Champions League Preview: Maccabi Haifa - Juventus

Kick-Off: Tuesday, November 3, 20:45CET,
Ramat Gan Stadium, Ramat Gan

Desperate To Win

Elisha Levi's men are yet to pick up a win in this season's Champions League. While the Israeli side are flying high domestically, the same cannot be said about their European campaign.

Maccabi have no points on the board, equalling Hungarian team Debrecen in Group E, who are also without points. They are yet to score too, matching Spain's Atletico Madrid.

Haifa have played two consecutive games away from home, having lost 3-0 in Matchday 1 to Bayern Munich at Ramat Gan. They then lost to Bordeaux in France, and to Tuesday's opponents Juventus in Turin a fortnight ago. That game ended 1-0 to the Old Lady. Despite the result, Levi's side will be confident of frustrating the Italians here.

Juventus were fortunate to win in Turin. Giorgio Chiellini's header just after half-time proved to be the difference on the night. The Greens could and perhaps should have drawn the game. It was only thanks to some super saves from Gianluigi Buffon that saw the Bianconeri escape with maximum points.

The Italian outfit arrive in Haifa wounded from their Saturday loss to Napoli. Levi will have been watching that game and will have highlighted Juve's weaknesses to his players.

With no points on the board, Maccabi will want to change that record. They are not expected to progress past the group stage, but they can aim for third place and the Europa League. With three games left to play, and with just seven points between them and first place Bordeaux, the Greens will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

A draw or loss will see any hopes of climbing the table fade. It's now or never for Haifa, and they will be looking to make home advantage count.

Juventus Wobbling Again

The Bianconeri head to Israel not in the best of form, having lost 3-2 to Napoli at the weekend in Serie A. It was their first loss in Turin in nine months. Ciro Ferrara's men started so brightly, taking the lead through David Trezeguet. Sebastian Giovinco, who is coming of age, grabbed a second. However, a second half fightback from Napoli saw Juve capitulate. There were worrying signs with a European tie on the horizon, and Maccabi will be licking their lips, unlike the Old Lady.

Juve's record against Israeli opposition away from Turin is not the best. They drew in the nation during the 2004-05 season, when they played Maccabi Tel Aviv. That game ended 1-1, with Alessandro Del Piero grabbing the equaliser.

The Juventus captain has fully recovered from a recent thigh strain that has kept him of action this term. He is likely to make his return for the team. If he plays he will be making his 605th appearance for the Bianconeri. Should Juve win, they will pick up their 100th victory in the European Cup.

With Bordeaux playing Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, the Italian outfit would go top of their group with a win should les Girondins fail to pick up points in Germany.

However, the loss to the Azzurri at the weekend broke Juve's three match winning run and tt's this kind of inconsistent form that has raised eyebrows in Turin. Anything less than a win could see hopes of the next round fade.

FORM GUIDE

Maccabi Haifa

October 31 v Maccabi Netanya (H) - WON 2-0 (Ligat Al)

October 26 v Beitar Jerusalem (H) - WON 2-1 (Ligat Al)

October 21 v Juventus (A) - LOST 1-0 (Champions League)

October 17 v Happoel Beer Sheva (A) - WON 3-1 (Ligat Al)

October 3 v Maccabi Petach (H) - WON 2-0 (Ligat Al)

Juventus

October 31 v Napoli (H) - LOST 3-2 (Serie A)

October 28 v Sampdoria (H) - WON 5-1 (Serie A)

October 25 v Siena (A) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)

October 20 v Maccabi Haifa (H) - WON 1-0 (Champions League)

October 17 v Fiorentina (H) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

Team News

Maccabi Haifa

Yaniv Katan has recovered from flu and will be able to play after he missed out in Turin. Mohammad Ghadir is also back from an ankle injury. Eyal Golasa is out after surgery to an injured hip on Saturday. Gustavo Boccoli is doubtful following the knock he sustained against Maccabi Netanya at the weekend, but he could play if he passes a fitness test. Tiago Dutra is banned and Biram Kayal also misses out through suspension.

Probable Starting XI: Davidovich; Meshumar, Keinan, Teixeira, Masilela; Culma, Kayal, Boccoli Katan, Ghadir, Dvalishvili.

Juventus

Mauro Camoranesi needed four stitches to his head after clashing with Matteo Contini against Napoli. He is doubtful for the trip to Israel. Hasan Salihamidzic (ankle), Claudio Marchisio (knee), Jonathan Zebina (thigh), Vincenzo Iaquinta (knee), Martin Caceres (nose) and Mohamed Sissoko (thigh) are all out.

The Mali international is out for a month. Iaquinta and Marchisio are long term problems following recent surgery to their knees.

Probable Starting XI: Buffon; Grygera, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Melo, Poulsen, Camoranesi, Diego, Giovinco; Trezeguet.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vladimir Dvalishvili (Maccabi)

The hitman has scored six goals in his last seven games. He was one of their best players in Turin and almost scored for his side. He will be the dangerman here. His sneaky runs caused Juve problems a  fortnight ago. The defence and Buffon will need to be wide awake to keep him at bay.

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

The 'Formica Atomica' is likely to keep his place in the team. He has been outstanding in his last two games. The Italian youngster has come of age, and he is loving his new found position further forward. He has been playing as a support striker and will be relishing the chance to prove his worth on the continent.

PREDICTION

A sell-out 33,00 crowed is expected and Haifa will be able to rely on their home support to carry them forward. Juve are under pressure and need to find a response following their loss at the weekend. The Old Lady should come through here. It will not be easy, so expect a tight result, but the points will head back to Turin.

Maccabi Haifa 1-2 Juventus

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com