Conte probably doesn't want to start Lichtsteiner and Isla together in this one because he'll be looking to alternate between them for RWB in the next few games.
If there wasn't a game in midweek, I'd have looked for Isla to start in midfield tonight.
Agreed.
Also, given the much-publicised issues Juve are having down their left side, due to that side of the team being injured, is there any reason for Barzagli not to move across to play LCB?
Just a way to spread the first-choice players around a little.
Would also allow Caceres the easier role of playing CB behind the ever-reliable Lichtsteiner, who is likely to give him considerably better support than the LWB tends to give on the other side.
Valid point, but I get the feeling Barzagli has said he doesn't like playing on the left side and I recall him having a bad game once there earlier on in the season when Caceres stepped in as the RCB and he had to move to the left.
With the added problem of the LWB being so inferior to the RWB in terms of defensive cover, it still seems the sensible option however.
But he should. Last season Isla played as CM under Guidolin, now RWB. He was very good there. Same goes for CI match vs Milan. He started as LWB, then played as RWB but on both positions he was bad. I liked him as CM tho tbh.
I'm not contrarian, you big prude . Padoin is just 'good' in every position you play him. He's better than any of our other wings at getting past players.