The Juventus Lineup That Should Start Against Ferencvaros
By Mitch Wilks
Juventus travel to Hungary to take on Champions League underdogs Ferencvaros on Wednesday evening, a week after a disappointing home defeat to Barcelona added misery to an already inconsistent season.
Andrea Pirlo is still trying to get to grips with his squad as they defend the Serie A title and try to push for some much longed for European success, but things haven't gone at all to plan so far. Defeat to La Blaugrana leaves Juve on three points after two games; at a glance, that isn't an issue, but anything less than a win on Wednesday and suddenly they could be in big trouble.
They got back to winning ways at the weekend with a 4-1 thrashing of Spezia, however, and Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the side will have no doubt lifted spirits upon the impending return to Champions League football.
With three points an absolute must, here's how the Old Lady should line up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) - He dropped out at the weekend so Gianluigi Buffon could make a milestone appearance, but Szczesny must come back in for an important fixture.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) - The veteran is coming back from injury himself, but with Matthijs de Ligt out and Merih Demiral suspended he will have to be relied on to push through 90 minutes here.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) - Another veteran defender, Bonucci and Chiellini's experience will be key in guiding their side through a game where Juve are the overwhelming favourites.
Danilo (CB) - Danilo has proven a versatile and reliable pair of hands in Turin. Slotting into a back three allows Juventus to overload with wing backs.
2. Midfielders
Juan Cuadrado (RWB) - Cuadrado is the utility man in Pirlo's Juventus squad and is seen as capable enough of pulling double duty in both attack and defence. He's the man for a wing back formation.
Arthur (CM) - Juve and Barcelona's swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic and Arthur was an unexpected one, but the Brazilian still hasn't quite found his feet in Italy. The only way he improves, though, is consistent game time.
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - Bentancur has been a victim of Juventus' struggles for consistency this season, but has also been asked to play a number of positions. He slots into his usual midfield role here and will enjoy more of the ball.
Adrian Rabiot (CM) - Rabiot managed a goal at the weekend against Spezia and will fancy himself for another in a game where his side will likely dominate possession.
Federico Chiesa (LWB) - Pirlo is still trying to piece together the best way to fit his players into one system, which means Chiesa is occupying a role he isn't quite used to at wing back. He's only 23, though, and has time to adapt to the new discipline.
3. Strikers
Paulo Dybala (SS) - Contract negotiations seem to be affecting Dybala's level of performance with his Juventus future unclear. It's games like this where he needs to build up some form and find consistency.
Cristiano Ronaldo (CF) - Juve's saviour is back in the side after returning a negative coronavirus test and hit the ground running with a brace off the bench at weekend. Ronaldo will be key to unlocking a likely stubborn Ferencvaros defence.
