It's a high-profile clash in the Italian Serie A on Sunday as Juventus welcome AC Milan to Allianz Stadium. The Turin club are keen to get over their recent string of draws while the Rossoneri are aiming to strengthen their hold at the top of the table.
After enjoying a solid start to the season, Juventus appear to have lost their way in recent weeks. Ivan Juric's team have drawn their last four matches in all competitions, although they remain fourth in the table, just one point off the pace.
Juventus were held to a 1-1 home draw by Atalanta in their previous Serie A fixture, with Juan Cabal netting a second-half equaliser. The Serie A club were also made to come from behind in their midweek UEFA Champions League clash as they were held 2-2 at Villarreal.
In contrast to Juventus’ struggles, AC Milan are flying high at the moment, sitting top of the table on goal difference. They have gone on a five-match winning run since suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese in the opening weekend.
The Rossoneri travel to Turin off the back of a 2-1 home victory over champions Napoli. They led by two goals at the break thanks to efforts from Alexis Saelemaekers and were able to hold on for the win despite conceding in the second half.
How the bookies view it: Closely fought contest
The bookies are anticipating a closely fought encounter, with a win for Juventus priced at 6/4 by BoyleSports, who are also offering 8/5 for an AC Milan victory. A draw is set at odds of 9/4.
Head to Head: Juve have the edge
Juventus have a 31-21 advantage, with 20 draws in the last 72 matches against AC Milan. Both teams earned one win each and a 0-0 draw from three meetings last season. The Rossoneri claimed a 2-1 victory in the Coppa Italia while the Turin club picked up a 2-0 home win in the league.
Players to watch: Pulisic on fire
Christian Pulisic has been the standout player for AC Milan this season, having found the net four times in five Serie A appearances. The forward will be the one to watch on Sunday (Christian Pulisic anytime goalscorer – valued at 5/2 with BoyleSports).
Juventus also have some quality going forward and will look to Dusan Vlahovic to provide the spark in attack. The striker has four goals across all competitions and could be worth keeping an eye on (Dusan Vlahovic anytime goalscorer – valued at 2/1).
Probable line-ups:
Arkadiusz Milik, Kephren Thuram and Bremer are currently sidelined with injury and will miss out for Juventus. Vlahovic started on the bench at Villarreal and could make a return on Saturday, while Francisco Conceicao and Federico Gatti are also expected to feature.
Pervis Estupinan is suspended for AC Milan after receiving a red card against Napoli, while Ardon Jashari is out with a calf problem. Pulisic should retain his place in the team while Rafael Leao is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench last time out.
Juventus: Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Conceicao, Locatelli, McKennie, Cabal, Koopmeiners, Yildiz, Vlahovic
AC Milan: Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Bartesaghi, Leao, Pulisic, Gimenez
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Juventus' last five matches (BTTS YES – offered at 8/11 by BoyleSports). AC Milan’s last three matches have produced over 2.5 goals (Over 2.5 goals – available at 20/21).
AC Milan have grabbed the opening goal in their last five matches, while Juventus have conceded first in three of their last four fixtures (AC Milan to score first – set at Evens).
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