Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Line-ups: Juventus-Chelsea Nov 20, 2012 Juventus have Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Andrea Pirlo in tonight’s Champions League showdown with Chelsea, who drop Fernando Torres. The Bianconeri are currently third in Group E, but only one point behind joint leaders Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea. As their final game is in Ukraine, it is essential Juve get a good result on home turf against the reigning Champions League holders. Vucinic has missed the last few games due to an ankle injury and then a bout of flu, but has recovered to start alongside Quagliarella, sending Sebastian Giovinco to the bench. Pirlo was suspended for Saturday’s Serie A 0-0 draw with Lazio, so returns well-rested to the midfield. Stephan Lichtsteiner is back after he was dropped for a few games, but Nicklas Bendtner is not even on the bench. Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge when these teams met back in September and were beaten by West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. There were reports that Torres would be dropped for this huge game after an alleged locker room row and he is indeed on the bench in Turin, leaving Eden Hazard as a 'false 9' although it is also possible the Blues could line up with an unusual 5-2-3 system. Juan Mata, Oscar, Ramires, Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic have all shaken off injuries to return for Roberto Di Matteo’s men, but Frank Lampard and John Terry are sidelined. If Shakhtar Donetsk beat Nordsjaelland this evening, then they will secure their spot in the knockouts thanks to a superior head-to-head record with Chelsea, leaving just one qualifying place left. Unlike the last Champions League home game against Shakhtar, the Juventus Stadium is expected to be sold out tonight. Chelsea’s record on Italian soil is weak thanks to a single win at Lazio in 2003-04, three draws and four defeats. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Vucinic Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Pogba, Pepe, Giaccherini, Giovinco, Matri CHELSEA: Cech; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Ivanovic, A Cole; Ramires, Mikel; Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar Chelsea bench: Turnbull, Bertrand, Oriol Romeu, Marin, Piazon, Torres, Moses

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Torres dropped while Hazard starts as false nine for Chelsea The out-of-form Spaniard is relegated to the bench while the Blues' creative trio is preserved in attack and Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta start as wing-backs. Nov 20, 2012 Fernando Torres has been dropped to the bench for Chelsea's crucial Champions League group-stage clash with Juventus. Eden Hazard will start as a false No.9 in the absence of the out-of-form Spaniard, with Juan Mata and Oscar tasked with providing the service for the tricky Belgian. In defence, Roberto Di Matteo shifts to a back three of Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz and Gary Cahill, with the returning Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to operate as wing-backs. Juventus, meanwhile, prefer Fabio Quagliarella to Sebastian Giovinco up front in what is otherwise a full-strength lineup. Juventus starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Subs: Storari, Caceres, Pogba, Pepe, Giovinco, Giaccherini, Matri Chelsea starting XI (5-2-3): Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Mata, Oscar, Hazard Subs: Turnbull, Bertrand, Romeu, Marin, Torres, Piazon, Moses

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Vialli: Juventus have 12 men with Pirlo The former Italy striker believes the midfielder gives Antonio Conte's side an edge whilst he does not see Didier Drogba as the answer to the club's striking problems upfront. Nov 20, 2012 Gianluca Vialli has backed Andrea Pirlo to be Juventus' key player as the Serie A champions take on another of the Italian's former sides Chelsea on Tuesday. The midfielder has been imperious for Antonio Conte's team since moving to Turin from AC Milan in 2011, and Vialli believes La Vecchia Signora almost have an extra man when Pirlo is in the side. "Juventus play like they have 12 men with him [Pirlo]. He is the director, the playmaker," he explained to Tuttosport. He also admitted that Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is likely to employ Oscar to try and combat Pirlo's passing game after the Brazilian scored twice in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge on matchday one. He added: "Di Matteo will repeat the move, because it has brought great results. Oscar is the ideal player to put him in trouble, because he has the humility and the age to shoulder the dirty work and the quality in attack in turn. "If Pirlo screens the defence, the Brazil international will allow him to take the ball and then attack him. We'll see what the outcome is." Despite an impressive start to the defence of their Serie A title, Conte's team have been criticised for not having a regular goalscorer to spearhead their attack. The Bianconeri coach has tried and tested two or three different partnerships with Mirko Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri and on-loan Nicklas Bendtner to choose from, but has yet to settle on a pair he is happy with. And Vialli was unsure as to who the best partnership would be to grab the goals to beat the European champions. "The problem of the attackers of Juventus is that they are all the same level. No one has proven to be a champion and this explains the rotations of Conte," he continued. "Overall, the team can benefit, but the individual certainly not. To answer that, I find it hard to choose a partnership. You can think of so many different combinations, but not one can be considered the strongest." Former Blues' striker Didier Drogba has been linked with filling the void at Juventus Stadium, but Vialli thinks that the Cote d'Ivoire striker would not be the long-term answer to the issues that the club faces. He added: "To win back the championship Juventus do not need Drogba. It would certainly not be a long-term investment and soon the problem would return again. "It would be better to buy once and lock down the role for the next five years."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Ivanovic: Juventus clash is like a final for Chelsea The experienced defender is aware of the importance of the current European Champions getting a positive result in Turin as they look to reach the knockout stages. Nov 20, 2012 Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic believes their Champions League match away to Juventus will be "like a final" as they eye a place in the next round. A win away to the Serie A champions would secure the Blues' passage into the knockout stages of the competition that they won last year, while a point would also put them in the driving seat to progress. However, a defeat would leave them in a precarious position and in danger of finishing behind Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk, who they narrowly beat in the previous round of games, and Ivanovic is aware of the importance of the tie. