Juventus vs. Bayern Munich: CL Betting Preview

Juventus and Bayern Munich were expected to ease through Champions League A but surprise package Bordeaux have already guaranteed top spot with a game to spare and the clash between the two European heavyweights in Turin on Tuesday is huge.

Juventus hold the advantage, knowing that a draw will be enough for them progress by a solitary point at the expense of their German opponents, and if there is any side with the capabilities of securing the bare minimum to progress than it’s the Bianconeri.

Ciro Ferrara’s men were beaten by the French champions last time out to set up a final night showdown with Bayern and they’ll be hoping home advantage sees them through. The away side know they have to win, following just seven points form their opening five matches, but this has draw written all over it and I’m happy to take on the hosts at a little over even money.

I thought Juve were live outsiders for this season’s tournament but they’ve been a big disappointment whenever I’ve seen them in action, including when these two played out a goalless draw in Munich back in September, and Serie A has simply been left behind. Bayern too are struggling, and have injury problems, but their task is straightforward and the inclusion of Arjen Robben in the squad is a much needed boost.

Robben should feature from the start on Tuesday having returned to the side in Friday’s 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and his presence will soften the blow of the continued absence of Franck Ribery. The French winger remains on the sidelines and has been joined by strikers Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni who will also both miss Tuesday's match.

If Bayern are to qualify for the knockout stages then manager Louis Van Gaal will have to inspire what would be the hosts' first defeat in 18 European matches on home soil and, while at first that seems unlikely, I’ll think they’ll be good enough to push Juve all the way.

In spite of the absence of Toni and Klose the Bundesliga side can still call upon the creative talents of the likes of Robben, Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger in support of Mario Gomez while midfielder Mark van Bommel will be crucial to any Bayern success. The Dutch international is still the driving force for the visitors and they are slowly finding their stride on the back of three straight victories.

With doubts surrounding Gianluigi Buffon’s participation on Tuesday Bayern will fancy their chances of inflicting back-to-back Champions League defeats on Juventus and that would be good enough. Whether they are capable or not is another matter but Diego and David Trezeguet have hardly hit the heights expected of them so far this season and one goal could be enough for Bayern to sneak it.

Juventus were 2-1 winners over Inter Milan on the weekend but this promises to be even tougher in a fascinating winner-takes-all encounter and it is the standout fixture on a night of fairly disappointing Champions League action.

1pt Lay Juventus (vs. Bayern Munich) @ 2.25 (Betfair)