Juventus Predicted XI against Lyon: Life without Paulo Dybala?
Juventus need to make a comeback against Lyon, and they must achieve the feat without Paulo Dybala in the lineup.
The Bianconeri are down 1-0 in their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Lyon, and while they are considered the overwhelming favorites despite the disadvantage, they cannot take their Ligue 1 opponents lightly. Lyon recently kept PSG off the scoresheet in a cup final for 120 minutes, so they are more than capable of causing a team with Paulo Dybala problems.
But, of course, Juve have a 100 percent fit Cristiano Ronaldo, who can be the absolute difference-maker in this game. The Champions League legend is locked in as a starter, but who will surround him in Maurizio Sarri’s attack?
GK Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny could be the man of the hour against Lyon. It’s very likely that Memphis Depay and Co. will test him multiple times on Friday night. Szczesny was named Serie A’s best keeper for a reason, though. He can stand equal to any shot that comes his way.
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LB Alex Sandro
Juve left back Alex Sandro will need to bring his best form on Friday, especially in the attack. The Bianconeri cannot afford their experienced fullback to fail to make an impact on the attacking end yet again, as he’s been completely invisible in the most recent games.
CB Leonardo Bonucci
The result of this second leg could hang in the balance of a center back, as Leonardo Bonucci has been very hit-or-miss this season. Bonucci can either help marshal Juventus to a clean sheet and a comeback win, or he can be the reason this team loses.
CB Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is the best defensive player in Turin right now, and it’s really not even close. De Ligt has come into his own as a star center back for Juve, bouncing back from a predictably slow start to a new league .Now, de Ligt is one of Serie A’s finest defenders, and he’s known for his work in the Champions League.
RB Danilo
Danilo and Juan Cuadrado on the right side is a better tandem than Federico Bernardeschi and Cuadrado. The Brazilian right back is solid enough defensively, and while he offers little in the attack, he hasn’t as woeful as some fans think. At the end of the day, Danilo just has to get the job done against Depay. Expect Cuadrado to offer him plenty of help.
CM Adrien Rabiot
Former Ligue 1 man Adrien Rabiot absolutely needs to start this match over fellow former PSG teammate Blaise Matuidi. While Matuidi is the better defensive presence in midfield, Juventus need goals to break this deficit against Lyon. Rabiot has been Juve’s best midfielder from an attacking perspective, and he might even have a goal in him.
CM Miralem Pjanic
The ideal regista for Juve in this matchup, Miralem Pjanic has been quietly providing a lot of assists for Juve since Serie A’s return, totaling four with a 90 percent pass completion percentage in six games since football’s return, according to WhoScored.com. Pjanic is on his way to Barcelona, but he’s still working hard for the Bianconeri.
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
One of the most important players on the pitch for Juventus, Rodrigo Bentancur will be a massive asset defensively and will need to play a supporting role for Juan Cuadrado in the attack. The keys to the kingdom are Bentancur’s as the Juve midfield’s star of the future.
LW Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo must deliver the goods for Juventus against Lyon. A brace would be a dream for both the player and the team, as there is nothing Ronaldo loves more than scoring goals in the Champions League. This competition has been his to own over the years, though he needs to really show it for the Old Lady in 2019-2020 if they are to have a chance.
ST Gonzalo Higuain
Starting up top for Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain will need to have a statement game. His days in Turin are numbered, but the Juventini will hope that Higuain can turn back the clock with a solid performance. His job will be to set up chances and create space for superstar man Ronaldo.
Next. Paulo Dybala brings a special skillset. dark
RW Juan Cuadrado
Juan Cuadrado is expected to start on the right so that Juve don’t have to play Federico Bernardeschi, who just may rival Daniele Rugani as the team’s worst player to receive significant minutes in recent matches. Meanwhile, Cuadrado is one of the best right-sided players in Serie A, due to his work rate, technical quality, dribbling, tactical intelligence, and passing.