Juventus and Monaco will be delighted to have reached the quarterfinals of this year's Champions League, having endured some difficult times since they last made it this far. Both have spent (in Juve's case, served) time in their respective domestic second tiers, though have battled back to compete for club football's biggest honour once more. Juve head in as favourites after a tremendous round of 16 performance against Borussia Dortmund, though they certainly shouldn't be expecting Monaco to roll over.
Juventus vs. Monaco, UEFA Champions League draw: Can Juve stop the Monaco counter?
After a lengthy absence, Juventus and Monaco are both back in the big time. Who will make it through to the semis?
Leonardo Jardim's side only just withstood a second leg barrage from Arsenal to progress this far, though illustrated the potency of their counter-attack in the first. They tore the Gunners' defence to shreds in a 3-1 win, with pace, power and lethal finishing characterising their play. Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri will have to make sure his side don't leave any space in behind if they want to make it through to the semifinals. Fortunately, the bianconeri are notoriously miserly at the back.
Key matchup: The wide battle
Under Allegri, Juventus invariably shape up very narrow in midfield. Whether that's with a 4-4-2 diamond, or a 3-5-2 with Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichsteiner given the task of patrolling the wide areas single-handedly, they seek to build their attacks through the middle rather than out wide. That could make it difficult for them to keep Monaco quiet: their quick counters invariably come through Nabil Dirar, Anthony Martial and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, whose pace on the flanks has been instrumental through their campaign so far. Juve will have to defend very well if they want to negate this wide threat.
One to watch: Carlos Tevez
Paul Pogba may be the more obvious choice, but when Juve look to attack with pace, striker Carlos Tevez comes into his own. Whether it's excellent link-up play with his young strike partner Álvaro Morata, or lashing the ball into the back of the net from 25 yards, he can do it all. He's a nightmare for defences to keep quiet, and could well prove to be the difference in this one.
Prediction
Juventus are a little bit more experienced, and just about edge this tie for quality. That should be enough for the Italians to win -- even if it isn’t by much.
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