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Tuesday is a crucial game for our season. We have already had a couple of games like this, this year, but this one is like a final for us. It can decide a lot, but if we do what we know it is going to be fine. “We know we cannot lose, of course. But the mentality of the team is not like this. We have to follow our philosophy of attacking and trying to win the game, because we are Chelsea and we have a way of playing. “We want to win every game and qualify as soon as possible, and we have to be true to our philosophy.” The 28-year-old was an unused substitute in the Blues’ 2-1 loss to West Brom on Sunday, and admitted he has been impressed by the performances of his replacement, Cesar Azpilicueta’s recent displays. He added: “Cesar is great. He takes up good positions and it's important we have players like this who can play games, because we have a lot in the season. I hope he will use every chance he has to play.” Chelsea head into the match against Juventus having lost two and drawn two of their previous four Premier League fixtures.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Champions League: Juventus v Chelsea match preview Nov 20, 2012 Chelsea go into their Champions League Group E game at Juventus in danger of being the first holders to crash out of the competition before Christmas. A win will guarantee Chelsea qualification to the next round so the onus will be on Juventus, who are third in the group, to take control. Chelsea need to avoid defeat to ensure that a win over Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge on 5 December will guarantee they reach the Champions League knockout stages. Win tonight, and they will be through. KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 8.45pm PAST MEETINGS… Chelsea 2 (Oscar x2) Juventus 2 (Vidal, Quagliarella), Champions League, group stage, September 2012 Juventus 2 (Iaquinta, Del Piero) Chelsea 2 (Essien, Drogba) Champions League knock-out phase, March 2009 Chelsea 1 (Drogba) Juventus 0, Champions League knock-out phase, February 2009 STATS… This is Juventus' 42nd meeting with English sides; their record is W15 D11 L15 Chelsea have won only once in eight visits to Italy, a 4-0 group stage success at S.S. Lazio in 2003/04 Chelsea have now lost three of their last 12 away group games, winning five ODDS… Juventus to win: 1.9 Chelsea to win: 4.4 Draw: 3.9

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus can beat Chelsea, insists Dalla Bona The 31-year-old believes the Bianconeri have the quality to send the reigning European champions home empty handed, and has singled out Andrea Pirlo as the key man. Nov 20, 2012 EXCLUSIVE By Sergio Stanco Samuele Dalla Bona is confident Juventus have what it takes to beat Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League Group E encounter. The Turin side currently sit in third place, trailing their opponents by one point, and Dalla Bona believes they could leapfrog the Blues in the table on Tuesday. "In my opinion, Juventus can beat Chelsea. It's true that Chelsea have a great team and that they have more international experience. However, Juve are the most English side of all the non-English teams," Dalla Bona told Goal.com. "They play at a very high pace, always pressuring their opponents and are very physical. I expect an entertaining encounter. It will not be easy, but I believe that Juventus in the end have a good chance of being victorious." The former Chelsea man then went on to praise the Bianconeri's midfield, and singled out Andrea Pirlo as the player who could make all the difference. "For me, Juventus have one of the best midfields in the world with Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal and [Claudio] Marchisio. Chelsea have a strong midfield as well, though. That's where the game will be decided, and Pirlo could be decisive. "He has made a step up in quality since he was turned into a deep-lying playmaker by [Carlo] Mazzone. He was already strong as a trequartista, but he's simply excellent in his current position. He always plays at a high level. He's a phenomenon." Dalla Bona played for Chelsea between 1998 and 2002, before returning to his native country and joining AC Milan.

................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2^ giornata di ritorno) Juventus Stadium - Torino martedì 20-11-2012 - Ore 20:45 Arbitro: Cuneyt Çakir (Turchia) Verso Juventus-Chelsea: Vucinic scalpita per esserci, Di Matteo si gioca la panchina senza capitan Terry Conte ripropone Lichtsteiner a destra, che viene preferito a Isla, Giovinco supera Vucinic. Tra i Blues ancora out Terry, Cahill farà coppia con Luiz al centro della difesa. 20 novembre, 2012 PROBABILI FORMAZIONI JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Isla Quagliarella, Vucinic CHELSEA Cech Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole Mikel, Ramires Mata, Oscar, Hazard Torres QUI JUVENTUS Conte, per la sfida decisiva contro i Blues, sceglie i titolarissimi e conferma il classico 3-5-2. In difesa giostreranno Barzagli, Bonucci e Chiellini. A centrocampo torna Lichtsteiner, che agirà sulla fascia destra, con Asamoah pronto a sprigionare la propria corsa sull'out opposto. Pirlo si occuperà della regia, coadiuvato dai pretoriani Marchisio e Vidal. Davanti, al fianco di Quagliarella, pareva non doverci essere l'influenzato Vucinic, ma il montenegrino a quanto pare sarà invece della partita, spingendo Giovinco in panchina. QUI CHELSEA Di Matteo è già sulla graticola dopo il pesante ko subito in Premier sabato scorso e non può permettersi un passo falso che comprometterebbe il prosieguo del cammino Blues in Champions League. Il tecnico italiano sceglie il 4-2-3-1, con Ivanovic, Cahill, David Luiz e Cole in difesa. A centrocampo agiranno Ramires e Mikel, a fare da schermo al rosario di trequartisti composto da Mata, Oscar e Hazard. Out capitan Terry e Lampard, Di Matteo spera che Torres ritrovi la via del goal. IL MOMENTO I bianconeri, dopo il pesante ko casalingo contro l'Inter, sembrano in netta crescita. Il pari interno contro la Lazio è infatti da derubricare sotto la voce sfortuna. I Blues dal canto loro attraversano invece un periodo poco felice, e non centrano una vittoria in Premier da ben quattro turni. La sconfitta di sabato ha poi decisamente innalzato la tensione in casa Chelsea. La Juve potrebbe approfittarne. LA CHIAVE La Juventus dovrà attaccare, ma con raziocinio. Il Chelsea ha infatti vinto la scorsa Champions League puntando tutto sulla propria difesa ad oltranza e pungendo spesso con contropiedi molto ficcanti. Il trio delle meraviglie davanti potrebbe fare davvero male alla retroguardia bianconera, che presa d'infilata rischia di soffrire la rapidità di gamba dei vari Mata, Oscar e Ramires. I PROTAGONISTI Conte punta tutto sulla voglia di Champions dei senatori Buffon e Pirlo, che tanto hanno