Italian Serie A - - Match Time : 12/2/2012 03:45
Juventus  VS  Torino  Head to Head | Statistics| Odds
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JUVENTUS v TORINO: MATCH PREVIEW

Juventus currently lie in first position in the Serie A, but have had their lead cut down to two points after a recent slump in form—a slump that has seen them defeated at the hands of both Milanese sides. On next Wednesday, Juventus need at least a draw to ensure qualification into the round of 16 of Champions League. A loss away to Donetsk could potentially see them out of the competition.

Following the Bianconeri's 3-0 demolition of Chelsea in the Champions League, Juventus were defeated 1-0 by a struggling AC Milan side—deservedly. Milan were awarded a penalty after Mauricio Isla was alleged to have met Nocerino's header with his hand. Replays showed Isla's back was indeed the point of contact, but considering the Sulley Muntari incident last time these two sides met, perhaps it was karma. Juventus' chief executive Marotta moved to play down reports which surfaced after the match of a bust-up between Juve team-mates Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal and Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres are both injury doubts for Juventus. The midfielder suffered an adductor muscle injury in training and is expected to miss out the "Derby della Mole". The 25-year-old has been a key figure for the Bianconeri so far this season, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances. Also Chiellini is'n in perfect physical conditions. It is expected that up-and-coming French prodigy, Paul Pogba, will make a start.

Torino have drawn half of the 14 matches they have played this season to date. Five draw away from home have kept them above the relegation places. Torino’s last win was at home to Bologna, a team second from bottom in the current standings. On last Sunday, the 'Granata' drew 2:2 at home against Fiorentina. Only a late equaliser of El Hamdaoui denied the three points to Torino.

Torino had a Coppa Italia clash with Siena on Wednesday evening. Giampiero Ventura, anyway, have rested the majority of his first team squad for that unwanted match before the Derby.

Ventura has almost a full-fit team. Defender Glik should be available despite he clashed with Toni in the last match, rendering him unconscious for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. Only Meggiorini and a couple of young players are doubtful. Ogbonna is fully recovered as shown against Fiorentina.

Juventus have not scored a single goal in last two league matches, 0:0 at home against Lazio and 0:1 lost in previous round at San Siro against AC Milan. Last 5 matches between both teams end with Under 2.5.

JUVENTUS v TORINO: PROBABLE LINEUPS

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic
Torino (4-4-1-1): Gillet; D'Ambrosio, Ogbonna, Glik, Darmian; Basha, Gazzi, Santana, Cerci; Sgrigna; Bianchi

JUVENTUS v TORINO: TEAM FORM

Juventus
Nov 26, 2012    Milan 1 - Juventus 0    ITA1
Nov 21, 2012    Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0    UCL
Nov 18, 2012    Juventus 0 - Lazio 0    ITA1
Nov 11, 2012    Pescara 1 - Juventus 6    ITA1
Nov 8, 2012    Juventus 4 - FC Nordsjælland 0    UCL
Torino
Nov 25, 2012    Torino 2 - Fiorentina 2    ITA1
Nov 20, 2012    Roma 2 - Torino 0    ITA1
Nov 11, 2012    Torino 1 - Bologna 0    ITA1
Nov 4, 2012    Napoli 1 - Torino 1    ITA1
Nov 1, 2012    Lazio 1 - Torino 1

JUVENTUS v TORINO: MATCH PREDICTIONS

Catania 2-0 AC Milan

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