Juventus vs Lazio Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Juventus v SS Lazio - Italian Supercup
Juventus v SS Lazio – Italian Supercup | Claudio Villa/Getty Images

In a game that looked set to be the title decider just a few short weeks ago, Juventus can now move a whopping 11 points clear of Lazio with a win on Monday night.

When football returned, Lazio and Juventus were separated by a solitary point. Since then Simone Inzaghi’s side have lost four out of seven games and are coming off a run of four games without a win. Juventus has capitalised on this form with a couple of important wins – despite coming into this game on the back of a defeat and two draws.

Juventus are on course for another Serie A
Juventus are on course for another Serie A | Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

When is Kick Off? Monday 20 July
What Times is Kick Off? 20:45 (BST)
Where is it Played? Allianz Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Premier Sports

Joaquin Correa
Correa is out with a knee injury | Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Lazio go into this game with a host of injury concerns. Adam Marusic, Senad Lulic, Stefano Radu and Joaquin Correa will all miss the game through injury, while Luca Leiva is a serious doubt for the encounter. On top of injuries, Patric is due to miss the game through suspension for biting an opponent (yes, really).

Juventus are without Federico Bernardeschi through suspension, while Mattia De Sciglio and Sami Khedira are both out with thigh injuries.

Juventus: Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Rabiot; Costa, Dybala, Ronaldo.

Lazio: Strakosha; Felipe, Acerbi, Bastos; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Parolo, Alberto, Jony; Caicedo, Immobile.

Lazio’s form has fallen off a cliff since the restart, as they haven’t won since the 2-1 win at Torino. This poor run of form has seen them fall down to fourth place, despite looking like a serious candidate for the title earlier in the campaign.

Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto, Felipe Caicedo
Lazio’s form has fallen off a cliff | DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Juventus have also stuttered recently, failing to win any of their last three games. Even with this poor run of form though, the Turin-based side sit six points clear of Inter in second. A win over Lazio could see them move closer to a ninth-consecutive Serie A title.

Here’s how both teams have done in their last five games.

Juventus

Sassuolo 3-3 Juventus (15/07)
Juventus 2-2 Atalanta ( 11/07)
Milan 4-2 Juventus (07/07)
Juventus 4-1 Torino (04/07)
Genoa 1-3 Juventus (30/06)

Lazio

Udinese 0-0 Lazio (15/07)
Lazio 1-2 Sassuolo (11/07)
Lecce 2-1 Lazio ( 07/07)
Lazio 0-3 Milan (04/07)
Torino 1-2 Lazio (30/06)

Danilo, Blaise Matuidi, Rodrigo Betancur
Juventus can get closer to the title with a win | Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Both teams come into this without a win in a surprisingly long time. Juventus are conceding goals at an alarming rate, while Lazio are struggling to score.

It’s really tough to call a winner in this game, so for that reason it’ll probably be a draw.

Prediction: Juventus 1-1 Lazio

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Thibaut Courtois: The Unsung Hero Behind Real Madrid’s La Liga Title

Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has been key to Real Madrid’s title win | Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

When Thibaut Courtois swapped Chelsea for Real Madrid, it was a decision that was met by Blues fans with anger and criticism.

Perhaps the Belgium international was a bit of a ‘snake’ in the way he went about securing his move to Madrid, but a large part of fans’ anger didn’t stem from his actions to complete the move – but rather the fact that they were fully aware that they were losing a world class goalkeeper and one of the best in the business.

FBL-ESP-BEL-ENG-REAL MADRID
Thibaut Courtois left Chelsea fans frustrated by his exit | JAVIER SORIANO/Getty Images

For around £35m as well, it appeared as though Real Madrid had made an excellent signing. But as it turned out, Courtois made a very slow start to life at his new home, struggling to make the comfortable saves any goalkeeper of his calibre would have been expected to make.

Indeed, it was tough for him as Keylor Navas was a fan favourite at Los Blancos, and equally, a key member of the Real squad. The players trusted him, supported him and backed him – which, of course, only made things more challenging for new arrival Courtois.

As first impressions go, Courtois’ didn’t make a great one, so much so that talk even began to grow that Los Blancos were considering the possibility of selling him after just one season. The same problems persisted early in the 2019/20 campaign, as well.

Thibaut Courtois
Courtois had a difficult start at Real Madrid | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

But fast forward one year and Courtois is now once again regarded as one of the world’s very best. And while Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos as well as boss Zinedine Zidane will receive the main plaudits for recently securing their 34th La Liga title, Courtois has been equally vital to this Real side.

He’s looked unbeatable at times, producing world class saves while also getting his side playing on the front foot with his range of passing. The 28-year-old’s importance to his side’s title triumph cannot be understated.

Take his performance in the most recent Clasico, when Los Blancos won 2-0. The former Chelsea man produced three stunning saves to deny Arthur Melo, Lionel Messi and Martin Braithwaite in one-on-one situations, before the hosts opened the scoring through Vinicius Junior after 70 minutes.

