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Juventus’ predicted XI vs Chelsea: Allegri retains 4-4-2 amid injury woes

By James Cormack

(From R) Juventus' Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski, Juventus' Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli and Juventus' Italian head coach Massimiliano Allegri attend a training session on September 28, 2021 at the Continassa training ground in Turin, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Juventus and Chelsea. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
(From R) Juventus' Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski, Juventus' Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli and Juventus' Italian head coach Massimiliano Allegri attend a training session on September 28, 2021 at the Continassa training ground in Turin, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Juventus and Chelsea. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Juventus will be without Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata when they welcome Thomas Tuchel’s European champions to Turin on Wednesday.

Chelsea may well be Juve’s fiercest opponent since they took on Zinedine Zidane’s all-conquering Real Madrid in 2018. Thus, with expectations low, it’s somewhat of a free hit for a transitioning Bianconeri who, like the Blues, secured victory on Matchday 1.

Massimiliano Allegri must decide on the optimal solution for his Dybala and Morata-less outfit. Although, the returning Juventus boss certainly has options. There’s a possibility he switches to a 3-5-2 to match up a little better with the visitors, but we suspect he’ll retain his tried and trusty 4-4-2.

Here’s our predicted starting XI for the Chelsea clash.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Run it back. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Run it back. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Mattia Perin made his first Juventus start since April 2019 on Sunday but he wasn’t able to snap Juve’s Serie A clean sheet curse. The Italian will return to the bench for Wednesday, with Allegri making it clear that Szczesny was merely rested at the weekend.

Danilo (RB) – The Brazilian also earned a rest on Sunday and is a shoo-in should Allegri retain the 4-4-2. However, he’s an option should the manager opt for a three-at-the-back, too. Danilo’s more than capable of fulfilling the right centre-back function.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – After netting the winner against Spezia, de Ligt produced another faultless performance against Sampdoria. He’s in superb form and he’ll be imperative in slowing down Romelu Lukaku & Co. in this one.

Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – This doesn’t strike me as a game where Juve will be looking to build out from the back too much. So, Leonardo Bonucci’s services might not be required. I expect Giorgio Chiellini to start considering his man-marking proficiency. He’s already had a couple of enthralling battles with Lukaku and we should be treated to another on Wednesday.

Alex Sandro (LB) – I don’t envisage Allegri utilising the dynamic but streaky Luca Pellegrini or the underwhelming Mattia De Sciglio against a juggernaut like Chelsea. Thus, Alex Sandro should start and considering who he might have playing ahead of him, there’ll be less onus on the Brazilian to serve as an attacking outlet.

Midfielders

Federico Chiesa holds the key for Juventus in attack. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Federico Chiesa holds the key for Juventus in attack. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Juan Cuadrado (RM) – After enduring a mixed performance at right-back against Sampdoria, I expect Cuadrado to return to a more advanced function on Wednesday. The Colombian is one of the few outlets the Bianconeri possess in this XI.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – The subtle brilliance of Manuel Locatelli manifested once again on Sunday as he scored his first Juventus goal. The all-encompassing Italian will be crucial to establishing some Bianconeri control in this one, where he’ll likely match up against compatriot Jorginho.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – That Spezia shocker has really undermined what’s been a fine start to the season for Bentancur. In a box-to-box role, he’s been very impressive. That’s where he’ll be on Wednesday and I’m sure he’ll be tasked with disrupting the rhythm of metronome Jorginho. The absence of N’Golo Kante is a huge boost for Juve’s midfield.

Federico Chiesa (LM) – If Juventus are to pull off a minor miracle in this one, I’m sure Chiesa will have plenty to do with it. The Italian’s had more success off the left since returning from injury and Allegri might be tempted to deploy him on that flank from the outset against Chelsea.

Forwards

Dybala’s injury has presented a huge opportunity for Dejan Kulusevski. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Dybala’s injury has presented a huge opportunity for Dejan Kulusevski. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Dejan Kulusevski (CF) – Wow, what a huge opportunity this is for Kulusevski. Under the bright lights against one of Europe’s best, it’s time for the Swede to shine. While he struggled at times after replacing Dybala on Sunday, his assist for Locatelli denoted his magic. Those sequences must become commonplace if he’s to establish himself as a star in Turin. Nevertheless, his function between the lines could be pivotal to disrupting Chelsea’s almost impenetrable defensive structure.

Moise Kean (ST) – While there’s seemingly less haste for Kean to blossom compared to Kulusevski, this is nonetheless a big chance for Kean. The Italian is undoubtedly talented and possesses a skill set that should see him star in time. If he’s to partner Kulusevski on Sunday, Kean will be tasked with running in behind the Chelsea defence as much as possible. They must be stretched for Kulu to star.