Champions League Tips – Juventus vs Villarreal Prediction
Villarreal will be quite happy to come into this Champions League round of 16 second leg all square after falling behind in the very first minute of the first game. The Yellow Submarine steadied the ship after that unwanted surprise and managed to break through the Juve defence to get an all-important goal.
The away goals rule doesn’t apply any more either, so this fixture really is a winner takes all game. Juventus will be the favourites in front of their own fans but Villarreal should not be quickly disregarded.
Juventus vs Villarreal Recent Form
After some very wobbly early season form that probably scuppered any chances of winning the scudetto this year, Juventus have looked much better in recent months. The Bianconeri have not lost a single Serie A game since November and have climbed the table to third, just five points behind leaders Inter.
Villarreal also started the season somewhat unconvincingly but have steadily improved to the point that they are now pushing for the European places again. A defeat away at Osasuna ended a five-game unbeaten run, so Unai Emery’s side are in a good run of form.
Juventus vs Villarreal Recent Matchups
These two clubs had never met before the first leg of this tie, so had nothing to go on when it came to a head-to-head record. The 1-1 draw means that there has still never been a winner and that could be the case again on Wednesday.
This might be a very tight game and there is no guarantee at all that it will be decided after 90 minutes. Extra time and penalties may be needed to separate these two.
Juventus vs Villarreal Stats and Analysis
Juventus have an almost stereotypically tight defence. But now and again there will be a blip to upset the statisticians. Both Empoli and Roma were able to score goals against Juve in recent months. But the crucial difference is that they were both games away from Turin. Juventus don’t usually concede many at home.
Villarreal have tended to be far more cavalier – in Europe at least. The Yellow Submarine scored 12 and conceded nine in six Champions League group games before sharing that 1-1 draw with Juve in the first leg. Their La Liga form has been a little less dramatic though – and a tight, low-scoring game would seem to be the most likely outcome at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.
Juventus vs Villarreal Prediction: Betting Tips
Juventus are the predictable favourites to win this one. But Villarreal could well spring a few surprises and take the tie past the 90 minute mark. The draw can be found at around 3.50 – and if the Spanish side can keep Juventus out for a while at the start of the match, they may feel confident enough to grind out a draw and take their chances with extra time or penalties.
If the game does end up all square at the end of regulation time, it might be worth taking a look at the draw and both teams to score market. The price of 5.00 for that selection looks like very good value.
