[Football- Europa League] 16.2/ 21:00 Juventus- Nantes

[MN]

[Football- Europa League] 16.2/ 21:00 Juventus- Nantes

Two teams with good defensive form go into this match with BTTS-No seeming likely in my opinion.

Hence, I am risking Juventus to clear a -1.5 handicap as playing at home, they should be able to both keep Nantes out and score at least one goal. The risk comes from whether they can find a breakthrough over 90 minutes for the 2nd goal.

After getting docked a massive 15 points by Serie A, Juventus have recently recovered some form, with 2 wins to nil in their last 2 league matches, scoring 4 goals in total.

Nantes have also won their last 2 league matches to nil, scoring 3 goals in total.

With neither side likely to play aggressively, the success of this pick will hinge on whether favourites Juventus will be able to be clinical with converting their chances over 90 minutes.

Juventus have welcomed back Federico Chiesa from a long-term injury and captain Leonardo Bonucci and Juan Cuadrado could also return to the side.

However, Weston McKennie recently departed for Leeds United, and Arkadiusz Milik sustained a hamstring injury against Monza last month, which could keep the Polish striker sidelined until March. In addition, rookie midfielder Fabio Miretti saw his breakthrough campaign disrupted by a sprained ankle last week and also misses out.

After Juventus boss Max Allegri loosened his cautious selection policy on Sunday to pick Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic and Angel Di Maria together up front for the first time, he could continue that experiment in midweek. Alternatively, young Nicolo Fagioli would come in to provide an extra body in midfield.

Meanwhile, Nantes are set to be without Quentin Merlin due to an adductor problem.

Nigerian winger Moses Simon is still struggling with a thigh issue, but having scored five times and made two assists for a low-scoring side before being injured against Marseille, he should play a part if passed fit. Fellow forward Ignatius Ganago will miss the match for personal reasons.

Evann Guessand could replace the latter in Turin, while Mostafa Mohamed will compete with recent loan signing Andy Delort to take the lone striker's spot.

1 (handicap -1,5) @1,95 Bwin

FT 1:1