patito nella scorsa stagione l'assenza dal più importante palcoscenico europeo. Vidal ha già dimostrato nel match d'andata di saper dare il meglio di sè nelle gare che contano davvero. E stavolta Quagliarella avrà tutta la gara a disposizione per bucare Cech come già successo a 'Stamford Bridge'. Nelle fila ospiti occhio al solito Oscar, autore di due vere perle contro i bianconeri a Londra, Ramires e Mata con la loro velocità potrebbero mettere in seria difficoltà i lungagnoni Bonucci e Chiellini. Testa a Testa UEFA Champions League ‎- 19/set/2012 - Chelsea FC 2 - Juventus 2 UEFA Champions League ‎- 10/mar/2009 - Juventus 2 - Chelsea FC 2 UEFA Champions League ‎- 25/feb/2009 - Chelsea FC 1 - Juventus 0 Ultime 5 Partite JUVENTUS 17/nov/2012 - Juventus 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A 10/nov/2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6 - Serie A 07/nov/2012 - Juventus 4 - FC Nordsjælland 0 - UCL 03/nov/2012 - Juventus 1 - Inter 3 - Serie A 31/ott/2012 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Serie A CHELSEA FC 17/nov/2012 - West Bromwich 2 - Chelsea FC 1 - Premier League 11/nov/2012 - Chelsea FC 1 - Liverpool 1 - Premier League 07/nov/2012 - Chelsea FC 3 - Shakhtar 2 - UCL 03/nov/2012 - Swansea City 1 - Chelsea FC 1 - Premier League 31/ott/2012 - Chelsea FC 5 - Manchester United 4 - CCUP Previsione Juventus 1 - 1 Chelsea

................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2^ giornata di ritorno) Juventus stadium - Torino martedì 20/11/2012 - Ore 20:45 Arbitro: Cuneyt Çakir (Turchia) Confronti ufficiali 3 - 3 (Champions league) Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 2 - 2 (Champions league) Vittorie Chelsea 1 - 1 (Champions league) Goals Juventus 4 - 4 (Champions league) Goals Chelsea 5 - 5 (Champions league) Juventus - Chelsea - Champions League a Torino Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 1 (10.03.2009 - Champions League - 2-2) Vittorie Chelsea 0 Goals Juventus 2 Goals Chelsea 2 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Chelsea 3 presenze Buffon Gianluigi 3 Chiellini Giorgio 3 Marchisio Claudio 2 Amauri Carvalho de Oliveira 2 Del Piero Alessandro 2 Giovinco Sebastian 2 Mellberg Erik Olof 2 Molinaro Cristian 2 Nedved Pavel 2 Tiago Cardoso Mendes 1 goal Del Piero Alessandro 1 Iaquinta Vincenzo 1 Quagliarella Fabio 1 Vidal Arturo Erasmo Ultimi confronti diretti 25.02.2009 Champions League Chelsea-Juventus 1-0 10.03.2009 Champions League Juventus-Chelsea 2-2 19.09.2012 Champions League Chelsea-Juventus 2-2 Giocate 3 - Vittorie Juventus 0 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Chelsea 1 - Goals Juventus 4 - Goals Chelsea 5

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus v Chelsea: Probable line-ups Nov 20, 2012 Juventus go into Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Chelsea knowing that the match is a must win game. The Bianconeri could be eliminated from the competition if they lose to Chelsea and Shakhtar defeat Nordsjælland. Chelsea will be without John Terry and Frank Lampard, while there are doubts over Fernando Torres starting the game. Meanwhile Juve will have Mirko Vucinic back after his bout of flu. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella. Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Ramires, Mikel; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Gullit rules out Chelsea Champions League challenge Nov 20, 2012 Ahead of Chelsea's almost vital away clash with Juventus tonight, former Blues player and manager Ruud Gullit has claimed the club cannot win the Champions League this year. Chelsea go into tonight's game at the Juventus Stadium top of Group E, level on points with second place Shakhtar, and one point ahead of Juventus in third. However defeat against Juve could put the Blues into third, and would leave Di Matteo's men reliant on a draw between Shatktar and Juventus in the final game, assuming Chelsea beat Nordsjaelland. Gullit feels that despite sitting top of their group, Chelsea cannot challenge for Europe's top prize this season. “Chelsea winning it last year was a surprise, I don’t think they can do it again," Gullit told the Mirror. “They are trying to change the way they play and are having mixed results, so they will have to work very hard to reach the latter stages again.” Chelsea have recorded just two victories in their last seven outings, against Man Utd in the League Cup, and over Shakhtar in the last Champions League outing. They come into the clash on the back of a 2-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday, a match which prompted angry exchanges in the Blues dressing-room after the game.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus v Chelsea: Nicklas Bendtner targets win Nov 20, 2012 Nicklas Bendtner is hoping to kick-start his career at Juventus by helping them beat Chelsea in their crucial Champions League game on Tuesday. Juventus host the European champions, trailing the Blues by one point with two group games to play. Striker Bendtner is on a season-long loan at the Serie A side from Arsenal. "I have come to one of, if not the, the biggest club in Italy to win something, to play and to score goals," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport. Bendtner has been limited to two starts in seven appearances in all competitions for the Italian league leaders but is hoping to make more of an impact now that he is fully fit. He said: "It took me a month or so to get fit but now that I am I've played many games, coming on as a substitute. "Obviously, I hope to establish myself even more in Italy and start scoring goals for Juventus." Bendtner joined Arsenal in July 2005 but after struggling to establish himself in the first-team and a loan spell at Sunderland last season, he believes his move to Juventus was "good for everyone". Asked about whether he would be returning to Arsenal, he replied: "You can never rule anything out but I am focusing on my career here and I'll see where that takes me. "Arsenal is still a great club and I had some great times there. At times I thought I should have played more. I've scored a lot of important goals while I was there. "I did start to play on a more regular basis but then I had that terrible car crash [in September 2009] which set me back. When I came back after that it was difficult because the other players performed really well. "I then went on loan to Sunderland and played every match. I felt strong and fit again going into the Euro 2012. "I had a good European Championship and the last year set me up for a move away and it's what I wanted and what I was ready for." Bendtner feels he has now acclimatised to the emphasis on the tactical side of the game in Italy compared to the "faster" pace of English football. And, going into Tuesday's game against Chelsea, he knows that Juventus need to be wary of their rivals who have failed to win in their last four league games and have gone nine outings without a clean sheet. "I don't think you can underestimate Chelsea," he said. "Even though they haven't won in four games they are always difficult to play against. "They also won this competition last season so we have to stay on our guard and make sure that they don't win this game either." Juventus know the importance of a win against Chelsea as the Serie A outfit face a tough trip to Shakhtar Donetsk in their final group game, while the Blues host group strugglers FC Nordsjaelland.