Juventus vs Freiburg – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

As part of our Europa League Predictions, we take a look at Freiburg’s visit to Turin. Juventus had found form before their weekend Serie A defeat to Roma – can they bounce back with a win here? Read on with our Juventus vs Freiburg prediction.

Juventus vs Freiburg Match Preview

Juventus had been in good form recently in Serie A; they had won four games in a row, scoring ten goals in the process. However, a defeat in the Olympic Stadium against Roma at the weekend to a Mancini rocket has stalled their momentum somewhat. It isn’t the ideal preparation for this first-leg game. Of course, Juventus were deduced 15 points earlier this season for financial breaches, which could have derailed their season more than it has. Sitting in 7th with 35 points, the Old Lady are highly unlikely to qualify for the Champions League but must keep trying. They can seek solace in having a two-legged semi-final with Inter to play in the Coppa Italia. However, this doesn’t negate their league woes.

Juventus dropped into the Europa League after a staggeringly bad Champions League campaign where they only won one game of six. Beaten twice by both Benfica and PSG, they also won and lost one game against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. Hence, they entered the play-off round of the Europa League, where they were drawn against Nantes. After a disappointing draw at home in the first leg, Juve comfortably won the return in France 3-0 thanks to a Di Maria hat-trick. Indeed, one of those goals was a stunning curling left-foot strike demonstrating that the Argentine is still a world-class player.

Freiburg are in relatively good form in the Bundesliga. They are undefeated in the last four games, having won two and drawn two. Victories over Stuttgart and Bochum were good. There was also a 1-1 against Leverkusen and a goalless draw away to Monchengladbach at the weekend. They are in the quarter-finals of the German Cup. However, they have a daunting task away against Bayern in the Allianz Arena fortress. In fifth place with 42 points and 11 games to go, Freiburg are well in contention to play their first-ever Champions League campaign next season.

Freiburg qualified directly to this round of 16 tie by finishing top of Group G, ahead of Juventus’ previous opponents Nantes. The Germans had already won the group ahead of the last matchday, with the highlights of their campaign being thumping wins against Olympiacos in Greece and Nantes in France. They were undefeated across the six games and scored 13 goals.

Freiburg now travel to Italy to face a Juventus side wounded from the off-pitch difficulties they have faced this season. Juventus will be determined to give their all in this competition and the Coppa Italia, so Freiburg shouldn’t expect Juventus to rest too many players or be half-hearted here.

Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Juventus:

Might Not Play: Alex Sandro

Will Not Play: Jorge, De Sciglio, Milik

Freiburg:

Might Not Play: Gregoritsch

Will Not Play: Kyereh

Juventus vs Freiburg Lineups (Predicted)

Juventus (3-5-2): Szczesny; Bonucci, Bremer, Danilo; Kostic, Rabiot, Locatelli, Fagioli, Cuadrado; Vlahovic, Di Maria

Freiburg (3-4-3): Flekken; Leinhart, Ginter, Sildillia; Gunter, Hofler, Eggestein, Kubler; Grifo, Holer, Sallai

Our Prediction

On paper, Juventus are the better team. They are one of Europe’s biggest clubs and can attract a calibre of player that Christian Streitch’s side cannot. However, Juventus coach Max Allegri knows that this competition (alongside the Coppa Italia) represents their best hope of a trophy this season. He knows not to underestimate a respectable German club which finished top of their group and are fighting for a Champions League place in a quality league like the Bundesliga.

Therefore, we see this being a game where the onus is on Juventus to take the game to their visitors. Yes, Juve have had 49 per cent possession on average in Italy and Freigurg 48 per cent in Germany. However, with Juve being at home and a higher-quality team, we expect them to control the game. However, that is not to say that Freiburg won’t have their moments in the ascendancy or that Juventus won’t be presented with counter-attacking opportunities when they can win the ball from Freiburg.

Kostic and Cuadrado at wing-back will get forward and deliver crosses from wing-back for Vlahovic to attack. Di Maria will drift wide and use his dribbling and trickery, and Fagioli could control proceedings. Chiesa is also a threat. Freiburg’s full-backs and wingers are massively dangerous. The Juventus centre-backs and defensive midfielders must cover the spaces when their wing-backs advance.

This game might be a close one. We can see Freiburg scoring. However, Juventus have been in good form recently (the loss at the weekend aside) and have been scoring goals. Juve can also register a few goals of their own and take a relatively comfortable lead to Germany next week. 2-1 is likely the safer prediction, but we will be expansive.

Juventus 3-1 Freiburg

Juventus vs Freiburg Betting Tip – Over 2.5 Goals Odds: