Juventus play host to Inter Milan in Serie A on Sunday evening holding a six-point advantage over their title rivals in the standings.
Although Inter have a game in hand on their hosts, Antonio Conte returns to his former club aware that they can ill-afford a second successive defeat in a game which will be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus.
Match preview
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After a run of three defeats from seven matches in all competitions, Maurizio Sarri knows that he is coming under increasing pressure at Juventus at a crucial part of the season.
While the club remain in first place in Serie A, the 1-0 defeat at Lyon in the Champions League would have been felt behind the scenes given the club's wait for another European trophy.
Juventus and Sarri have the opportunity to turn the tie around in next month's second leg, although the head coach has a tough job on his hands to get his team firing on all cylinders.
Much could depend on whether Cristiano Ronaldo is able to continue his goalscoring form, especially in Italy's top flight as he bids to find the back of the net for a record-breaking 12th successive match.
Although there will be those who lament the Portuguese superstar wanting to frequently take centre stage, it may take a ruthless showing from the veteran to leave Inter on the outskirts of the title race.
However, should Inter avenge their defeat to Juve earlier in the season, Conte's men will find themselves just three points adrift of Sunday's opponents with a game in hand.
Inter have been far from their best in recent months, emerging victorious in just four of their last 10 league outings, but they have found a way to remain in contention to dethrone the long-term champions.
The postponement of their most recent domestic fixture has arguably not helped their cause, but it provided Inter with a welcome break having now played 12 matches since the turn of the year.
Despite I Nerazzurri doing what was required against Ludogorets in the Europa League on Thursday night, they must now find a way to produce their best performance of the season against their rivals.
Juventus Serie A form: WLWLWW
Juventus form (all competitions): WLDWWL
Inter Milan Serie A form: DDDWWL
Inter Milan form (all competitions): WWLLWW
Team News
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Despite having impressed in the Europa League, Christian Eriksen is expected to be selected among the replacements on Sunday.
That would allow Matias Vecino to strengthen a combative midfield, while Ashley Young is in line to get the nod at left-back.
Inter have also been handed a boost with the return to fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, who has been carrying a hand injury.
As for Juventus, Sarri could revert back to a diamond formation, leading to a recall for Aaron Ramsey.
Such a switch could result in Juan Cuadrado dropping into the right-back position, while Blaise Matuidi may get the nod over Adrien Rabiot.
Although Gonzalo Higuain is pushing for a start, Paulo Dybala is likely to be preferred alongside Ronaldo.
Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Ramsey; Dybala, Ronaldo
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic; Godin, De Vrij, Skriniar; Candreva, Vecino, Brozovic, Barella, Young; Martinez, Lukaku
We say: Juventus 2-1 Inter Milan
Although Inter will be fired up to get the better of a Juventus team who are struggling for consistency, we are backing the league leaders in this game, especially with Ronaldo motivated to break a long-standing record in Serie A. It may be close, but do not be surprised to see the Portuguese pop up with a late winner.
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