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Roberto Di Matteo expects "open game" against Juventus Nov 20, 2012 Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo believes that their Champions League clash with Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday will be "an open game". The Premier League giants will take on the Italian champions in Turin in Group E. "It's going to be a difficult one for sure – they are under pressure as well to win this game and it's going to make it an interesting match," said Di Matteo. "It will be an open game. Both sides can win it. Juve are at home and maybe that could be a bit of an advantage, but sometimes playing at home can be a hindrance too. "I think we've got to try and create problems for Juve. I've seen lots of their recent games, including the last one against Lazio, when they crushed their opponents in their own half. We have to cause them problems. Yes, we will defend, but not only that."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Angelo Alessio expects attacking Chelsea Nov 20, 2012 Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio believes that Chelsea will put out an attacking team against them on Tuesday. The Italian champions will host Roberto Di Matteo's team in the Champions League Group E. "We don't expect Chelsea to not come out and attack us – they are not a side who sit back and wait to hit you on the counter-attack," he said. "They have great attackers and I cannot see them playing any other way." However, Alessio is confident that Juventus will defeat the reigning European champions in Turin. "We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through," he said. "We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win. "Of course, we could take our chances better. We know how good their goalkeeper (Petr Cech) is, but we have to create lots of chances. "They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team. At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing." Juventus are currently third in Group E with six points from four matches, a point behind second-placed Chelsea.

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Di Matteo: Chelsea may revert to defensive style in Champions League clash with Juventus Nov 20, 2012 Roberto Di Matteo has ventured to suggest that Chelsea may return to the style that brought such impressive success in the latter stages of last season. The Champions League winners have been remarkably loose in defence with Gary Cahill and David Luiz struggling to protect veteran ‘keeper Petr Cech. Read what Di Matteo had to say. ‘We have been playing a little bit different this season and we might have to go a little bit back to win games, to make sure we don’t concede and still have good combinations to score goals. ‘Maybe it is the time when we might have to change in terms of our selection and the way we play, looking at the set-up of the team and sacrifice a little bit the attacking options to go a bit more defensive. ‘We had a lot of joy with the way we have been playing and long-term that is the way we want to go but we need a couple of positive result to get our confidence high again and then move on. ‘We have two massive games [Juventus and Manchester City] but we have players with a lot of experience and we have been in this position before.’

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus vs. Chelsea preview – Champions League Nov 20, 2012 Juventus host Chelsea on Tuesday night in a crucial Group E match. The winner would have a very good chance of progressing to the first knockout round, but both teams have their respective struggles heading into the game. Chelsea are the defending European champions and started their Premier League on a flyer. They were bagging goals for fun, lighting up the league with their technical, speedy advanced midfield three, and were finally playing the attractive football that owner Roman Abramovich has been preaching for. The last few weeks have gone south, however. They’ve failed to win their last four league games and falling from first to third in the table. There’s tons of controversy surrounding the out-of-form Fernando Torres, manager Roberto Di Matteo has even suggested that the tactics be more conservative so they stop conceding. With the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard injured and Juventus scoring in buckets, it might be a long day for the Champions League holders. Since their 49 game undefeated streak ended, Juventus has gone undefeated in their last three in all competitions. The real eye opener is their goal output of 10 in three games (six coming from their strikers). The doubters surrounding the club returned on the weekend, though. Juve drew Lazio 0-0 at home, a game they dominated from start to finish. They recorded 21 shots and had 59% possession, but could only muster four attempts on target. Lazio absorbed the pressure, and held on to shutout the Bianconeri for only the seventh time under Antonio Conte. The Old Lady’s only worry will once again be the attack. Roberto Di Matteo rested some key players on Saturday at West Bromwich Albion, so expect those names to make the team sheet. Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata, and Fernando Torres will be the front four most likely with John Obi Mikel and Ramires in behind. Ashley Cole made the trip to Turin, so he might get the nod at left back. Chelsea will need to make sure they get numbers forward when they get forward as Torres is ineffective going against Juventus’ back three. One on three will be too much for him to handle, so the middle men will need to carry some of the weight. They’ll also need to make sure Andrea Pirlo is covered well and that Arturo Vidal is closed down along with Claudio Marchisio, who lit up Nordsjaelland two weeks ago. Juventus’ one injury doubt is Mirko Vucinic. He has been battling the flu and missed the Lazio match, but he made the squad list for Tuesday. If he’s fit enough, Antonio Conte will start him and Fabio Quagliarella up front. Kwadwo Asamoah will occupy his usual left wingback role. The midfield three of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, and Arturo Vidal will be in their usual positions and Mauricio Isla will be at right wingback. Other than that, everything remains the same for Juve. They’ll most likely be playing against a more reserved Chelsea side as they’ve given hints that they’ll be playing more “catenaccio” that won them the Champions League last season. The Bianconeri must be lethal in front of goal because if the Blues do use those tactics, they’ll have plenty of chances. It’s up to the front men to finish.

