Juventus: 3 predictions at FC Porto in the Champions League
Juventus will travel to face FC Porto on Wednesday night for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The Bianconeri are coming off a loss to Napoli, which spoils the feeling of advancing to the Coppa Italia Final over rivals Inter Milan and defeating Roma 2-0 the previous weekend.
But there’s a strong chance Juve bounce back this week in the Champions League. Let’s take a look at five predictions for the Bianconeri.
Cristiano Ronaldo will score a brace for Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo was awfully quiet against Napoli, and he really should have scored in the 1-0 loss at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona. The Portuguese superstar had a great headed chance and had one clear-cut opportunity that he could only send straight at the goalkeeper.
But Ronaldo plays his best matches in the Champions League and seems to have added motivation whenever he struggles. Look at how he came back from one particular poor performance against Atalanta in Serie A earlier this season.
Ronaldo scored a brace in the Coppa Italia semifinals against Inter Milan, and I have a feeling he will do the same in this Champions League fixture. The No. 7 has been at the double a total of eight times this season for the Bianconeri, including once in the Champions League against Lionel Messi’s FC Barcelona.
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Juventus will start Danilo for Juan Cuadrado
Juve have some decisions to make after another injury. Arthur Melo was already ruled out and missed the weekend’s loss to Napoli, and now Juan Cuadrado is injured, too. Expect to see Danilo in the starting XI for the Bianconeri on Wednesday night at FC Porto in his place at the right back position, which is the Brazilian’s natural spot.
We have seen Danilo shine this season at center back. He has been one of the three best players on the Bianconeri this season with an average of 1.8 tackles per game and 2.2 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.com.
Expect to see another strong performance from him in this Champions League Round of 16 tilt.
Weston McKennie will have a goal contribution
Weston McKennie has quietly been an impressive player for Juventus in the 2020-2021 season, and he is enjoying his football on loan from Schalke. A permanent loan from the Bundesliga side should be in order, so long as McKennie keeps on impressing with his work rate and ability to contribute goals to the team.
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The American midfielder could start on the right-hand side this week at Porto. The man has four goals and two assists this season between Serie A and the Champions League, and if he starts in this match, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores or assists for Juve. It feels like McKennie is due for a big game, and with the other midfielders struggling a bit, the 22-year-old understands that he can be the one to step up for manager Andrea Pirlo.