For the first time in seemingly forever, Massimiliano Allegri will have the same group of players to select from for the second game on the spin.
There are no fresh injury concerns in the Juventus camp, with Arthur Melo still ruled out. The Brazilian joined Manuel Locatelli, Weston McKennie, Kaio Jorge and Federico Chiesa on the injury list ahead of last week’s draw with Bologna.
The boss isn’t expected to deviate drastically from the team that beat Fiorentina in typical Bianconeri fashion on Wednesday, but we could see one or two subtle changes that alters the dynamic of the side.
Juventus’ predicted XI vs Sassuolo
Here’s Juventus’ predicted XI for Monday’s trip to Sassuolo in Serie A.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Mattia Perin continued his fine cup form on Wednesday, but there’s no doubting that Szczesny will remain Juve’s number one. He’ll return to the XI for Monday.
Danilo (RB) – Danilo has looked at ease in midfield during Juve’s last two outings, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him line up there once again on Monday. However, a return to right-back is on the cards, also.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – A shoo-in.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – It’s a toss-up between the two veterans, but I think Allegri will opt for Chiellini after Leonardo Bonucci was given a run out in the week.
Luca Pellegrini (LB) – With so few games left in the season, this will likely be one of Pellegrini’s last chances to prove that he’s worth keeping beyond the summer with Juventus poised to bolster at left-back in the upcoming transfer window.
Midfielders
Juan Cuadrado (RM) – Cuadrado had an impact off the bench in the week and he should return to the XI on Monday. His speed in transition will be valuable against a Sassuolo side that struggles to defend against counter-attacks.
Denis Zakaria (CM) – With Arthur still out, Zakaria will keep his place in the team. I’d love to see him contribute on the counter.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) – Rabiot, too, will keep his place. However, my projected reshuffle sees him join Zakaria in the pivot. The Frenchman drifted in off the left on Wednesday to create a midfield three in possession – as he usually does.
Federico Bernardeschi (LM) – Bernardeschi played well off the right against his former club, but I could see him switching flanks for this one and performing a different role. With Pellegrini on the overlap, Berna will drift infield and occupy spaces between the lines. This is a function he excelled in last December.
Forwards
Paulo Dybala (SS) – Alvaro Morata’s woes in the week mean it’s hard to envisage the Spaniard starting at the Mapei. He was substituted early on in the second half for Dybala, who should replace him in Monday’s starting XI.
Dusan Vlahovic (ST) – Vlahovic could do with a rest but I don’t think he’s going to get one. Allegri will utilise him as much as he can down the stretch.