For the 43^rd time in their history, Juventus face an English side in European competition. But on Wednesday night when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, for the first time in a long time, there is a little fear. History tells us that in the 42 previous matches against the English, Juve have managed 15 wins, 15 defeats and 12 draws. A win may be difficult but it is not impossible for Antonio Conte's men.



This season Juventus have picked up exactly where they left off last year, managing to collect three wins from three games. Yet, despite the good results, their performances have attracted criticism - especially in their last match against Genoa.

Defensively vulnerable, Juve's back-line have found it difficult to keep many clean sheets so far this season and even conceded against a ten-man Udinese side that was already losing heavily. Against Genoa last weekend, Juve were susceptible to vertical passes, long balls over the top and wide threats. Only poor finishing by the home side's attackers allowed the Old Lady to remain in the game until her substitutions came on to affect the match.

Several articles appeared over the weekend accusing Juventus for being Andrea Pirlo-dependent. Without him or rather when he is man-marked to perfection, neither Italy nor the Old Lady seem to play as effectively. But one can argue that the Bianconeri's poor performance had as much to do with the absence of Arturo Vidal as it as it did with Pirlo being marked out of the game.

Without a player who runs incessantly, pressures to perfection and tackles relentlessly, Juventus lose their very essence. Without Vidal or even Kwadwo Asamoah starting, Juventus appeared disjointed whilst the defence looked exposed. The Old Lady needs her Pirlo, but she needs the rest of her quality players just as much and that includes the creativity of Mirko Vucinic, the determination of Stephan Lichtsteiner and, of course, Vidal's dynamism.

Against Chelsea, Juventus will be playing their best players and despite many saying they do not boast Champions League experience, it is perhaps worth noting that what they lack in terms of European experience they have secured via international tournaments - this is, after all, the team that inspired Italy to the Euro 2012 final with as many as seven Bianconeri playing for the Azzurri.

Experience aside, Juventus are facing a squad that is bursting with creative quality especially with the likes of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata. According to the latest reports, the London club are likely to start with their 4-2-3-1 formation, Fernando Torres as the lone striker, supported by the midfield trio described above. In defence, it is likely to be John Terry and Gary Cahill in the middle with Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole acting as full-backs, whilst Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will take their place in front of the back-line.

A side that won the competition last season due to their defensive solidity, their dealings in the transfer market has seen them splash the cash on players with attacking talent - suggesting a change in tactical direction. This will not be a Chelsea team that defend with their lives and have Didier Drogba sitting at the top bullying his way past defenders to latch on to direct passes. This is a team that is attempting to get the results by exhibiting attacking flair.

With Chelsea noticeably slow at times, Juventus will need to impose their pace and strength to overwhelm their opponents from kick-off. Fast movements are essential as are the work of midfielders who will need to drag Chelsea players away from their positions to open up space. The Old Lady will need to pressure, play with arrogance and move quickly to ensure her opponents are unable to establish a rhythm.

Alternatively, they could listen to Diego Simeone's wise words, after all Atletico Madrid did thump Chelsea in the European Super Cup tie. "Branislav Ivanovic on the right can be surpassed, Mikel plays horizontally and Gary Cahill and David Luiz never participate in the construction of the game.

"We opted to press heavily, even doubling up and tripling up on Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata - opting to neglect the others."

Simone admitted it was a risk that paid off. Perhaps Conte will need to be just as courageous.

For Juventus, we are likely to see them play their usual 3-5-2 formation and unlike the match against Genoa, it's imperative their wing-backs do not adopt such high positions on the field so as to not leave the side vulnerable to wide threats.

There is no reason why Juve, who have not lost a league match since May 2011, cannot walk away with at least a point. As long as they remain united and compact, they must believe.

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