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Buffon and Bonucci back Juventus to beat Chelsea Nov 20, 2012 Juventus entertain Chelsea in a do-or-die Champions League clash with the current champions in a match that will almost certainly decide the Serie A champions’ fate in the European competition. A two-goal haul for Brazilian Oscar salvaged a point for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in matchweek 2, while Juventus are hoping of a big win at home to Chelsea. “Until now we have showed that we deserve the opponent’s respect and that we will play at the same level,” Gianluigi Buffon said of the Chelsea match. “Chelsea’s players deserve respect, they are the Champions League winners and in the last 10 years they have left a mark in world football’s elite. “When the draw was made, we knew our group was balanced. Three teams are going for two places and it will be so until the 95th minute of the game. “I have faith in this group, in the coach and in the quality of our strikers.” Juventus managed just four shots on target in their 0-0 draw at home to Lazio on the weekend. Juventus centre-back also weighed in on the big match. “what I would say to myself and the team is not to go into the game creating putting pressure on ourselves. Juventus are champions of Italy and we will play in our fantastic stadium. The favourites, it seems to me, are Juve.” Chelsea are just one point ahead of Juventus in the standings. Can they beat the Champions of Europe?

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juve danger for RDM Chelsea need a result in Turin if they are to keep their Champions League fate in their own hands. Adam Bate wonders whether Di Matteo has the answers when the European champions take on Juventus. Nov 20, 2012 The European champions are in a precarious position as they try to become the first team in the UEFA Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy. Chelsea travel to Juventus on Tuesday evening in the knowledge that a defeat could leave them all but eliminated from the competition at the group stage. If the Blues lose in Turin then they could find themselves adrift in third place in Group E. Shakhtar Donetsk would be out of reach, assuming they were to win at Nordsjaelland on Tuesday. While Juventus would need only a point in their final game in Ukraine to leave Chelsea helpless no matter what the score in their final home game against the Danish strugglers at Stamford Bridge. Those searching for encouragement from the fact that the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten run came to an end against Inter earlier this month could be in for disappointment. The response from Juventus has been emphatic. Nordsjaelland were beaten 4-0 before Pescara were on the receiving end of a 6-1 thrashing. Lazio fared better in a goalless draw at the weekend but even that scoreline bettered the disappointing defeat Chelsea suffered at West Brom. The indications are that Juve have redoubled their efforts. Anger "We saw last year's Juve with that same hunger for the victory, to work and to sacrifice ourselves," said Leonardo Bonucci after the Nordsjaelland win. "It was lacking against Inter, but we showed that if we step up the tempo and the intensity then we can fight it out with anyone. Our anger at the defeat to Inter had to be transformed into positive energy and determination to prove ourselves." Assistant boss Angelo Alessio also spoke of the team's anger at the loss of their unbeaten run and, tellingly, revealed the focus was already on Chelsea. "Of course we absolutely have to beat Chelsea at home in the next game and earn our place in the next round," said Alessio. "We wanted great intensity and the lads had the right anger and determination for this type of performance. We brought back that pressing on the ball in every area of the field and the style of football we needed." So what can Roberto Di Matteo learn from Inter's triumph in Turin? For starters, the Nerazzurri coach Andrea Stramaccioni refused to name his team until the last moment. "It was not theatre but rather the best way of stopping Juve dominating for the whole 90 minutes," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We could have lost, of course, but that's just the way I chose to approach it. I knew full well I'd play 3-4-3. I thought Juventus would have an advantage by knowing our tactics beforehand, so why should I make it easier for them?" It seems unlikely that Di Matteo will seek to ask Juventus any dramatic new tactical questions. While Oscar will again be asked to stick close to Andrea Pirlo when out of possession, the Chelsea boss can be expected to line up the team in their trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. That was of limited success in the home tie in London as Fernando Torres found himself outnumbered at the back and unable to find space in the channels, while Chelsea's full-backs failed to make the most of the space in front of them. Di Matteo has had huge success so far by empowering his players, utilising minimal squad rotation and adopting a relatively passive approach - he has seen first-hand that pushing for change at Stamford Bridge can be a hazardous business. "I wouldn't expect radical changes," he said at the start of the season. "I don't think there'll be a big overhaul of how we approach the games, new players will be integrated into the team and we will try and get the best out of them. I don't see any reason to change." Contrast In contrast, change has been a feature of this Juventus team, despite the fact that only the Milan team of the early '90s and Arsenal's invincibles can match their unbeaten sequence in a major European league. "Where Milan and Arsenal had tried-and-tested tactical formations, Juventus experimented with various systems before settling on the 3-5-2," explained Gabriele Marcotti in the Wall Street Journal. European football writer James Horncastle concurs. "Players have adapted to the conditions in which they have found themselves, moving from 4-2-4 and 4-4-1-1 to 3-5-2 and 4-3-3, all the while maintaining the same philosophy of play-it-out from the back, keep the ball, create and protect the best defence in Italy," wrote Horncastle in assessing last season's title triumph. Di Matteo is already one of that small group of coaches to have guided a team to a European Cup success. So it seems perverse to talk of him still having tactical tests to pass. But despite his glorious triumph, the Italian remains relatively inexperienced and he may have to now come up with a new plan if he is to safely negotiate Group E. With Chelsea's future in the competition so uncertain and his own position reportedly under threat, it will be intriguing to see what, if anything, the 41-year-old coach can come up with.