Italian champions Juventus will look to convert their domestic dominance into continental success this season, though standing between them and the quarterfinals of the Champions League is 2013 finalists Borussia Dortmund. The good news for Juve is that Dortmund have been enduring a shockingly poor Bundesiga season, and find themselves down in mid-table with over half of the season gone.
Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund, Champions League 2015: Team news, time and TV schedule
Juventus are favourites heading into their clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, but the Germans seem to be hitting form at just the right time.
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An easy win, then, or so you may think. Well, it may not be quite as easy for Juve. That’s because Dortmund seem to be finally turning things around, and have now won three games consecutively for the first time since September. They were also pretty impressive in the group stages of the Champions League, winning all but two of their group games. It seems things are finally beginning to come together, and that should make this an interesting encounter.
Key player - Paul Pogba (Juventus)
There seems to be absolutely nothing that Paul Pogba can’t do on a football field. Whether it’s lashing it in from distance or making a goal-saving tackle, the former Manchester United man is capable of it all. If he’s on song, so are Juventus, so they’ll certainly be counting on him as they head into arguably the toughest test of their season so far.
Key matchup - Marco Reus vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner
Everyone expected Borussia Dortmund's star winger Marco Reus to be on his way out of the Westfalenstadion this summer, though the German international has penned a new deal with the club. That's excellent news, given that he is one of the most formidable widemen on the planet at the moment. His battle against Juve's attack-minded full-back Stephan Lichsteiner could well be game-defining.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Kwadwo Asamoah (knee). In doubt: Luca Marrone (thigh), Alessandro Matri (calf), Andrea Barzagli (heel).
Borussia Dortmund injuries and suspensions
Out: Kevin Großkreutz (thigh), Erik Durm (adductors, fever). In doubt: Sebastian Kehl (shoulder), Sven Bender (knee), Mats Hummels (illness), Błaszczykowski (sinus problem), Ciro Immobile (unspecified), Kevin Kampl (unspecified)
Juventus will certainly be without wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah, whose extended layoff with a knee injury has led to his removal from their Champions League squad. Luca Marrone, Alessandro Matri and Andrea Barzagli are all close to full fitness, but are unlikely to start. Dortmund have Kevin Großkreutz and Erik Durm definitely sidelined, though a string of first-team regulars including Mats Hummels, Sven Bender, Kevin Kampl and Ciro Immobile could be back available.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), Sky Calcio 1 (Italy), Sky Sport 1 (Germany)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K., Italy, Germany)
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