The biggest selection surprise heading into Atlético Madrid's clash with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday is the Spanish side's inclusion of teenage midfielder Saúl Ñíguez. The 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano, is thrust into Atléti's starting lineup in the absence of their injured captain Gabi.
Saúl Ñíguez starts as Atlético Madrid meet Juve
Teenager Saúl Ñíguez starts for Atlético Madrid, with captain Gabi ruled out with an ankle injury.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
In contrast, Juventus have lined up exactly as predicted. Coach Massimiliano Allegri has stuck with the 3-5-2 he's favoured so far this season, with Arturo Vidal partnering Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba in a strong central midfield trio. One thing's for sure: Ñíguez is being thrown in at the deep end.
Atlético Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2): Miguel Ángel Moyà; Cristian Ansaldi, Miranda, Diego Godín, Juanfran; Koke, Tiago, Saúl Ñíguez, Arda Turan; Raúl Garcia, Mario Mandžukić.
Juventus starting lineup (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Martín Cáceres; Patrice Evra, Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichtsteiner; Carlos Tévez, Fernando Llorente.
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