Juventus vs Villarreal Predictions

• Both teams have scored in six of Juve’s last eight games
• All three of Villarreal’s group stage trips saw both teams score
• The visitors have conceded in eight of their last nine away games
• Juventus have been eliminated in four of their last five knockout ties in this competition

Another upset for Juve?

Juventus are winless in each of their last seven first legged ties in the Champions League after drawing 1-1 at Villarreal in the first leg. The Italian have been eliminated from four of their last five knockout ties in the competition, so they’re bound to be a little worried.

The Old Lady have suffered shocks against Porto, Lyon and Ajax in each of their last three campaigns. That’s despite them having home advantage in the second leg of each of those ties. Without Cristiano Ronaldo – one of the greatest scorers in this competition’s history – they’re arguably even more vulnerable to an upset.

European edge for Emery?

While Juve are used to early exits in this competition, their opponents won their first European trophy last May. Europa League specialist Unai Emery took them to glory, lifting the trophy for the fourth time.

While his Champions League record is nowhere near as good, that European experience can help his side in this tie. He was able to guide the Yellow Submarine to three wins from their final four group games, while they were particularly impressive on the road.

Villarreal won their last two trips in the group stage, only losing at United after a last-gasp strike from Ronaldo. That means we can’t rule them out as a threat to Juve’s European progress.

Clean sheets a worry for both

Despite Villarreal’s threat away from home, they haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet on the road in this competition in 10 games. Even Young Boys found a way past them in the group stage, so don’t back them to shut out a Juve side who have scored in each of their last nine matches.

However, six of the Italian side’s last eight have seen both teams score. They’ve also only managed to shut out Malmo in their last four games in Europe. Given that Villarreal have conceded in eight of their last nine trips, this game looks good for goals. Following their 1-1 draw last time out, back both teams to score again.

Four of Villareal’s five last 16 Champions League matches have ended level, while they’ve lost only once in eight games. The Spaniards have claimed high-profile draws against Manchester United and Chelsea in the last 12 months, so back them to hold firm in Turin. I’m going with a 1-1 draw as my correct score prediction.