Max Allegri’s charges eased to victory against Bologna last time out, a brace by Gonzalo Higuain and single strike from Paulo Dybala keeping the defending champions four points clear at the top of the table (Juventus also have a game in hand on most of the teams below them). Even at the midway point of the campaign, it is extremely difficult to see the Bianconeri slipping up this season, particularly as they possess an abundance of title-winning experience in their squad. Their rivals at the top will be hoping they slip up in Tuscany, but Juventus will be quietly confident of adding another three points to their tally.
Fiorentina have had a rather underwhelming campaign up to now, with Paolo Sousa’s side currently down in ninth place after 18 matches (they too have played one fewer than the majority of teams in the division). A margin of 11 points separates them from the Champions League qualification spots and will be difficult to surmount, but the Viola will not yet have given up hope of qualifying for the Europa League. Last weekend’s meeting with Pescara was postponed due to poor weather conditions, so Fiorentina may be lacking a little match fitness after the winter break.
Juventus will have to make do without Dani Alves and Stephan Lichtsteiner, but Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro should be fit enough to be involved. Allegri opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation in the victory over Bologna, with Stefano Sturaro, Sami Khedira, Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic deployed in an unconventional ‘box’ midfield ahead of Claudio Marchisio and behind lone frontman Gonzalo Higuain – a similar configuration could be used this time around, too. Andrea Barzagli may drop to the substitutes’ bench to make room for the returning Bonucci, while Patrice Evra’s imminent departure means he will almost certainly be left out.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, should have midfielder Borja Valero and defender Davide Astori available for selection after injury lay-offs, but Nikola Kalinic is unlikely to be involved as he looks to complete a big-money move to the Chinese Super League. Sousa regularly alternates between a three-man and four-man backline but will probably opt for the latter shape here, with creative midfielders Josip Ilicic and Federico Bernadeschi likely to be particularly key against a Juventus defence that does not concede many goals.
Taking all of the relevant factors into account, the best bet for this weekend’s clash between Fiorentina and Juventus looks to be a draw with both teams to score. The Viola have been inconsistent for much of this season but still have enough quality to harm Juve, who would probably settle for a point at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. In the anytime goalscorer market, sticking some money on Dybala, who has found the back of the net four times in 11 appearances this term, would be an astute choice.
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