Juventus will be without Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and Arkadiusz Milik for tonight’s Champions League tie with Benfica, while Jonathan David is favoured to start and Khephren Thuram returns. Betting angle: with Juventus fielding an in-form attack and recent European wins, punters might back Juventus to win or use a Juventus win/draw double chance; a safer option is Juventus to win + Both Teams To Score.
Juventus team news and absentees for Benfica clash
Only three players are unavailable for Juventus against Benfica: Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and Arkadiusz Milik. Milik is injured and is also not included on Juventus’ UEFA list for the Champions League phase, leaving Spalletti to pick from the remaining squad.
Forward choices — David favoured over Openda
Sources in Italy suggest Jonathan David is the favourite to lead the line at the Allianz Stadium, with Lois Openda competing for the centre-forward role. Spalletti is expected to pick a forward pairing that balances David’s finishing with wide movement.
Midfield and defence updates
Khephren Thuram will return to the starting XI after coming off the bench in Juventus’ recent Serie A outing. The defensive unit will be reshaped in Rugani’s absence, but Spalletti has several options to steady the back line for a high-stakes match against Mourinho’s side.
Form, standings and tactical outlook
Juventus sit 17th in the Champions League table but have momentum from back-to-back wins in the competition over Bodo/Glimt and Pafos. Spalletti has enjoyed a strong start at Juventus, winning ten of his first 16 matches in charge, with four draws and only two defeats. Expect an organised, attack-minded Juventus eager to capitalize on home advantage against a tactically astute Benfica.
What this means on the pitch
Without Vlahovic and Milik, Juventus may rely on quick combinations and David’s movement to unlock Benfica’s defence. Thuram’s return bolsters energy in midfield and gives Spalletti a more dynamic option to press and transition quickly.
Betting implications and match predictions
Juventus’ recent European form and a near-full squad apart from the three absentees make them a credible pick for a home victory or a win/draw double chance. Given Benfica’s tactical discipline under Mourinho, a conservative punting approach such as Juventus to win + Both Teams To Score could offer balanced risk-reward.
Chiesa ready to take DRASTIC action to force through Juventus move
Just three Juventus players, Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and Arkadiusz Milik, are unavailable for tonight’s...
Football Italia
