Reigning Italian champions Juventus are currently enduring a terrible start to their third consecutive domestic title defence, with Max Allegri's side having won only one of their opening six games in Serie A. The departures of crucial first teamers Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal over the summer seems to have hit the Bianconeri hard, and they've not yet recovered. Fortunately, they fared rather better in their opening Champions League game, coming from behind to win away at Manchester City. They'll be looking to build upon that victory at home to Sevilla on Wednesday.
Juventus vs. Sevilla 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Champions League online
Sevilla could trouble Juventus away in Turin on Wednesday.
The Spanish side have had similarly contrasting fortunes at home and in Europe. Though they only recorded their first La Liga win of the season at home to Rayo Vallecano on the weekend, they kicked off their return to the Champions League with a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing of Borussia Mönchengladbach. It's clear that they're a very capable side -- and in Unai Emery have one of the most talented managers in the competition -- so Juve certainly shouldn't take them lightly.
Key factor: The wide battle
Max-Allegri’s pre-game press conference hinted at a return to a back three for this game, which means Juve will have more players in the middle but fewer out wide. Though it’s a pretty reactive move, presumably being take in the hope of stifling Sevilla, the visitors will benefit from being able to overload their Italian hosts in the wide areas, where winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and full-backs Coke and Benoît Trémoulinas are all very capable going forward. If they can maximise their advantage in the wide battle, the Spaniards will be able to cause big problems.
Key player: Álvaro Morata (Juventus)
A key player in Juventus' run to the Champions League final last season was striker Álvaro Morata, who was so impressive in his goalscoring that he was linked with a move back to Real Madrid. It wasn't just that he scored plenty of goals, but that many of them came in the very biggest matches. Despite being relatively young, he's clearly not short on confidence, and the Bianconeri will no doubt be banking on him showing up in this match too. Given their dodgy recent form and their lower morale, they need him to be guiding the way.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Kwadwo Asamoah (knee), Stephan Lichtsteiner (unspecified), Mario Mandžukić (thigh), Martin Cáceres (suspended by club). In doubt: Claudio Marchisio (thigh).
Sevilla injuries and suspensions
Out: Nico Pareja, Éver Banega (knee), Daniel Carriço (hamstring), Adil Rami (adductor), Beto (shoulder). In doubt: Gaël Kakuta, Sergio Escudero (unspecified muscle).
Both of these sides have their fair share of injury problems at present. Juve will be without wing-backs Kwadwo Asamoah, Stephan Lichtsteiner and the versatile Martín Cáceres, while striker Mario Mandžukić is also out. Midfielder Claudio Marchisio will likely join them on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, for Sevilla, midfielder Éver Banega is the biggest miss, but defenders Nico Pareja, Daniel Carriço and Adil Rami are all also unavailable. Winger Gaël Kakuta and full-back Sergio Escudero are both doubts.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes+ (U.S. - Spanish), TSN5, RDS (Canada), BT Sport Extra (U.K.)
Online: ESPN3, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), BT Sport Live Streaming (U.K.)
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