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Bonucci’s late goal in France makes Juventus a huge favorite to go trough to the semifinals, but the first leg between these two was rather balanced – however, if one team deserved to win it was Juventus.
Not much to say about Juventus’ season so far, the team has been flawless aside from the unlucky exit from the Champions League at the hands of Galatasaray. Juve is in great form, they did lose at Napoli 2 weeks ago but it was their only defeat in the last 17 games and recovered well to defeat Lyon 1-0 and Livorno 2-0 in the following matches. Juve is highly motivated for the Europa League considering that the final will be played in Turin, so don’t expect the hosts to lose focus after the victory in France.
Lyon lost 4 of their last 6 games but their form is not as bad as it looks, they mainly lost against high profile opponents (Juve, Monaco) or in meaningless matches (Plzen). However, the 4 defeats obviously tell a story, as OL has decreased its level compared to the start of 2014, also because of injuries to key players. Lyon is on the back of a 2-1 win at Valenciennes.
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Team news & lineups
Juventus will miss Pepe, while Vidal and Barzagli are doubtful. Lyon will again have to do without a number of players here: Gourcuff, Benzia, Bedimo and Lopez are out, while Grenier and Fofana will have to undergo late fitness tests.
Juventus: Buffon – Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini – Isla, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah – Llorente, Tevez
Olympique Lyon: A. Lopes – Tolisso, Bisevac, Kone, Bedimo – Ferri, Gonalons, Mvuemba, Malbranque – Lacazette, Gomis
Juventus has been nothing short of brilliant at home this season, winning all their 16 games in Serie A with a goal difference of 42-9. Also, 10 of those wins came by at least two goals and I reckon this could happen again against Lyon. The visitors have a good defense but they are out of their comfort zone when they have to go forward against good teams, and eventually they will have to do that today – especially if Juve manages to score in the first half. My input is that Juve will be able to make use of its superior quality, home court and exploit open spaces when the opportunity presents itself – thus qualifying easily. Lyon has injury problems and is not in the best form, so their chances to get a result here in Turin look very slim. My tip is Juventus to cover the 1,25 goal handicap. Prediction: Juventus – Olympique Lyon 2-0.
Pick: Juventus (-1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.79 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.32
Event date: 10 April
