I know we have injuries, but why, just why start a two man midfield with Khedira-Pjanic? He also keeps starting the same attacking players over and over again. What worry me the most is how we normally start the season looking shaky and unorganized only to become better and better. But this season it’s the exact opposite.
The two man midfield clearly doesn't work against teams that overload the center, but I'm not sure starting a 19 year old Bentancur, a physically diminished Marchisio, or Sturaro would have made a difference. Simply put, this team needs Matuidi healthy to play a 3 man midfield vs great opposition. It's not easy to start Bentancur, Sturaro, and Marchisio (right now) over Bernardeschi.
Using all his attackers at once also meant that Juve had no spark off the bench.
Credit to Poch for anticipating that Allegri would be forced into a winger heavy formation as he added an extra attacking CM in Lamela in place of Son who is a winger. Khedira and Pjanic were overrun centrally 2 vs. 5 as a result. Those asking why Khedira started, would you rather one of Bentancur, Sturaro, or Marchisio in there in the German's place?
This tie is still 50/50 as long as Matuidi and Dybala are back in the starting line up in London.
--------------Higuain
-----------Costa--Dybala
----------Matuidi--Khedira
----------------Pjanic
Sandro--Chiellini--Benatia--Barzagli/MDS
--------------Higuain
---------------Dybala
Sandro--Matuidi--Khedira----Costa
----------------Pjanic
-----Chiellini--Benatia--Barzagli
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This tie is giving me a reverse of Chelsea vs Juve in Conte's first year sort of vibe. The upstart Juve were down 2-0 in London to the champions only to comeback 2-2 before thrashing them 3-0 in Turin. It essentially lead to their elimination. Now Juve need to avoid the flip from happening to them.
Hopefully, this team responds the way that they did away to Dortmund in 2015. Juve need to score at least twice since the chances of shutting out Tottenham are slim.
Recent positive crucial away performances for Juve under Allegri:
3-0 @ Dortmund
3-1 @ Sevilla
2-0 @ Porto
2-0 @ Monaco
Juve need any of those scores to advance. If only Higuain made it 3-0 or 3-1. If only Mandzukic made it 3-1 to start the 2nd half. Now Juve have it all to do.