego Costa will be out until 2020 after undergoing a neck operation and will be a big miss for this game. Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey are expected to start after they missed their last La Liga game due to a suspension.
Injuries
Diego Costa, Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez (Atletico)
Douglas Costa, Giorgio Chiellini, Matthias de Ligt (Juventus)
Recent form and Head-to-Head
When the two teams met on Matchday 1 of the group stages, it was a 2-2 draw in Spain as neither team could get the better of their opponents.
Three wins and a draw have seen Maurizio Sarri's men collect 10 points from their four Group D matches this season, which is already enough to advance to the round of 16 ahead of their final two fixtures in the section.
Atletico meanwhile are on 7 points after four games, and should most likely qualify for the next round. A defeat in Italy, however, ensures that they cannot top the group and will make them vulnerable for the final game of the group stage.
Juventus has won four of their last six matches against Spanish opposition home and away and will be confident of locking in their position at the top with this game.
Juventus - Recent form (all competitions): DWWWWW
Atletico - Recent form (all competitions): WDDLWD
Expected Starting XI's
Juventus - Szczesny; Cuadrado, Rugani, Bonucci, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Bernardeschi; Higuain, Ronaldo
Atletico Madrid - Oblak; Trippier, Felipe, Hermoso, Lodi; Koke, Saul, Thomas, Lemar; Correa, Morata
Prediction - Juventus 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid
Also check out:Champions League Schedule Champions League table Champions league top scorers