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Capello on Juve, Calciopoli and tactics Nov 20, 2012 Fabio Capello has discussed Juventus, Calciopoli and Italian football’s current fascination with three-man defences. Speaking in an interview on the Undici TV show, the Russia boss was questioned on a variety of subjects – including Juve’s Champions League tie against Chelsea this evening. “They have to play with intelligence because Chelsea’s three attacking midfielders are very dangerous,” he said. “I think it’s the kind of game where you have to play in a strict tactical way.” Coach Antonio Conte has clear ideas about who are his best players in defence and midfield, but he continues to alternate his forwards. “Mirko Vucinic is a player who can make the difference, he’s the best attacker that Juventus have,” Capello added. “Sebastian Giovinco? He was part of the Primavera squad when I was at Juventus. He’s a very interesting player, a youngster who needs time. “He has great qualities, as well as the physical characteristics of Gianfranco Zola.” Capello left Juve in the summer of 2006 after the club were demoted to Serie B and stripped of two Scudetti for their part in Calciopoli. “I still have those two medals. We were the best side by some way and the only regret is that we didn’t do more in the Champions League. We had a team of quality, without which you don’t get results.” Turning to present day Serie A, Capello is adamant that the Old Lady will retain their title – but he’s not a fan of their 3-5-2 system. “There isn’t a race. Juventus will win. In the past there was Cragnotti’s Lazio, Tanzi’s Parma, as well as Milan and Inter. Today, in Italy, Juve can do what they want. “The three-man defence is the worst thing about football today. We’ve gone back 20 years. In reality, it is a five-man defence.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Di Matteo not fearing the sack ahead of crucial Juventus clash The Blues need to win in Turin to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout phase of the Champions League, and the Italian says his focus is on the club rather than himself. Nov 20, 2012 Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed talk of growing pressure on his position on Chelsea, instead focusing on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League group game against Juventus. A defeat to their Italian opponents will leave the holders on the brink of an early exit from the competition. But Di Matteo has refuted claims that a run of just two wins in seven games – which has seen the club concede their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League – has led to fears over his future. “I am not thinking about my own position," Di Matteo told reporters. "I’m just preparing for a big challenge and making some important decisions. “I’m not going to disclose any conversations with the owner and at the moment we are all thinking positively. “There was obvious frustration with the result at West Brom at the weekend and now we owe ourselves a good performance. "But we’ve proven many times before that, when it really counts, our players can be counted upon and everyone is fully committed for this game. Chelsea traditionally slump during the autumn months, with a record of losing three of six and three of seven games during November 2011 and 2010 respectively. But Di Matteo points to similar pressure to succeed on Serie A champions Juventus, adding that the unity of the Chelsea squad will see his side through. He added: “We all know the importance of this match and my intention is to create as many problems as possible for Juventus, who know they must win to stay in the competition and are under a lot of pressure. “We are all in this together and I believe we have a good group who can get a positive result.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Chelsea game is all or nothing for Juventus, says Alessio Antonio Conte's replacement has underlined the importance of the match, and has stressed that the Bianconeri are aiming for victory. Nov 20, 2012 Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio has insisted the Serie A champions cannot afford to drop points in Tuesday's Champions League match at home against Chelsea if they are to survive the group stages. The Bianconeri currently sit third in Group E with six points from four games, trailing their opponents by one point, and Alessio realises only a win will do if they have any chance of making it to the round of 16. "We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through. We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win," Alessio said at a press conference. "They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team. "At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing. "If we do well, we can go through, if we are not so good, we will play in the Europa League, but we know we have achieved something already."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Sturridge or Torres... Cahill or Luiz... Who should start for Chelsea against Juventus? Goal.com debates the selection dilemmas facing Roberto Di Matteo on Tuesday night as the Blues head to Turin for the crucial Champions League clash. Nov 20, 2012 Chelsea have overcome their fair share of hurdles in the Champions League over the last 12 months and Roberto Di Matteo's side's latest obstacle is likely to have a major say on whether they will have the chance to defend their crown beyond Christmas. The Blues are second in Group E going into the penultimate round of fixtures but with Tuesday's opponents Juventus hot on their heels, a defeat for either side in Turin could deliver a fatal blow to their hopes of reaching the last 16 and beyond. With that in mind the pressure is certainly on Di Matteo to find a winning formula, or at least avoid a losing one, and Goal.com's team of experts have put themselves in the manager's shoes and offered up what they consider the team to do the job in Italy... 'START STURRIDGE OVER FRAIL TORRES' Wayne Veysey | Goal.com UK Chief Correspondent Chelsea's strengths are the drive of Ramires and the creativity of the holy trinity of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard (three of whom were rested from the starting X1 for the 2-1 defeat at West Brom). CECH - IVANOVIC - CAHILL - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - STURRIDGE Their weaknesses are clear for all to see, in the centre of their John Terry-less defence and the absence of a reliable centre-forward who sends shudders through the opposition every time he bears down on goal. Didier Drogba was that man, and Fernando Torres is plainly not. Nor, does it seem, he ever will be again, certainly at a consistent level in elite competition. Chelsea will benefit from Juventus' need for a victory, and Roberto Di Matteo's refreshed team should create plenty of opportunities. I would start with Daniel Sturridge up top rather than the frail Torres, whose reasonable goal return this season masks a mediocre all-round output. Sturridge is an erratic finisher but he does not suffer from Torres' lack of self belief. At the back, I believe the experience of Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole is needed to deal with the threat from Juventus' wing-backs. Gary Cahill's defending does not match his velvet touch in the opposition box, but he should start alongside David Luiz, whose perm always seems to bounce with far more effervescence in Europe than it does in the Premier League. 'MATA & HAZARD MUST DO THEIR DEFENSIVE WORK' Peter Staunton | Goal.com International football writer Chelsea's deficiencies at the centre of defence have been well exploited by opponents on the domestic scene as well as in Europe and without captain John Terry, the European champions always appear to be a team likely to concede goals. CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - HAZARD - MATA - OSCAR - TORRES Their most commanding and able central defender in the absence of Terry is Branislav Ivanovic who usually plays on the right. However, Cesar Azpilicueta is a natural fit for the right-back berth which allows Ivanovic to push inside in place of Gary Cahill, who was given the run around by Shane Long at the weekend. Azpilicueta has a good instinct for supplementing the attack when required and could help to make life uncomfortable for Kwadwo Asamoah by doubling up with Juan Mata or Eden Hazard. Defensive work must be done by those two as their wan contributions in that regard against Shakhtar Donestsk meant Chelsea were overrun in wide areas. Asamoah and Maurico Isla, or Stephane Lichtsteiner, need no second invitation to maraud downfield and, in a game that Juventus need to win, they will carry the attacking impetus for the hosts. 