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Lyon vs Juventus Predictions and 2020 Champions League Round of 16 Preview


by Doc's Sports - 2/24/2020

Jason Denayer

When Lyon and Juventus clash on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchups, it will be just their second-ever Champions League encounter after the 2016 group stage where Juventus prevailed 1-0 away from home, while the rematch finished in a 1-1 draw. Juventus are in the Round of 16 once again thanks to topping Group D with 16 points (W5, D1) over second-place Atletico Madrid. Lyon finished second in Group G to RB Leipzig with 8 points (W2, D2, L2) but just scraped through ahead of Benfica and Zenit St. Petersburg (seven points).

 

Lyon has never won a European title in their history which shouldn't come as a shock to you since only one French side has won the Champions League trophy and that was Marseille back in 1993.

 

As for Juventus, the two-time Champions League winners are looking to get back to the finals for the third time in the last six years. Juventus are hoping this year is different, however having lost their last two trips to the finals against Spanish opposition in Barcelona and Real Madrid. Juventus have planned their entire season around triumphing on Europe's biggest stage, so it'll be interesting to see if the 'Old Lady' has what it takes to not only win on the Italian front but across Europe as well.

 

As it currently stands, Juventus is the overwhelming -800 favorite to advance to the quarter-finals. If you believe that the 'Old Lady' has what it takes to win the big one and finally get over the hump, you can grab them at a nice price of +900. That is fifth favorites behind the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. If you are willing to back a long shot to win this trophy, you can grab Lyon at +25000 to triumph, or +500 to pull off the upset over Juventus. If you need some help with deciding on who to choose, Doc's offers up a great soccer service for you that runs almost 24/7/365. You can sign up now by clicking here.

 

First Leg: Groupama Stadium, Lyon; Wednesday, February 26 at 3:00 pm
 Second Leg: Allianz Stadium, Turin; Tuesday, March 17 at 4:00 pm

 

Lyon Storylines 

 

Lyon knows that they are in for a struggle against Juventus if they don't pick up their quality of play. Sure, they are coming off a 2-0 win against Metz in their latest Ligue 1 game, but that is just one or two wins they've had over their last six games. During that stretch, they've scored just 6 goals and with the way Juve is finding the back of the net for fun, an average of under one-goal per game for Lyon is simply not going to be good enough, especially against a team like Juventus who are great defensively. Even in Europe, Lyon has not had a great go of it, as they equally split their six group stage games (2W, 2D, 2L) and have just one win over their last eight UCL home games. 

 

In terms of team news, the French side has known for some time now that they will be without their top goal scorer in Memphis Depay, who is out through injury. Other than that, the team is fit, and it'll be up to the coach to make the decision on which formation to play. They played three at the back on the weekend and won, but we believe he'll revert to a back four this Wednesday for extra protection. 

 

Probable Starting XI: Lopes; Tete, Andersen, Denayer, Marcal; Tousart, Mendes; Traore, Aouar, Terrier; Dembele
 

Juventus Storylines

  In case you've been living under a rock for the last 15+ years or simply forgot, Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese soccer player who is perhaps the best ever player to play the game. He currently plays for Juventus and he's taken the Italian league by storm. This season alone, he's scored in 11 straight league matches which equals the record formerly held by Gabriel Batistuta. One more goal in his next Serie A game and the record is all his - one he's deserved for how's he's played over the last two months. Juventus as a team are currently atop the Serie A table once again as they vie for an unprecedented ninth straight Serie A title. The Old Lady has lost just three times over their last 15 games, with one draw sprinkled in there against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia. They have been winning games by doing just enough offensively, thanks to Ronaldo while being extremely resolute on defense and tough to break down. They should be able to contain a team like Lyon, who is missing a few key players heading into this matchup. 

 

As for Juventus, they come into this game relatively fit, with only Miralem Pjanic a question mark to take part due to injury. They will welcome the return of their center-back and warrior, Giorgio Chiellini, who will be eager to earn his spot back in the starting 11. Up front, the likes of Ronaldo, Dybala, and Higuain are all fit and ready to go. 

 

Probable Starting XI: Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Ramsey, Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Ronaldo
 

Lyon vs Juventus Predictions

 

This fixture is Juventus' to lose and Vegas knowns it. They've priced the Italian side at an outrageous -800 to advance and while I would never recommend laying that kind of juice, the series bet is definitely Juventus. You can grab Juve at -0.5 (-120) in the first leg and hope they come out with authority and take a massive advantage back home to Turin. Depending on how the first leg goes, the second leg should set up nicely for goals, and we'll look to play the over given the right situation. 

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