Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Juventus will be looking to overtake Chelsea in top position in Group H when they take on Malmo at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday evening. Unlike Serie A, the Bianconeri have been producing fine showings in the elite competition this season, and they surely want to give fans yet another reason for celebration. All Chiesa, Danilo, Ramsey, and De Sciglio should miss out with injuries, while Moise Kean is pushing for a start.
Malmo, on the other hand, are stuck at the bottom of Group H, with no more than one point in their pocket. The rock-bottom side have nothing to play for in the last group game, and they are unlikely to spoil Juve’s party in Turin. Midfielder Oscar Lewicki, who suffered an injury in a goalless draw with Halmstad at the weekend, is unlikely to feature against Juventus. It has to be noted that the Blues won their 22nd Allsvenskan trophy on Saturday.
Highlighted Player (Matthijs de Ligt):
Matthijs de Ligt is yet another product of famous Ajax football academy. After making 17 appearances for Jong Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt started playing for the senior team in 2016. The talented centre-back, who was born on August 12, 1999 in Leiderdorp (Netherlands) made his debut for the Amsterdammers on September 21, 2016 in a cup game against Willem II. Thanks to this goal Matthijs de Ligt became the second youngest goalscorer ever, behind legendary midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
In March, 2017, the Ajax defender made his debut for the Netherlands national team in a 2-0 loss to Bulgaria in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. In 2018 he received AFC Ajax Talent of the Year award (Marco Van Basten Award). Mathiijs de Ligt’s main position is centre-back and his preferred foot is right. His contract with the Amsterdammers should expire on June 30, 2021.
In the 2016/2017 season Matthijs de Ligt and his teammates made it to the Europa League final, but Ajax were beaten by Manchester United in the title game.
Highlighted Team (Malmo):
Founded on February 24, 1910, Malmo are a Swedish team that compete in Allsvenskan league. The Blues welcome their rivals at Stadion, Malmo, the venue which was opened in April, 2009. It is important to note that the stadium can hold up to 22,500 supporters of which 18,000 are seated.
Malmo are the most successful Swedish side, with the team winning their 23rd domestic trophy in 2017. The Blues finished the season seven points clear of AIK, scoring 63 goals and conceding 27 in the process. Speaking of the club’s European success, Malmo did well to make it to the European Cup final in the 1978/1979 season, but they eventually failed to win the trophy.
The Swedish side were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the title game (0-1), with Trevor John Francis scoring the only goal of the match. Malmo wear sky-blue shirts and white shorts when playing at home, whereas their away colour is black.