Juventus: 5 key players to watch against Sassuolo

ST Gonzalo Higuain

Striker Gonzalo Higuain isn’t a regular starter, since Juventus usually roll with a front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala in the middle, and Federico Bernardeschi. But since Bernardeschi has been so underwhelming lately, Maurizio Sarri could choose to start Higuain to see if that can bring Dybala and Ronaldo into the game even more.

Higuain’s positioning and finishing remain great, but his passing has been off lately, even off the bench. We know what he is athletically at this age, but he has a lot to offer if he’s sending in the right passes to the other forwards.

LB Alex Sandro

Left back Alex Sandro will assuredly start, as Mattia De Sciglio is still injured and is a far worse option anyway. Sandro is the best left back on the team, but more will be asked of him with Juan Cuadrado out. Play will likely run more through the left side, with Sandro working hard to help make sure Cristiano Ronaldo has support. And that’s something that’s been lacking for the Portuguese star at times.

Defensively, Sandro will have to be at his best against a great Sassuolo front three, which includes their star man Domenico Berardi. He is the kind of player who can cause the Bianconeri all sorts of problems if Sandro makes a sloppy pass or is a step too slow.