Juventus is experiencing one of the most unusual starts to a soccer season in recent memory. The team has achieved two wins and two draws in their first four matches, but the statistics tell a stranger story. Juventus has netted six goals while conceding none, resulting in two nil-nil draws and a total of just 5.3 expected goals across all their matches.
Thiago Motta’s team is redefining low-event soccer, and it remains to be seen if they will carry this unusual style into their Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.
In terms of betting odds, Juventus is the favorite, with a moneyline of -125, while PSV has a moneyline of +333. The draw is set at +290, with totals for over 2.5 goals at -125 and under 2.5 goals at +100.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Juventus’s peculiar season start is their impressive performance in their opening two matches, where they secured commanding 3-0 victories against Como and Hellas Verona. However, their momentum was halted with a drab nil-nil draw against Roma, followed by another uninspiring match against Empoli.
In their last two games, Juventus managed only 1.4 expected goals created but maintained a strong defense, conceding just 0.8 expected goals, indicating they are solid in their defensive play.
Conversely, PSV Eindhoven has enjoyed a vastly different start in the Eredivisie, winning their initial five matches with a remarkable aggregate score of 20-3. While Eindhoven, like many successful Dutch teams, thrives on speed and aggression, Juventus prefers a more measured approach, setting the stage for an intriguing clash.
Juve’s solid defense under Motta may position them as potential Champions League contenders, but their current struggles in offense raise concerns. Meanwhile, PSV brings characteristics of a live underdog, although the level of competition in the Eredivisie has been less rigorous than in Serie A.
With the contrasting playing styles, an initial period of cautious play is expected, potentially leading to a lack of scoring in the opening half of the match.
Prediction: Expect under 0.5 goals in the first half (+210, DraftKings).