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Juventus v Chelsea: Key battles

 

Tuesday 20 November 2012 11:57 GMT
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Chelsea face another game that could make or break their Champions League season tonight when they take on Juventus in Turin.

Here, Press Association Sport's Ben Rumsby looks at the likely key battles:

Georgio Chiellini v Juan Mata

Chiellini is one of the most highly-rated defenders around, playing a crucial role in Juventus' 'Invincibles' season and Italy's run to the European Championship final. He will know keeping Mata quiet could be the key to stopping Chelsea, with the Champions League holders heavily reliant on the Spain star's creativity.

Andrea Pirlo v Oscar

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo conjured up one of the tactical masterstrokes of the season in the reverse fixture when he handed Oscar his full debut - and Champions League bow - and pitted him against one of the finest midfielders of the modern age. The Brazilian may need a similar show-stopping performance in attack and defence tomorrow.

Fabio Quagliarella v David Luiz

Quagliarella came off the bench to snatch a draw at Stamford Bridge and he has been getting more opportunities to start since. He scored his first professional hat-trick just over a week ago, although he remains inconsistent. Since joining Chelsea, Luiz has started every one of their Champions League games when available but the erratic Brazilian could have easily found himself dropped against Juve had John Terry been fit.

PA

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