It’s likely that Juventus didn’t expect to be playing in the Europa League in the second half of the season, as they would have been anticipating being involved in the UCL games today. However, one of the leaders in the Champions League odds at the beginning of the season dropped into the Europa League playoff round after finishing third in their Champions League group before Christmas.
Nantes will be relishing this glamor tie in the Europa League this week, and they remain in with a chance after playing out a 1-1 draw in Turin last week. You can find our Nantes vs Juventus picks for this tie on Thursday here.
Nantes vs. Juventus Odds
Despite being held to a draw in the opening leg last week, Juventus remain the commanding favorite to win this second leg at -125. Meanwhile, the Nantes odds show them as the outsiders, as the French side is available at +375.
A draw after 90 minutes is priced up at +250. Over 2.5 goals in the match is unfancied in the odds, as this selection is +120. Both soccer teams to score in the match is also unfavored in the betting at +105.
Nantes vs. Juventus Matchup Information
Nantes vs Juventus
Location of the Game: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France
Date and Time: Thursday, February 23, 2023. 3:00 PM ET
How To Watch: CBS Sport
Nantes vs. Juventus Betting Preview
Nantes
When Nantes qualified for the Europa League last season, this is likely the dream tie that they would have been hoping for. This season has been a struggle for the French side in Ligue 1, as they sit 13th in the standings, having lost eight of the 24 games that they have played.
However, in European competitions, their performances have been much better. Nantes finished second in Group G before Christmas, as they picked up three wins and three defeats. Scoring goals was their biggest issue, as they netted just three across the six fixtures that they played.
They will be looking to make history in the Europa League this week, as they bid to win a knockout tie in European competition for the first time since the 2000-01 season. However, their confidence will be high as they have gone three without defeat in Europe, and will be looking to go four without a loss for the first time since 2000.
Juventus
It has been a humbling season for Juventus, evident by the fact that they finished third in the Champions League standings before the winter break. That finish meant that they dropped into the Europa League, and they are now starring down the barrel of a fifth straight departure at the first hurdle in European competition. They haven’t made it past the opening round of a knockout competition on the continent since the 2017-18 season.
The draw last week against Nantes continues to highlight their shortcomings in Europe, as they have now picked up just one win in their previous nine matches across fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League. Over that period, they have also conceded an average of two goals per game.
Away from home, the Old Lady has come up way short, losing each of their previous three. They last lost four on the bounce in March 2002. That away record would be a concern for those making Juventus picks for this fixture. However, Massimiliano Allegri is likely to go strong with his team, as the Europa League presents their best route back into the Champions League next season.
Nantes vs. Juventus Betting Picks
Making Nantes vs Juventus picks looks to be tricky, but the Old Lady will still be fancied to reach the next round of the competition, given the wealth of talent that they are able to call on.
However, their away record is our big concern, and we could see passionate home support playing a big role for Nantes on Thursday. Therefore, we will be siding with the hosts with our Nantes vs Juventus picks, and under 2.5 goals could also be a solid alternative.
- Pick 1: Nantes (+375)
- Pick 2: Under 2.5 Goals (-150)
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