In arguably the biggest clash of match week five of this season’s UEFA Champions League, two of Europe’s biggest clubs go head-to-head as we start to find out which sides will be progressing to the knockout stage of the competition. In Group D, it’s the two leading sides, Barcelona and Juventus, who meet at the Juventus Stadium. The hosts are second in the group with three points separating them from their upcoming opponents and group leaders, Barca who can secure qualification with a win.

STATS

• Juventus haven’t been as strong as usual in all competitions this term and with seven points from their first four European games, there’s certainly room for improvement. Their only loss in the group so far came at the Camp Nou as they were comfortably beaten by a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona. They will also be very disappointed with a 1-1 away draw with Sporting, one that they were actually losing until the 79^th-minute.
• Barcelona have been almost perfect in the league and in Europe this season as they have only drawn once in La Liga and once in the Champions League. These draws came against Atletico and Olympiacos and should have both been wins after dominating both opponents. Their 3-0 win over Juventus in the home match was a particular high point of the group so far.
• Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic have been decent in front of goal in the Champions League this season as they both have two goals, more than any other Juventus player.
• It’s no surprise to see that Messi is Barcelona’s top European goalscorer and he has three goals from the four matches.

HEAD TO HEAD

All six of the previous meetings between these two sides have come in the Champions League and it is Barcelona who have the slight edge with two wins to Juve’s one. The biggest of those wins came in the 2014/15 final as the Catalan giants won 3-1 in Berlin while the other came in the reverse fixture of this group stage. Juventus’ only win came in last season’s competition as they knocked out Barca thanks to a 3-0 win in the first leg. Between them, the sides have kept three clean sheets in the last three match-ups.

JUVENTUS NEWS

A win for Juventus would see them go level on points at the top of the group with Barcelona and a win by three goals or more would put them top. They have no injury worries going into the match and have a great chance to beat Messi and co.

Latest matches: Juventus Turin

19.11.2017	Seri	Sampdoria Genoa	Juventus Turin	3:2	L
05.11.2017	Seri	Juventus Turin	Benevento Calcio	2:1	W
31.10.2017	UEFA	Sporting CP	Juventus Turin	1:1	D
28.10.2017	Seri	AC Milan	Juventus Turin	0:2	W
25.10.2017	Seri	Juventus Turin	Spal 2013	4:1	W

BARCELONA NEWS

Three points for Ernesto Valverde’s side would see them secure the top position in Group D but with several injuries, it won’t be easy against a strong Juventus side. Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Andre Gomes, Sergi Roberto and Javier Mascherano will all miss out while Arda Turan is expected to feature in the matchday squad.

Latest matches: FC Barcelona

18.11.2017	LaLi	CD Leganes	FC Barcelona	0:3	W
04.11.2017	LaLi	FC Barcelona	Sevilla FC	2:1	W
31.10.2017	UEFA	Olympiacos FC	FC Barcelona	0:0	D
28.10.2017	LaLi	Athletic Bilbao	FC Barcelona	0:2	W
24.10.2017	Copa	Real Murcia CF	FC Barcelona	0:3	W

SUMMARY

Both teams are unbeatable on their day but this one could come down to whichever side wants it more. With no injuries and home advantage, Juventus are slight favourites but it is impossible to write Barcelona off with Messi and Suarez in their squad. A draw is probably the most realistic outcome as it is far too hard to call but it is Juventus who need the win most while a point for Barca will be seen as a success.