Berlin: Both
Juventus and Barcelona are looking to cap fantastic seasons by completing rare
trebles when they meet in the Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium in
Berlin on Saturday (6-6-2015).
Juventus are appearing in their first Champions League final in 12
years as they look to win the European Cup for the third time, but Barcelona,
inspired by Lionel Messi, are the favourites to win a fifth European Cup and
fourth in the last decade.
Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri and his Barcelona counterpart Luis
Enrique have already enjoyed excellent debut seasons in charge of their
respective clubs, both winning domestic league and cup doubles, and both are
now within touching distance of making it a glorious treble.
For Barcelona, it would be a second such treble following their
fantastic first season under Pep Guardiola in 2008-09, but such an achievement
is very rare indeed.
Juventus team news: Barring any more late injuries -- Giorgio Chiellini was ruled out
on Thursday with a calf strain he picked up in training on Wednesday --
Massimiliano Allegri should have no doubts about his starting XI to face
Barcelona on Saturday.
Andrea Barzagli should recover in time to take
the place of Chiellini, but if he doesn't, then Angelo Ogbonna, who made 16
starts in Serie A this season, will be thrown in. The former Torino central
defender has made only one appearance in the Champions League this season -- in
the 1-0 defeat at Olympiacos in the group stage, but Allegri will need him to
complete his back four. Up front, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro
Morata have become Juve's first-choice attack over the course of this season,
and both have had their appearances dosed in recent weeks to ensure they will
be fit for the final. If there is any doubt at all, it comes in midfield, where
the post-injury form of Paul Pogba has caused a little concern. He has had a
few weeks of reduced activity in a bid to get back to peak condition, however,
and is normally a first-choice starter. Roberto Pereyra or semifinal surprise
pick Stefano Sturaro are the alternatives.
Barcelona team news: Barcelona's
only selection concern was over midfielder Andres Iniesta, who picked up a calf
injury in Saturday's 3-1 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao, but he
returned to training on Thursday and should be OK to start. Veteran Xavi
Hernandez or youngster Rafinha Alcantara are standing by if required. Centre-forward Luis Suarez returned
from a hamstring problem against Athletic and looks sure to start again up
front with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Versatile Argentina international Javier
Mascherano should again play at centre-back, although Frenchman Jeremy Mathieu
is likely to play some role off the bench over the 90 minutes.
COURTESY BY DC & ESPN
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