Part of the allure of the Champions League is getting to see teams with contrasting styles go head to head. While the major domestic leagues in Europe are all of the highest quality imaginable, they all have very different styles of play. A player who excels in La Liga may struggle in the English Premier League, and vice versa. One of the Champions League semi-finals this year features a pair of teams who have wildly contrasting styles, and who got to this stage of the tournament by playing to their strengths.
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Juventus are the epitome of a classic Italian football club, playing stifling defense that is close to impossible to break down. If any team can find a way through, it may be their opponent in the semi-final, Monaco. The French side have been incredibly fun to watch this season, as they appear to throw caution to the wind in their quest for goals, which they seem to find on a stunningly regular basis. This is sure to be one of the most intriguing match-ups that the tournament delivers this season, but who will prevail?
In Depth Analysis On The Monaco Vs Juventus UEFA Champions League Expert Predictions
When: Wednesday, May 3 at 2:45 PM EST
Where: Stade Louis II, Monaco
TV: FS1
Live Stream: FOX Sports GO
UEFA Odds: Juventus PK-140
Why bet on Monaco
Monaco are a team that play a very attractive style of attacking football, and they have been banging in the goals on their way to the semi-finals. They got here by taking out Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, and while there was a little bit of controversy in the first leg, which was delayed due to a bomb blast, Monaco were far and away the better team over the two games. Radamel Falcao has turned the clock back this season, and he has been partnered by 18-year old sensation Mbappe, who has netted 5 times in just 4 Champions League starts. These two are going to need to make things happen in the home leg, as you need to believe that Monaco will have to take some sort of lead to Turin next week.
Why bet on Juventus
If you want to get an idea of just how good this team is on the defensive side of the ball, just look at what they did to Barcelona over the two legs of the quarter-final. Barcelona has arguably the best offense in world football, but they were unable to penetrate that solid Juventus D, going down 3-0 on aggregate over the two games. Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is most likely going to miss the opening leg with a knee injury, which may just open the door a crack for the home side. Juventus have goals in them, too, with the most likely threat being Paulo Dybala.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I don’t expect the Italians to be much of an attacking force in this one, as they are likely to be happy to soak up pressure and try to control the pace. Keeping this talented Monaco side out for 90 minutes is going to be tough, and I like the French side to edge the first leg.
