Mid-table regulars Sassuolo will try to regain their form against Juventus, who suffered an unexpected setback in their first match of the year.
Tenth place at the halfway point of the season can be considered a success for a team with limited resources, such as Sassuolo, but the team has shown at times that it is capable of more.
However, they are currently suffering from inconsistent form, having failed to win in their last four matches (D3, L1).
Defence is the team's main problem, and it is no surprise that they have conceded the most goals in the Top 10. Returning home does not guarantee a better performance, as the Neroverdi have won only one of their last five home games, and that was against the bottom team in the league.
Juventus failed to win against a team that is in danger of relegation, thus taking a big step back in the title race, which they joined late anyway. This also ended their streak of four consecutive wins in all competitions.
However, Juventus can afford to remain calm, considering that they won their previous two away games with clean sheets and have only lost once in their last 10 matches.
How the bookies view it: The Old Lady to return to winning ways
Bookmakers do not have much faith in Sassuolo's chances, giving Juventus a significant advantage in the odds. At the moment, you can back the hosts at 15/4, while Juventus are available at 3/4. A draw is quite highly priced at 14/5.
Recent head-to-head: Goal fiestas twice a year
Matches between Sassuolo and Juventus never disappoint, as we usually see huge scores and goals from both teams. As for the winners in these encounters, Juventus have six wins and Sassuolo three in the last 10.
More importantly, Sassuolo have won their last two home games against the Old Lady. The most recent one was in 2023, when they won 4-2.
Players to watch: Yildiz is the complete package
Young Kenan Yildiz simply never plays poorly for Juventus. Even if he doesn't score or assist, he dictates the play and helps his team with his positioning and quick runs.
If you're looking for someone to trust in the Old Lady's team, the 20-year-old Turk is absolutely the best choice.
Probable line-ups
Sassuolo: Muric, Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Cande, Thorstvedt, Matic, Kone, Fadera, Pinamonti, Lauriente
Juventus: Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso, Concecicao, Yildiz, Openda
Anything else catch the eye?
Regardless of the form of either team, matches between Sassuolo and Juventus are always high-scoring affairs. We can note that 14 of the last 15 have featured at least three goals.
In addition, both teams scored in 10 of those 15 matches. Sassuolo may not be in ideal form, but they have scored at least once in eight of their last 10 league matches and at least once in each of their last five home matches against Juventus.
The Old Lady cannot afford any more mistakes if they want to keep their place in the Top 4, so we will definitely support them in this match. But we certainly do not expect a clean sheet.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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