In doing so, Courtois became the first Real goalkeeper to keep clean sheets in both Clasico league fixtures since the 1974/75 campaign.

In total this season, Courtois has managed 18 clean sheets in the league, while Real have conceded just 23 goals so far. Furthermore, the Belgian has managed a save percentage of 52.9%, while Jan Oblak and Marc-Andre ter Stegen – both of whom are regarded as two of the world’s finest shot-stoppers – have managed 45.9% and 38.9% respectively.

Kepa, the man tasked with replacing Courtois at Chelsea, has a save percentage of just 25% in the Premier League in 2019/20.

Despite his tough start, Real’s number one has remained focused and has worked tirelessly to ensure he would succeed at the Bernabeu. And this is exactly what he has done.

But more broadly, his success at Real shouldn’t come as a surprise because the club’s recent title win means Courtois has now won the league at every club he has played for. This isn’t coincidental, nor is it fortunate for him – rather it is because of his skills and ability to constantly learn and want to improve.

During his early days at Genk, a club he joined aged seven, he made his debut aged just 16. And in the 2010/11 season, he went on to pick up the Goalkeeper of the Year award as well as Genk’s Player of the Year as he helped guide them to league glory.

A move to Chelsea soon followed for the young talent, but he was quickly sent on loan to Atletico Madrid – where he would shine. Indeed, he was named Man of the Match as he put in a simply outrageous display to help his loan club overcome rivals Real 2-1 for the first time in 14 years in 2013. Oh, and it was in the Copa del Rey final as well.

Thibaut Courtois
Courtois was sensational in the Copa del Rey final | Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

He went on to play a key role in Atletico’s 2013/14 La Liga success, with his performances helping Atletico win the league as well as reach the Champions League final.

This was a goalkeeper going from strength to strength, and Chelsea simply couldn’t ignore him any longer. Indeed, he was brought back to Stamford Bridge for the 2014/15 season, and success continued to follow Courtois as he helped the west Londoners win the League Cup and the Premier League in his first season back.

The 2015/16 campaign was tough for the player as he struggled with injuries, while he also saw red twice that season. But as has been made evident throughout his career to date, Courtois is a player that is always looking to learn and improve, which is exactly what he did – conceding just 28 league goals the following season to help the Blues become Premier League champions again.

Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has emerged as a real leader at Real Madrid | Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Courtois has been criticised by many, but his record speaks for itself. His performances this season for Real Madrid have gone somewhat unnoticed, but Zidane will be fully aware of the key contributions he has continued to make and just how vital he has been to their title win.

Their league triumph was built on defensive solidity, and Courtois’ leadership, shot-stopping and distribution has been key to this. Make no mistake about it, the goalkeeper is one of the very best in the business.

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Agent Admits Rachid Ghezzal Keen to Depart Leicester Permanently

Rachid Ghezzal
Leicester winger Rachid Ghezzal | James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Rachid Ghezzal is keen to depart Leicester City this summer in favour of a permanent move to Fiorentina.

The Algerian was signed from Lyon in the summer of 2018 as a like-for-like replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who had joined Manchester City, but struggled to adapt in his first season at the King Power before being sent out on loan to La Viola last summer.

Riyad Mahrez
Ghezzal was brought in as a direct replacement for Riyad Mahrez at Leicester | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ghezzal appeared 23 times for Leicester last season but scored just three times, including just once in the Premier League, and although he hardly had a profound effect on the Fiorentina squad this season – making just two goal contributions in 17 appearances – Ghezzal’s brother, who’s also his agent, has confirmed the winger has a ‘great desire’ to stay in Florence for the long-haul.

“[Coach Beppe] Iachini has found his right position, which benefits him and the team,” said Abdelkader Ghezzal after his brother opened his Serie A account in a 3-1 midweek win at Lecce.

“His future? We do not know, now it is important to finish the season well. He has a great desire to stay in Florence,” he added, speaking to Radio Sportivo.

Speaking about life in Florence to Italian news outlet Firenzeviola last November, Ghezzal said: “It is very different from Leicester, both the city and life.

Rachid Ghezzal
Ghezzal scored his first Fiorentina goal against Lecce last week | Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

“Florence is magnificent and my family feels good here. I hope to stay. The fans give great support to the team. Every day I find someone who tells me ‘Come on Viola’ and this makes me very happy.”

It remains to be seen, however, whether Fiorentina will be willing to add Ghezzal to their ranks on a permanent deal. With wide men Franck Ribery and the highly-rated Federico Chiesa set to depart this summer, the Algeria international may be the man to fill somewhat of the void.

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Brighton vs Newcastle Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Allan Saint-Maximin
The two sides played out a 0-0 draw when they met earlier this season | Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Brighton and Hove Albion host Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium on Monday evening, with the home side looking to further secure their Premier League status.

