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Juventus projected lineup against Manchester United: Ronaldo looks to lead Juve 1st in Group H

By John Vaccaro

EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 27: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 27, 2018 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 27: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 27, 2018 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /
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TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus hi-fives Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus hi-fives Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /

LW: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t able to get himself on the scoresheet in his return to Old Trafford, but he will get another chance to score against his old team on Wednesday. He has been absolutely on fire in Serie A, either scoring or assisting a goal in each of his last 8 appearances in the league. In those 8 appearances he has registered 7 goals and 4 assists and he will be hoping that form translates to some scoring in the Champions League, a competition he has dominated throughout his career. We all know what to expect from Ronaldo and Wednesday will be another chance to see it from him.

ST: Mario Mandzukic

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Mario Mandzukic was forced to miss the match at Old Trafford, but it appears his ankle injury won’t keep him out of the second match against Manchester United. Juve’s hard-working striker will get a chance to shine against a Manchester United back line that has been pretty shaky so far this season and will give Juve an element they were missing the last time around. With Paulo Dybala starting in the middle of the attack they lacked a target to send in crosses to. This made it difficult to take advantage of their massive edge in possession. Mandzukic will tirelessly work to create space to get on the end of a cross and provide a big target for the wings to send crosses into. Mandzukic will be a welcome sight for Juve on Wednesday.

RW: Paulo Dybala

Here comes my favorite part of every projected lineup article. This is the part where I have to admit to myself that Allegri will once again misuse Paulo Dybala on the right wing. I understand that Dybala is an extremely talented player, but he simply doesn’t fit here and it keeps Juve from reaching their full potential. When Dybala plays on the right wing he disappears for long stretches of matches and rarely appears to add anything positive to the attack. They’d be better served starting Juan Cuadrado in this position, but at this point that’s a lot to ask for.

Next. Juventus player ratings vs Manchester United: Dybala delivers in dominant win. dark

I hope this is the match that Dybala changes my mind, but past performances make that seem unlikely.

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