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The second gameweek of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League is packed with unpredictable fixtures. We have AC Milan taking on Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain going up against Manchester City, Porto hosting Liverpool, and finally, Chelsea making the trip to Juventus.
Both Chelsea and Juventus are capable of beating any team on their day, which adds a new dimension to this rivalry. They have faced each other four times in the UEFA Champions League, registering two draws and one win each. Interestingly, when push came to shove, it was Chelsea who came out on top. In the 2008-09 Champions League Round of 16, the Blues knocked Juventus out with an aggregate scoreline of 3-2.
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They are set to add another chapter to their European rivalry this Wednesday, and we have some thoughts on it. Here are the top five predictions for Chelsea’s trip to Juventus.
#5 Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku to start for Chelsea
Hoping to solve their goalscoring woes, Chelsea bought Timo Werner from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020. Werner had an impressive resume but could not manage to carry his Leipzig form over to west London. Out of options, Chelsea broke the bank in 2021-22 to bring their former player Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan.
Traditionally, Werner is meant to play second fiddle to Lukaku. However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel seems to be okay with playing them together from time to time. They combined well last weekend in the Premier League but could not save their side from a defeat to Manchester City.
Tuchel could give the duo another shot at Juventus and hope they prove to be a bit more decisive in front of goal. This new, pacy system could catch Juventus off guard and break their lines, especially in transition.
#4 Federico Chiesa to be Juventus’ most important player
Before Euro 2020, Federico Chiesa used to be one of the many promising Serie A players. Over the course of the tournament, he emerged as one of the best in Italy. Currently on loan from Fiorentina, Chiesa is slowly turning out to be an important piece in Massimiliano Allegri’s puzzle.
He is quick, packs a mean right foot, and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Against a team as capable as Chelsea, Juventus need someone who can decide the fate of a tie in a matter of seconds. And Chiesa is gradually proving himself to be that man. Chiesa will have an important role to play against Chelsea and we do not think he will disappoint.
#3 Chelsea to be more attack-minded than Juventus
Historically, both Chelsea and Juventus have always had capable defensive systems. With only two goals conceded across all competitions, Chelsea have managed to keep their reputation intact. Juventus, unfortunately, have not been that lucky.
Despite bringing Massimiliano Allegri back, Juventus have struggled to get rid of their defensive woes. They have conceded 10 goals in six Serie A games, failing to keep even a single clean sheet in the league. They did manage to record a 3-0 win in their Champions League opener against Malmo, but that win is unlikely to discourage Chelsea.
After falling flat with their overly defensive approach against Manchester City on Saturday, Chelsea are desperate to get back to winning ways. Tuchel is likely to be a bit more adventurous this time around and give his attackers permission to let loose.
#2 Juventus to miss Paulo Dybala’s creativity
Paulo Dybala has been one of Juventus’ brightest spots this season. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Dybala seems to have become a bit more spontaneous. He swaps positions, creates chances, and is not afraid of taking a shot at goal. Not only has he registered two goals and two assists in five Serie A games, but he has also opened his account in the Champions League.
The Argentine picked up a thigh injury in the 3-2 win against Sampdoria last weekend, shortly after putting his side ahead. Dybala is set to miss the tie and might not return before the international break.
The Old Lady have been overly dependent on Dybala’s qualities this season and will miss him against Chelsea. Yes, Juventus have pretty capable substitutes, but it will not be easy for them to fill in for the number 10.
#1 Chelsea to bag all three points
Last weekend, Chelsea endured their first defeat of the season while Juventus recorded their second consecutive win. Still, if we had to pick a favorite for Wednesday’s tie, Chelsea would be the obvious choice.
Juventus, without Alvaro Morata and Dybala, will field at least two second-string players, a situation which could play in Chelsea’s favor. Juventus’ disappointing defensive record will invite Chelsea to put bodies forward, and we believe they will breach the host’s resistance.
Juventus could pull one goal back, but Chelsea are likely to walk away with maximum points on Wednesday night.
