Juventus Predicted XI vs Sampdoria — Kulusevski set to miss the clash

If the 2-0 league defeat to Inter Milan a fortnight back being put aside, Juventus have had enjoyed a consistent run of positive results of late that includes winning the Supercoppa Italiana title and qualifying for the Coppa Italia semi-final.

In Serie A, they have lost just one game since the turn of the year. However, many believe this might be the year when the Old Lady would eventually fail in their pursuit for the 10th consecutive Scudetto.

To prove them wrong, Andrea Pirlo’s boys—seething with the revitalised confidence followed by the tempting results lately—will visit Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face Sampdoria in Serie A this Saturday. Having played one less game than the rest of the current top-four holders, Juventus possess 36 points from 18 matches.

Their counterpart—Sampdoria, led by Claudio Ranieri—sit 10th with 26 points from 19 matches played. Ranieri’s side has won two matches on the trot and will be willing to make it three with a win over the defending champions.

As far as Juventus’ absentees are concerned, Andrea Pirlo will be without Pablo Dybala and Dejan Kulusevski. While the former, as told by Pirlo, is edging towards making a return from his long-term knee injury, the latter—having seen the fifth yellow card of the season against Bologna last weekend—will serve his one-match ban.

The 41-year-old gaffer picked a team that included several irregular names like Gianluigi Buffon, Radu Dragusin, and Nicolo Fagioli in the midweek’s Coppa Italia game against SPAL, keeping all the big guns prepared for the weekend’s significant clash. Let’s see how the starting line-up might look.

Juventus’ Predicted Line-up (4-4-2):

GK: Wojciech Szczesny

Having celebrated his 43rd birthday with a clean sheet in a comprehensive 4-0 triumph over SPAL this midweek, Gianluigi Buffon might see himself regaining his place at the substitute bench this Saturday. Consequently, it would proclaim the arrival of  Wojciech Szczesny under the bars.

More from Old Juve

• Juventus beat Udinese 3-0 in first match of the season
• Team previews: Will Juventus’ attack fulfill its potential?
• Team Previews: Juventus midfielders need to show growth this year
• Team previews: Juventus defenders look ready to compete for Scudetto
• Leonardo Bonucci may be leaving Juventus soon

RB: Juan Cuadrado

At 32, Cuadrado continues to surprise the fans with his awe-inspiring performances. There is no doubt that the holder of five league assists for Juventus this season would replace Radu Dragusin, who started at the right-back position against SPAL.

LB: Danilo

Despite being a right-back by trade, Danilo has evolved his game heavily since joining Bianconeri from Manchester City. Alex Sandro is available for selection, but it is unlikely that he would be making the starting eleven over his fellow Brazilian.

CB: Matthijs De Ligt

Having been tested positive for coronavirus three weeks back, the Dutch centre-half Matthijs De Ligt made his first start for the reigning Italian champions in the Coppa Italia game against SPAL. And he has seemingly done enough to keep his berth at the team-sheet.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci’s availability will ease the onus off Pirlo’s shoulder. An extremely-experienced individual, Bonucci has reportedly recovered from the minor knock he had sustained in the game against Bologna.

RM: Weston McKennie

The scorer of a crucial and decisive goal against Bologna, McKennie has done nothing erroneous to get excluded from the starting line-up. Therefore, he should start.

CM: Arthur Melo

Former Barcelona outlet, Arthur has been the reason why Pirlo hasn’t had to scratch his head to find a sustainable balance in Bianconeri’s midfield. While McKennie scored the last goal for Juventus last weekend, Arthur drew the first blood. Unless something serious happens with regard to his health, Arthur deserves to make the cut.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur

The double-pivot of Arthur and Rodrigo Bentancur has earned well-deserved plaudits from both the fans and pundits, helping the team find adequate stability. It won’t be just to disjoint the paring as the Uruguayan should continue to deputize for the team in the respective position.

LM: Federico Chiesa

Having recently returned from his ankle injury, Chiesa showed glimpses of his youthful brilliance, garnering an injury-time goal to complete the showdown for Juventus last Thursday. As confirmed by the Italian boss, he would like to give Chiesa a chance from the beginning of the game this weekend.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

The current top scorer for the Old Lady, Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the league by storm, racking up 15 goals from 15 appearances so far into the 2020-21 campaign. And considering his recent form and the numbers that follow, it would be brainless to predict a starting line-up without the Portuguese’s name on it.

ST: Alvaro Morata

It was Morata’s 16th-minute penalty that broke the deadlock against the Serie B side this midweek. The Spaniard should find himself partnering alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for the game against Sampdoria.