Juventus looks to go into a 50 match unbeaten run while Inter Milan will look to continue their 8 match winning streak. In this match though, records will be at the back of their minds as both teams know that the bigger picture is that this game and the three points will probably be a huge factor in the title race.
The tactical battle will be the most interesting aspect of the game. Juventus should continue with their favoured 3-5-2, which Andrea Stramaccioni will try to counter. Having used as as many as 7 kinds of formations this season already, it is hard to predict how Stramaccioni will line his team up against Juventus. For me, I will adopt the 3-5-1-1, which will give the team the extra defender against Juventus's attackers. Zanetti and Nagatomo will line up on the flanks, with Alvaro Pereira as a possible replacement if extra attacking impetus is needed. In the middle of the park, I think Gargano has been a wonderful acquisition and his defensive capabilities will be needed to stem the runs of Vidal and Marchisio. Up front, the decision is simple: put Cassano behind Milito. Both of them have been in red hot form and can be counted on to provide the goals for Inter as long as the support is good.
Juventus rested a number of key players against Bologna and the likes of Vidal and Vucinic will be expected to regain their place in the starting line up. Paul Pogba should miss out despite his goalscoring feat and I feel Conte might be tempted to replace Giovinco with Quagliarella as the former has not been performing well as of late. Juventus has rode their luck out and taken their chances as the referees erred to their advantage throughout the season like against Catania and Udinese but they cannot count on such a luck all the time. Part of the reason why their performances have been so poor can be blamed on their over-reliance on Pirlo. The veteran seems like he has been feeling the toll of being overplayed and despite notching up some goals, has not been the constant provider of chances for the team this season. In such a high tempo game, Conte might look to replace Pirlo with Asamoah at some time in the game, especially if Juventus's midfield is being overrun.
Predictions:
A lot will rest on Stramaccioni's tactics for tonight and that can sway the game in either team's favour. Juventus has not been winning convincingly for a few matches and a safe bet will be to take Inter on the Asian handicap. If pushed to pick a winner though, I will call a win for Juventus by one goal, possibly with a 2-1 scoreline.
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