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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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Joo Cancelo during Serie A match between Juventus v Napoli, in Turin, on September 29, 2018 (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Joo Cancelo during Serie A match between Juventus v Napoli, in Turin, on September 29, 2018 (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images). /

Joao Cancelo vs Anthony Martial

This a battle of two impressive young players with the capability to be a major nuisance to their opponent. Joao Cancelo looks the player that will permanently fill the hole at right back for Juventus. Anthony Martial is a talented winger with the capability to break a match open at any point. Cancelo will need to keep Martial in check to keep Lukaku from getting service in the middle. Martial needs to pose enough of a threat to keep Cancelo focused on him instead of making forward runs.

Joao Cancelo has been incredible in his debut season at Juventus. He has consistently given defenses something to worry about with his runs down the right side and has created a ton of chances for Juve with his crosses into the box. Just as importantly he has been a lockdown defender, preventing opposing attacks from posing the same threat he has on the wing. Cancelo is dangerous everywhere on the field, averaging over 2 tackles and 1.5 key passes per match this season. He’ll be a handful for the left side of Manchester United’s lineup.

Anthony Martial has just as much potential to be a nuisance. He has struggled to find form at United, but some would suggest that’s a product of Jose Mourinho’s strategy. That has changed somewhat this season as Martial has been able to capitalize on the few opportunities United crates for him. He has scored 4 goals in 8 appearances across all competitions this season, putting him on pace for his best season yet at United. He has also supplied about 1 key pass per match so he is also a threat to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The winner of this matchup has the potential to completely change this match in their team’s favor. A Martial win would likely result in a goal for United and would require Cancelo to not involve himself in the attack. A Cancelo win would neutralize one of United’s greatest attacking threats and could even lead to Cancelo bagging his second assist of the season.

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