Champions League: Monaco vs Juventus match preview

A look ahead to this week's Champions League fixture at the Stade Louis II

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal celebrates hiss goal against Monaco (Getty Images)

Juventus face Monaco on Wednesday night in the Champions League quarter final hoping to preserve their valuable 1-0 lead from the first leg in Turin.

The Italian champions edged past Monaco last week in a hard fought game thanks to an Arturo Vidal penalty midway through the second half.

Monaco were seen as the weakest side left in the final eight, but the French side proved stiff opposition for the Italian champions and they will be hoping to take that spirit into the home leg on Wednesday.

The Red and Whites have already pulled off a shock this season after topping Arsenal in the previous round, proving they should not be underestimated.

Paul Pogba and co are dominating Seria A once again and are looking to claim their fourth consecutive title with a current 15 point lead, but a European title is the main aim for the Italian side.

However, Massimiliano Allegri is likely to be without Pogba for the clash on Wednesday while Kwadwo Asamoah will be absent due to a knee injury. Last week’s goalscorer Vidal is set to be assessed after missing training on Monday with tonsillitis.

With the aggregate score finely poised at 1-0, both sides will feel they have a great chance to progress into the final four.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7:45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Juventus 1 (Vidal) Monaco 0, Champions League, April 2015

Monaco 3 (Leonard, Henry, Spehar) Juventus 2 (Del Piero, Amoruso), Champions League, April 1998

Juventus 4 (Del Piero, 3, Zidane) Monaco 1 (Costinha), Champions League, April 1998

STATS:

Juventus have lost just one of their last seven games in European competitions against French sides (W4 D2)

Monaco have lost just one of their five European games at home against Italian sides (W3 D1)

Monaco have the most clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season with 17.

ODDS:

Monaco to win: 3.5

Juventus to win: 2.4

Draw: 3.3

TV: Live on Sky Sports 5 at 7:45pm