Juventus will look to avoid an unwanted piece of history as they welcome PSV to the first leg of their Champions League playoff. Juventus could suffer a third home defeat in a single Champions League campaign for the first time ever after losing to Stuttgart and Benfica in the league phase. PSV meanwhile, ended their league phase on a positive note defeating an already qualified Liverpool 3-2 to secure a knockout spot at 14th place.
Despite boasting one of the best defensive records in the tournament conceding just seven goals in eight matches, Juventus struggled in attack scoring only nine times. Their inconsistency has put them 20th in the league phase placing them in the playoff round. Since their last Champions League game, Juventus have found some domestic form as they eased past Empoli 4-1 before managing a 2-1 win over Como. Although, they did suffer their first loss of the season to Napoli on the 25th ending a 23 game unbeaten streak in the Serie A. Now, a victory today would mark Juve’s first three game winning streak of the season, a much needed confidence boost ahead of a busy schedule.
While they never really could get into the top eight, Peter Bosz’s men showed they can compete with Europe’s elite. However, PSV’s Eredivisie title charge has hit a roadblock after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Willem II over the weekend. This means that Ajax could overtake them at the top if they win their games in hand. Despite this the Dutch side does remain unbeaten in their last six matches and have scored in 11 straight games. PSV will also be looking for payback after losing 3-1 to Juventus in their first ever major European meeting during the league stage.
Juventus remain without Pierre Kalulu, Bremer and Juan Cabal while Arkadiusz Milik and Andrea Cambiaso are also sidelined. Lloyd Kelly made his debut against Como but may start on the bench again with Nicolo Savona expected to keep his place.
PSV have defensive concerns after Adamo Nagalo’s injury against Willem II with Olivier Boscagli also unavailable. Ryan Flamingo returns from suspension and should partner Armando Obispo in central defense. Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Richard Ledezma are also ruled out.
Juventus possible lineup: Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona; McKennie, Locatelli; Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Kolo Muani
PSV Eindhoven possible lineup: Benitez; Karsdorp, Flamingo, Obispo, Junior; Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, Til, Lang; De Jong
