Betting odds: Juventus at Manchester United
- Juventus moneyline: +150
- Manchester United moneyline: +210
- Draw: +230
- Over/Under: 2 (-182/+137)
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel: TNT/BR Live
>> All odds as of 3 p.m. ET on Monday. Download The Action Network App to get real-time Soccer odds and track your bets
The Champions League returns to action this week, and there's not much debate as to the marquee match on Tuesday, as Manchester United welcome Serie A champions Juventus to Old Trafford.
It's a match packed with intrigue between the two teams at the top of the group, with the Italians on maximum points after two games, while United are two back following a forgettable 0-0 draw with Valencia.
It's an outcome that Jose Mourinho's men have become accustomed to, drawing four of their last six matches in all competitions, including Saturday's weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge.
While 2-2 at the home of Chelsea is strong on paper, the manner of the result, conceding a last-minute equalizer, will have taken the stuffing out of the players ahead of a massive match back in Manchester.
It should be said that Juventus also dropped points over the weekend for the first time this season, but the visitors are rightly considered favorites for this clash, and odds of +150 are tempting enough.
All eyes will be on two players who will be facing their former clubs in this one. The oft-maligned Paul Pogba has been unable to replicate his form for the Old Lady back at Old Trafford, while Cristiano Ronaldo is starting to find his form, which could spell bad news for the Red Devils.
The Portuguese scored his fifth league goal of the season on Saturday and returns from suspension keen to make up for lost time in a competition he values higher than any other.
Ronaldo scored in both legs of a Champions League last 16 tie with his ex-employers back in 2013 and is around +160 in the anytime goalscorer market.
His odds don't get much higher than that on a game-by-game basis, which is a little curious considering the defense he will go up against this week and the fact that he will likely be leading the line in the absence of the injured Mario Mandzukic.
United have conceded two or more goals on six occasions this season, while Juventus had scored two or more in all 10 of their games before the 1-1 stalemate with Genoa last time out. Moreover, the Red Devils have been trailing at halftime in three of their last four matches, while Juve have been ahead at the break in four of their last five.
This week's visitors have won each of their last three Champions League matches, too, and led at the break in all three, so considering United’s lackluster starts to matches in recent times, the odds on the Old Lady to continue that streak (+209 at Bookmaker) seem high.
Mourinho's men have needed to fall behind to finally react of late, but while the manager has won all three of his games as a coach at home against Juventus, the opposition weren't the force that they are today.
With Ronaldo in their ranks, Juventus have genuine designs on lifting the trophy, and at this point, their hosts can't afford such lofty aspirations. If United don't come out of the blocks faster than they have so far this season, the Serie A superpower are unlikely to be as forgiving as some of the sides the Manchester giants have faced this season.
I expect Juve to get a lead before the break on Tuesday — with that man Ronaldo hoping to do the damage — and hold onto all three points against their Premier League counterparts.
Best Bets: Juventus +150
