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Big Game Focus: Manchester United v Juventus

Soccer Football - Serie A - Juventus v Genoa - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - October 20, 2018 Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo during the match REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

The Big Game Focus takes a look at the largest game of the day, giving you possible team line-ups, form and betting advice.

The big game in the Champions League tonight sees Manchester United aim to continue their resurgence as they host Italian champions Juventus.

The main talking point in the build-up has been the reappearance of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. The Juventus striker made his name at United, where he scored 118 goals and won his first Champions League medal.

Massimiliano Allegri brings Ronaldo and co to England on the back of an 11-match unbeaten run at the start of the season, a record that his opposite number could certainly do with right now. Jose Mourinho appears to have earned some breathing space with promising results against Newcastle and Chelsea, but defeat here could thrust him into jeopardy once more after a rocky start to the season.

These teams are the favourites to qualify for the knockout stages from Group H, but who will come out on top here?

Betting tips

Juventus have won ten of their 11 matches this season in all competitions and have been winners in their last four away games in the Champions League, including a 3-1 win at eventual champions Real Madrid last season. Manchester United have only won one of their past five games in all competitions. Back Double Chance Juventus at odds of 1.35 here.

Manchester United have conceded at least twice in four of their past five matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Juventus have scored two or more goals in ten of their 11 games this season. Allegri’s side have also registered at least two goals in seven of their past ten Champions League games, while the same is true in seven of their past ten away games in Europe. Click here to bet on Juventus Over 1.5 Goals at odds of 2.40.

Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford having found the net in each of his last two appearances for the Old Lady. The Champions League all-time leading scorer is no stranger to Old Trafford and scored in both legs when he faced the Red Devils with Real Madrid back in 2013. Odds on the Portuguese to score tonight are currently 2.15.

Team news

The big news for Manchester United is that Alexis Sanchez will not feature, with Anthony Martial expected to continue in his stead. Midfield duo Jesse Lingard and Marouane Fellaini also miss out.

Giorgio Chiellini and Paolo Dybala were both rested for Juventus’ draw at Genoa, with the latter only featuring in the last 20 minutes. Both will expect to play some part at Old Trafford, but Mario Mandzukic may not be included after being withdrawn early on Saturday.

Possible teams

Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, Matic, Pogba, Rashford, Lukaku, Martial

Juventus: Szczesny, Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro, Can, Pjanic, Matuidi, Dybala, Ronaldo, Costa

*All odds subject to change

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