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5 key matchups for Champions League clash between Juventus and Manchester United

By John Vaccaro

FROSINONE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Juventus player Federico Bernardeschi celebrates 0-2 goal with Cristiano Ronaldo during the serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Benito Stirpe on September 23, 2018 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
FROSINONE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Juventus player Federico Bernardeschi celebrates 0-2 goal with Cristiano Ronaldo during the serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Benito Stirpe on September 23, 2018 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Giorgio Chiellini vs Romelu Lukaku

The first matchup that will play a huge role in this match is battle between Romelu Lukaku and Giorgio Chiellini. Lukaku has been on a tear since this summer scoring 4 goals in the World Cup, 4 in the UEFA Nations League, and 4 more in the Premier League. If he gets the ball inside Juve’s penalty area then it will mean trouble. Any space for Lukaku will be too much space with his recent form.

However, he will have one of the world’s best center backs in his way. Juve’s captain has continued to be a force at the center of the defense even at 34 years old. This matchup will be the most physical in the match as Lukaku likes to throw his 6′ 3″ frame around to create space for himself and Chiellini is certainly never one to back down from that challenge.

These two will engage in a dogfight from start to finish and it won’t be the least bit surprising if at least one of them ends up being booked in this match (it’ll probably be Chiellini). Chiellini will get some help from Leonardo Bonucci, but it’s hard to trust him in these physical matchups, especially after his most recent performance.

If Chiellini can win this matchup then Juventus has a good of keeping their 3rd clean sheet of the Champions League season. If Lukaku wins the matchup then United should have much more attacking success than they did against Valencia.

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