'TORRES OUT, MOSES IN' Stephen Darwin | Goal.com UK Assistant Editor If there's one game Chelsea could do with having their captain colossus on the pitch, it's this one. The absence of John Terry at the Juventus Stadium leaves a gaping hole in the Blues' back four that David Luiz and Gary Cahill seem incapable of sufficiently papering over. CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - CAHILL - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - MOSES The Brazilian's horror show against West Brom should see him dropped, with Branislav Ivanovic an able replacement to slot in alongside Cahill, allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to continue at right-back. Frank Lampard is another who, had he been fit, would have been pushing for a start but in Ramires and John Obi Mikel, Roberto Di Matteo has two reliable anchors, proving the reins are sufficiently applied to the marauding former Benfica star, in particular. The attacking triumvirate of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard picks itself so the major question mark is over Fernando Torres and whether Di Matteo keeps the faith. With one fortuitous, to say the least, goal in seven, the £50 million man is experiencing an all too familiar slump in form and a Torres lacking in confidence is no use to Chelsea. This is where Victor Moses comes in. The 21-year-old has shown, in the smattering of chances he's had in a Chelsea shirt thus far, that he has an eye for goal and giving the former Wigan man the nod would even offer Di Matteo the flexibility to utilise a false-nine system. With Moses able to drop back when Juve are in possession, Chelsea will have a better chance of winning the midfield battle, with the likes of Hazard and Mata capable of interchanging with the Nigeria international to keep the hosts' back four guessing. 'CHELSEA HAVE TO SELECT PACY FULL-BACKS' Carlo Garganese | Goal.com International Deputy Editor CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - TORRES Although they showed signs of tiredness during the month of October, Juventus are usually an extremely fit team who press ferociously and attack with great speed and quick movements off the ball. At Stamford Bridge, due to the tight pitch Juventus weren't able to stretch Chelsea as much as they potentially will on Tuesday night. Therefore, it is important Chelsea select two pacy full backs who can keep up with the attacking raids of wing-backs Asamoah and Isla or Lichtsteiner. David Luiz is also a better choice to Cahill for this reason. The five midfielders pick themselves as Frank Lampard is not fully fit, Oriol Romeu is not good enough, while Moses perhaps lacks the experience to start such a game - which is also a reason why Fernando Torres must be employed as the lone striker, despite not being in the best of shape.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Chelsea players encouraged to show passion ahead of crucial Juventus tie Roberto Di Matteo has welcomed his players’ passion as Chelsea prepare for their crucial trip to Juventus. Nov 19, 2012 Defeat would leave the Blues on the brink of becoming the first Champions League holders to miss out on a place in the knockout stages. And the Blues go into tomorrow’s game on the back of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Brom, which heralded the first visible cracks in their dressing room, with players said to have argued loudly and Di Matteo also reportedly furious with their performance. However, the Italian ‘absolutely’ welcomed the frank exchange, saying: ‘It’s important that we communicate with each other and the players express themselves. I have always encouraged that.’ Crucially, there is no obvious sign of Di Matteo having lost the confidence of his players in the way that cost predecessor Andre Villas-Boas his job. The Italian added: ‘They need to have belief in themselves and that’s the most important aspect. ‘We believe we have a good group, a good team, and are pulling together.’ Some appear to have been pulling their weight more than others, with speculation rife Di Matteo has finally lost patience with Fernando Torres after hauling him off at the weekend. Afterwards, the Chelsea boss admitted he would consider dropping the Spain striker but he said: ‘I’m not going to disclose my ideas about tomorrow. I’ll make the final decisions tonight.’ Di Matteo also hinted after the Hawthorns defeat he was prepared to abandon the swashbuckling style which has won the Blues so many plaudits this season in order to secure a much-needed result – an approach that paid off spectacularly last term. Most of all, Di Matteo needs his players to react positively to Saturday’s dressing-down. ‘There was obviously frustration at the result on Saturday,’ he added. ‘It’s normal when things don’t go your way. ‘We owe ourselves a good performance. We’ve proved many times before that, when it counts, our players can be counted for. Everyone is fully committed.’

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Juventus vs. Chelsea: Preview and Prediction Nov 19, 2012 Chelsea travel to Turin knowing that they cannot afford to lose to Juventus. Roberto Di Matteo has rotated the squad in recent weeks, with an eye on this crucial Champions League match. Tuesday's result will be critical as to whether those changes—to a Blues side that was in sensational form at the time—will have been worth it. Resting Oscar, Ramires and Juan Mata, as well as not risking Ashley Cole against West Bromwich Albion cost them three points and deepened the hole Chelsea have dug themselves in recent weeks. Juventus have no such worries, despite a frustrating 0-0 draw against an extremely negative Lazio at the weekend. A four point cushion has allowed the Bianconeri to relax somewhat and certainly go for the jugular against Chelsea, even if it would be detrimental to Sunday's match against Milan. Both sides fully expect Shakhtar to defeat Group E's whipping boys, Nordsjaelland, which would move the Ukrainians onto 10 points. Chelsea currently have seven points, while the Old Lady are a point back. Defeat for Di Matteo's men would put the group out of their control, due to an inferior head-to-head against both Shakhtar and Juve. In fact, a half-arranged draw between the sides in the final match would put Chelsea out, no matter what the Blues manage to do at home to the Danish champions. Juventus team news The Bianconeri enter the game with an almost perfect bill of health, with Antonio Conte naming a 25-man squad. This included Mirko Vucinic, who having only returned from injury last week, picked up a bout of flu. If the Montenegrin cannot pull through, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella will likely line up in attack. The only other contention for Conte would be the right-midfield spot. While Mauricio Isla has been superb since returning from a serious knee injury—starting the last three matches—Stephan Lichtsteiner could return to the starting lineup. Probable lineup: Gianluigi Buffon; Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah;Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella. Chelsea team news John Terry and Frank Lampard remain the only absentees through injury; although Cole should return, it's not a guarantee. The main dilemma for Di Matteo is whether to continue with Azpilicueta at right-back, or to move Ivanovic back into this role to give the defence more strength and power. I would imagine that the Serbian will move out to full-back due to the powerful threat of the Ghanaian Asamoah, who would probably overwhelm the Blues' Spanish full-back. The other concern is whether to field a more defensive winger, such as Ryan Bertrand, which would mean leaving out one of the magical trio, probably Oscar, due to Mata's influence and Hazard's greater reputation. Fernando Torres continues to struggle and should probably be left out of the starting lineup, but Daniel Sturridge is also frustrating, so I feel Di Matteo will begrudgingly maintain El Niño in his 11. Probable lineup: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole; Ramires, Mikel Jon Obi; Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Ryan Bertrand; Fernando Torres Prediction With Juventus knowing that they have to win, I think it is a psychological advantage in their favor. When you combine the home advantage and a quite formidable midfield, the Bianconeri will control this match and edge it by two goals to one.