Juventus Predicted XI vs Crotone: Paulo Dybala to return on Matchday 23?
Relegation-dwellers Crotone will visit the Allianz Stadium in Turin to face the Scudetto aspirants Juventus in the Matchday 23 of the Italian Serie A 2020-21.
Following an excellent start to the 2021 calendar year, Juventus have lost their winning aura of late, having faced defeats to Napoli in the league last Saturday and Porto in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout tie last Wednesday.
A fixture against the relegation-threatened Crotone side might cheer up the Juventus players and eventually help them find their mojo back.
A huge miss for the Bianconeri since January, Paulo Dybala — as reported by Calciomercato — should be available for selection on Monday. However, the reports believe that he won’t start the game. Here’s a glimpse at how the starting line-up might seem for the Old Lady this time.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny
With Juventus dropping three valuable points against Napoli last weekend, Andrea Pirlo would not be looking to welcome Crotone with some second-choice selections. Hence, Szczesny should retain the gloves on Monday.
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LB: Alex Sandro
Juan Cuadrado is injured. And consequently, the usual pick for the left-back spot — Danilo — would cover for the Colombian’s absence. Alex Sandro should then be Juve’s go-to man for width on the left-hand channel of the pitch.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
As reported by Sky Sports (via GIFN), Juve’s regulars for the centre-half positions in Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will remain sidelined through their respective injuries for the next fortnight.
Therefore, the emergence of a fresh pairing is imminent for Juventus in Serie A. Left-footed, Matthijs de Ligt should be playing at the left of the defensive duo.
CB: Merih Demiral
Leonardo Bonucci’s unavailability means the Turkish professional should be playing alongside the Dutchman on Monday. Demiral played 55 minutes of Champions League football against Porto, replacing an injured Chiellini.
RB: Danilo
Danilo is the only option Andrea Pirlo could opt to field at the right-back position, with Cuadrado’s absence making life difficult for the gaffer.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
On the back of two subpar performances, Bentancur doesn’t deserve a berth in the starting line-up. Rabiot’s suspension and Arthur Melo’s injury have left Pirlo with no choice but to hand the Uruguayan another chance to revitalize his form.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
Injuries have been the main reason behind Aaron Ramsey’s lack of involvement in Juventus colours. The former Arsenal man has made 14 Serie A appearances under Pirlo, amassing three assists and two goals. With Rabiot suspended for the Crotone game, Ramsey’s job will be more inclined towards dictating the play rather than finding chances of putting the ball into the net.
RM: Federico Chiesa
A flamboyant outing against Napoli last weekend and the only goalscorer for Juve against Porto in the midweek, Federico Chiesa has proved to be a difference-maker in the current Juve roster lately. His non-stop running through the right-wing should dismantle the Pitagorici’s full-backs and provide Juventus with the requisite width.
LM: Weston McKennie
With Alex Sandro starting in the left-back position, Weston McKennie should tuck into the left region of the midfield, making the respective area more congested. McKennie, 22, has been decent with his performances this season. But we are yet to witness that dominant demeanour from him. We might see that on Monday.
ST: Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata should be fit to play against the 20th-placed team in the division. The former Chelsea man started their Champions League game against Porto from the bench due to fitness issues. Morata has been a dormant force in Juve’s attack. On Monday, extending the goal tally should be the Spaniard’s top priority.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo
Since scoring a left-footed screamer against AS Roma two weeks back, Cristiano Ronaldo has not deceived any defence yet. The Bianconeri enthusiasts would be hopeful of the Portuguese regaining his individual magic.