After losing the first two matches of the UEFA Champions League group stage against Paris Saint Germain and Benfica, Juventus managed to secure their first victory of the European season last week against Maccabi Haifa. Massimiliano Allegri’s side will only have a chance of progressing through the group stage if they manage to score all the points as well in the second game against the Israeli team on Tuesday. As things stand, PSG and Benfica lead the group with seven points, while the Bianconeri have three and Maccabi Haifa have zero. Here’s what you need to know:
Information display
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 11 | Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
Location: Sammy Ofer Stadium — Haifa, Israel
Television and live broadcast: Paramount+
Odds: Maccabi Haifa +330; Draw +270; Juventus -123 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured game | Maccabi Haifa vs Juventus
Team News
Maccabi Haifa: The home side are expected to play with American Josh Cohen as goalkeeper and a three-man backline with Dylan Batubinsika, Shon Goldberg and Abdoulaye Seck. Daniel Sundgren and Chery are expected to play as wingers, with Neta Lavi and Mohammed Abu Fani as midfielders. Chery could play as number ten behind Frantzdy Pierrot and Mavis Tchibota as forwards.
Juventus: Allegri spoke ahead of Tuesday’s clash and highlighted the team’s problems following Juventus’ loss to AC Milan at the San Siro last Saturday.
“We need heart and passion. It’s part of a journey after many years of victories. We’ve put all the love and passion that Juventus deserves, but we have to do more and more, regain self-esteem and get back to previous norms,” he said. The Juventus coach is definitely under pressure after a tough start to the season and needs three points here.
Prediction
Juventus have no alternative but to win against Maccabi Haifa, and that is exactly what they are doing. Take: Juventus 2, Maccabi Haifa 1.