Champions League: Big Test for the Red Devils

Juventus vs Manchester United

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have come in for some criticism this season, partly on the grounds of results and more so on entertainment value.

There have been signs of late that the Red Devils are beginning to click into gear, but what a Champions League test this is for Jose’s team.

The Bianconeri are second favourites at SBOBET to win the tournament, at odds of 5.70, behind only Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester United are tenth favourites.

Jose was seriously disgruntled at the start of the season by his masters’ failure to bring in big-name players, but he already had an expensive squad. Former Juve favourite Paul Pogba, in particular, has been the subject of serious press scrutiny—his early season form in stark contrast to his imperious performances for World Cup winners France.

But October was a better month for United, with a spectacular comeback to win against Newcastle and an away draw at Chelsea where they more than matched the title hopefuls in the second 45 minutes. So there is no question of this team throwing any towel in, and a big performance against an excellent Juventus side might just kickstart their campaign.

Talking Points

This Juventus side is, so far this season, far away the best in Italy, and the addition of one Cristiano Ronaldo has made them one of Europe’s elite.

All the hype in the earlier meeting at Old Trafford was around the return of Ronaldo to his old stamping ground, and he was at the centre of the action providing the cross for Paulo Dybala to convert the only goal of the game.  And the Champions League 2018 highlights for this second meeting are certain to feature CR7 again.

With Juventus top of Serie A by six clear points and Ronaldo joint-third in the leading scorers’ list with seven goals, his summer transfer from Real Madrid is everything Max Allegri had hoped for.

Furthermore, the Juventus boss already had a highly impressive squad of players. After United’s 0-1 October defeat to Juve, Mourinho said that Giorgio Chiellini could give some university classes in the art of defence. And he’s been reunited with his old buddy Leonardo Bonucci.

And Allegri has a plethora of attacking talent to support Ronny, including Mario Mandzukic, Douglas Costa and Juan Cuadrado.

If the Red Devils come away from Turin empty-handed, the big threat to their prospects of escaping Group H comes from Valencia who are just two points behind Mourinho’s men and playing at home to Young Boys on Wednesday.

Fortunately for Mourinho, he has some returning talent to bolster his hand.  Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard both missed October’s match against Juventus, but they could feature this time around. Moreover, Marcus Rashford staked his claim for a start in Turin, on target again to help the Red Devils secure a priceless win over high-flying Bournemouth at the weekend.

If Sanchez does appear, it will be his 50^th Champions League match. It’s also a big game for Pogba, on his first appearance at the Juventus Stadium since his move from the Bianconeri to Old Trafford in 2016.

History

Manchester United are somewhat in the shadow of Europe’s best teams at the moment, but it wasn’t always so. The Red Devils have won the Champions League three times, one more than the Bianconeri.

The 0-1 win at Old Trafford for Juventus was the first clash between these two teams in ten years, and it was the first win for the Italians in five attempts—the Red Devils winning three and the other a draw.

Back-to-back wins for Mourinho’s side has given them a lift in confidence, as well as taking them up the Premier League table to seventh, but they are still nine points off the top.

Meanwhile, after a surprise draw with Genoa, normal service has resumed in Turin. The Old Lady have now gone on another winning run, with three so far.

Betting Tip

	Juventus vs Manchester United	Juventus Half Time Full Time @ 2.31
	November 08, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Things have been looking a little brighter for the Red half of Manchester, but this is arguably the biggest test they have faced this season. Winning 1-2 at Bournemouth is a good result, but it isn’t Juventus!

The Champions League 2018 odds—with the home side at 1.59 and Manchester United at 6.00—show the gulf between these two teams, but that won’t wash with passionate Red Devils fans. They still have belief that they can live with the best on their day.

And for the true Red Devil believers, a double chance on Manchester United or draw is available at 2.26.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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