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Arturo Vidal: Why His Role Is so Important to Andrea Pirlo and Juventus Nov 19, 2012 On Tuesday, Juventus will kick off their most important game of the season so far: at home against Chelsea, with a ticket for the next round of the UEFA Champions League at stake. Analysts will talk about the form of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo's influence in midfield and the ability of the strikers to put away chances for the Bianconeri as the keys to this game. But no player will be counted on more than Arturo Vidal. Vidal has had a fairly quiet season, only making headlines when he stated his allegiance to the club and when he scored at Stanford Bridge. But don't be fooled by the lack of media attention: Vidal is one of the main reasons Juve are currently four points clear of Inter in the Italian league. And it's not just because he's scoring. With five goals in the Serie A and two more in the Champions League, Vidal presents a major scoring threat for a team that lacks a clinical forward. He always seems to be in the right spot at the right time and never hesitates in front of goal. He doesn't just score goals; he scores when the team needs it the most. The game against Chelsea was a perfect example: Juventus had just gone down 2-0, and Vidal seemed to be walking around hurt. But as soon as he got the ball, he didn't hesitate. He turned around, scored the goal that put his team back in the game and limped back to his side of the field. The goal wasn't just a fine display of Vidal's skills, but a testament to what the Chilean international brings to this team. He's a fierce competitor that will put his team and the result of the game ahead of his own health if he has to. But Vidal's defensive prowess is what separates him from other great midfielders. He's masterful at attacking the ball handler before the latter has a chance to take full control of the ball and look around him. He plays with a relentless energy and looks like a human vacuum cleaner on the pitch. His average of 5.3 tackles per game in the Champions League is the second best mark amongst all players. Vidal will play with the same energy from the very first minute of the game until the last, and he'll be a nightmare to opposing midfielders every time they touch the ball. Most importantly, he's the Bianconeri's best defender against the counter. And this is why he's so important to the team, and will make the difference against Chelsea. Juve's back three (Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci) make up one of the best defensive lines in all of football, but they are not the fastest players. They play hard-nosed football and will use their physical stature and positioning to defend against opposing players, but they can be susceptible to fast counter attacks and will sometimes struggles against nimble players. The same applies to Pirlo. The midfield maestro is at his best with the ball at his feet, orchestrating the attack of his team. He plays smart defense and will use his body and experience to steal the ball away. But the Ballon d'Or-nominee was never particularly fast, and the years have taken their toll. Pirlo will lose possession two or three times per game in a crucial position: in his own half with the rest of the team moving forward. It's a side-effect of the way he plays, and Juve have learned to live with it because they have a young, energetic midfielder with the ability to react fast and take over Pirlo's position in front of the defense playing right next to him. That player is Vidal. Pirlo doesn't make many mistakes, but when he does, Vidal is there to clean them up. His presence takes some pressure of the shoulders of Pirlo, as Vidal has bailed him out on numerous occasions. Pirlo trusts Vidal to be there when his old legs can't make the transition from offense to defense that fast, and he's never let the regista down. Not only does he cover for Pirlo, he also gives him a passing outlet when the players on the wing are occupied. Add Claudio Marchisio (that other Duracell Bunny in midfield) to the mix and you end up with one of the most dynamic midfield triangles in all of football. Against Chelsea and their dynamic trio of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar, his tackling skills and energy in midfield will be sorely needed. All three are quick, nimble players that present matchup problems for Juve's static back line and will make life hard on Andrea Pirlo as soon as he has possession of the ball. With the team's strike force lack of consistency and Claudio Marchisio struggling with form, fans will be looking for Vidal to work his magic and provide Juventus with goals. But it's his defensive prowess that will ultimately decide whether the Bianconeri will still be playing in the Champions League in 2013. He'll be called upon to do what he does best: disrupt anything the current European champions try on Juve's half of the field and assist Pirlo in orchestrating the Bianconeri's offense. And even though he might not make the news for that, it's far more important to this team than scoring the occasional goal. Not that anyone would mind if he also did that on Tuesday. And with his remarkable skill set, it wouldn't even come as a surprise.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Cahill keen for Chelsea to put West Brom defeat behind them by beating Juventus The Blues defender says that the players are aware that losing is unacceptable and will be prepared to get a result against the Italian champions in Turin on Tuesday. Nov 19, 2012 Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has stressed the importance of putting his side's poor domestic form behind them by beating Juventus in Turin on Tuesday. The Blues are on an underwhelming run in the Premier League, losing to West Brom on Saturday as they warmed up to face the Italian champions. "Losing games isn't acceptable here and people are upset when we do. Sometimes things need to be said," the former Bolton man told reporters. "Being a part of a club like Chelsea, you're expected to perform and expected to go out and get results. "When you lose games it does knock confidence but we have strong characters and it's important not to dwell on it too much. "All the lads are aware of what we have to do tomorrow and hopefully we'll be well prepared to go and do it." Cahill also move to defend team-mate David Luiz, who has come under fire recently after some unconvincing displays in the Blues' back line. "David Luiz is so comfortable on the ball and has great ability - you don't captain Brazil if you're not a top footballer," the centre-back declared.