For our Juventus vs. Freiburg prediction, we're going for a 3-1 win for the home side.
Italian giants Juventus continue their quest for an elusive European trophy as they begin their Europa League campaign against Freiburg in the round of 16.
Juventus reached the Europa League last 16 by finish 3rd in Champions League Group H, a group containing Benfica, PSG and Maccabi Haifa before beating Nantes 4-1 on aggregate in the play-off round.
Juve's season has been a poor one by all accounts, with The Old Lady starting the campaign in terrible form and while performances and results have improved as the campaign has progressed they were slapped with a fifteen point deduction for off-field antics back in January, a penalty that has effectively ended their hopes of doing anything significant domestically.
As such, this competition may now be their best route into next season's Champions League but they've been given a fairly tough draw.
They enter this game amidst a strong run of form overall having won six, drawn one and lost one of their last eight matches in all competitions, but as they enter this game off the back of a deflating 1-0 defeat at AS Roma last weekend there is a more sober feeling surrounding the club.
Juve have one of the strongest sides on paper in this tournament and will be a tough matchup for any side, even if they are not at their best. They're the rightful favourites for this tie but they must not be complacent as they face a tricky side in Freiburg.
Freiburg reached the Europa League last 16 by finishing top of Europa League Group G, a group containing Nantes, Qarabag and Olympiacos without losing a game.
The German side have had a strong season both domestically and in Europe as they currently sit 5th in the Bundesliga table, Leven on points with RB Leipzig in 4th.
They enter this game amidst a fairly strong run of form having win three and drawn two of their last five matches in all competitions, the most recent of which was a 0-0 draw away at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Their away form has been strong of late, too, having won two and drawn one of their last three games on the road.
Freiburg are both strong defensively and flawed going forward so they aren't the most entertaining watch, but they're a well coached side who could give Juve problems here. The odds are stacked against them but never say never.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.