Juventus vs Ajax probable line-ups: Dybala ahead of Kean as forward

Paulo Dybala is the favourite to start as centre-forward in the Champions League quarter-final with Ajax, leaving Moise Kean on the bench.

Probable line-ups

Juventus (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Can, Pjanic, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Ronaldo

Ajax (4-3-3): Onana; Veltman, Blind, De Ligt, Mazraoui; De Jong, Van de Beek, Schöne; Neres, Tadic, Ziyech

Giorgio Chiellini already missed the Amsterdam match with a calf problem and has not recovered in time, but Mario Mandzukic is also ruled out by a knee tendon issue.

Mattia Perin and Martin Caceres are injured, while Juan Cuadrado is not on the UEFA list and Douglas Costa is in doubt.

Max Allegri said in his Press conference that he could start Paulo Dybala, Moise Kean or neither of them.

There are two main tactical options open to him, a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3.

It’s reported to be the latter with Dybala the favourite rather than on-form 19-year-old Kean in the centre-forward role.

Federico Bernardeschi and Cristiano Ronaldo can take the flanks, with Emre Can returning from an ankle knock in midfield.

Allegri already confirmed Alex Sandro will start on the left, with Daniele Rugani partnering Leonardo Bonucci.

Ajax must do without suspended left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, so Noussair Mazraoui is the most likely alternative coming in.

Ironically, Mazraoui sat out a ban in the first leg, while Hassane Bande is still on the treatment table.

Although Frenkie de Jong limped off with a thigh issue during Saturday’s win over Excelsior, he took part in the full training session on Monday and is expected to start.