Event of the Day: Tottenham versus Juventus
Our event of the day is the UEFA Champions League second leg match between Tottenham and Juventus at Wembley Stadium. Tottenham have the advantage on away goals going into this second leg after coming from two behind in Turin with goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen. Juventus, last year’s runner up, were frustrated that Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert a penalty that would have seen him complete a first half hat-trick in the first leg, but on the balance of play Spurs deserve their slight advantage.
Tottenham’s recent league form has been strong, winning four out of their last five, and Harry Kane is in his usual rich vein of goal scoring form, netting 11 times in his last 11 games. They will however be without the suspended Serge Aurier and defender Toby Alderweireld, who misses out through injury. Juventus however, are also in very strong league form and are expected to field a near full strength team with Higuain returning to the starting line-up after missing their most recent match with an ankle injury, however they will be without Mario Mandzukic who has suffered a thigh problem. The key for Tottenham will be to avoid the disastrous start they had last time out which saw them concede two goals in the first 10 minutes. Juventus have a very strong defensive record, conceding just 15 league goals this season, and will be hoping another clean sheet will allow them to steal a winner. Tottenham haven’t reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League since 2010/11 and victory in this tie would reflect a massive achievement, can they do it? Find out tonight.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the 4th ODI between England and New Zealand at University Oval in Dunedin. With the series at 2-1 and only two games left, the Black Caps need a victory here to stay in the series. Elsewhere in the UEFA Champions League Manchester City will expect to book their place in the quarterfinals at home to FC Basel. Meanwhile, in the SheBelieves Cup, England Women take on the USA while France face Germany. The EFL Championship sees a midweek tie between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road. Kilmarnock play host to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. One of the highlights of the WTA World Tour, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, sees a strong field begin their first round matches on day 1. In the NBA, the Utah Jazz are in Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers, the Houston Rockets are at Milwaukee against the Bucks and the Denver Nuggets host the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Philadelphia to take on the Flyers.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by UEFA