The Seagulls earned a point last time out against an in-form Southampton and are now six points above the drop zone with just two games left to play.

As for Newcastle, three successive defeats have left them firmly in mid-table, with any hopes of an unlikely Europa League spot squandered after some promising form initially after the restart.

Steve Bruce’s men were beaten by a Harry Kane inspired Tottenham last time out, while a Troy Deeney double also saw them lose to relegation strugglers Watford last week.

Here’s 90min’s preview of the upcoming clash…

When Is Kick Off? Monday 20 July
What Time Is Kick Off? 18:00 (BST)
Where Is it Played? Amex Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports (UK), FuboTV (US)
Referee? Simon Hooper

The hosts will once again be without injured duo Steven Alzate and Jose Izquierdo, yet do have a number of options to choose from as they look to secure their PL survival. 36-year-old striker Glenn Murray could be in line for a second consecutive start following his impressive performance last time out, while creative midfielder Aaron Mooy will likely be re-called from the bench this weekend.

Glenn Murray, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Glenn Murray provided the assist in Brighton’s draw with Southampton | Robin Jones/Getty Images

The visitors are still missing a number of key individuals through injury, with central defenders Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark likely to miss out again. Bruce will also have to make do without captain Jamaal Lascelles and midfielders Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, with all trio having picked up injuries in the last few weeks. One bright note for the Magpies will be that left-back Danny Rose will once again be available for selection, having been ineligible to face his parent club on Wednesday.

Brighton: Ryan; Lamptey, Dunk, Webster, Burn; Trossard, Propper, Stephens, Mooy; Maupay, Murray.

Newcastle: Dubravka; Lazaro, Krafth, Schar, Fernandez, Ritchie; Saint-Maximin, Bentaleb, Shelvey, Almirón; Gayle.

Graham Potter’s men have endured a tough run of fixtures in the last few weeks, having coming up against – and lost to – Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. Despite defeats in all of those clashes, the Seagulls have clinched vital victories over both Norwich and Arsenal since the restart.

As for Newcastle, they have been without a win since their 4-1 hammering over Bournemouth on 1 July, with the Magpies being hit for five by a rampant City side last week. Their recent drop off aside, it has been a positive year at St. James’ Park for Bruce and his men, with early skepticism having been somewhat put to bed following some impressive performances since the turn of the year.

Here’s a look at both side’s last five fixtures:

Brighton

Southampton 1-1 Brighton (16/07/2020)
Brighton 0-5 Manchester City (11/07/2020)
Brighton 1-3 Liverpool (08/07/2020)
Norwich 0-1 Brighton (04/07/2020)
Brighton 0-3 Manchester United (30/06/20)

Newcastle

Newcastle 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur (15/07/2020)
Watford 2-1 Newcastle (11/07/2020)
Manchester City 5-0 Newcastle (08/07/2020)
Newcastle 2-2 West Ham (05/07/2020)
Bournemouth 1-4 Newcastle (01/07/2020)

Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce has done a solid job for Newcastle this season | Pool/Getty Images

In truth, neither side has been in great form of late and with a hectic spell of fixtures approaching its conclusion, there may be a number of tired bodies out there.

That being said, the hosts need for a point to guarantee their safety may add an edge to what will likely be a pretty dull game of football.

Prediction: Brighton 0-0 Newcastle

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Man Utd ‘Close to an Agreement’ With Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has been a top target for Man Utd for a while | Lars Baron/Getty Images

Manchester United are said to be ‘closing in’ on the signing of Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho, with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still keen to strengthen his attack.

Sancho, who managed 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions this season, has been linked with United for some time now. The Red Devils are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, and have made the 20-year-old a priority signing for the upcoming summer transfer window.

90min first learned back in September of 2019 that United were confident of bringing in Sancho this summer and despite the coronavirus pandemic, they still remain adamant they will be able to make a deal happen. However, considering the financial impact of the coronavirus, the Premier League outfit will no longer be looking to go above £100m in order to land the England international.

The Sun now report that United are ‘close to an agreement’ with Borussia Dortmund regarding the sale of Sancho for around £100m, with the player still keen on making the move to Old Trafford.

With Solskjaer looking to build a team capable of challenging for trophies and league titles, he is keen on strengthening his attacking line. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood have all been in scintillating form since the resumption of play, but the United boss is looking to land Sancho as he seeks to build a squad ‘to match that of his own glory filled playing days’.

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-NEWCASTLE
Rashford, Martial and Greenwood have all been excellent for Man Utd in 2019/20 | PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Furthermore, it is noted that Solskjaer is eyeing an ‘all-English’ attack with Sancho, Rashford and Greenwood. However, one Englishman who could be on his way out of the club is Jesse Lingard, with Milan and Inter both interested in his services.

As is the case with any big-money transfer deals, Sancho’s potential move to Old Trafford will likely drag on for some time as the two clubs look to strike an agreement. However, the latest update suggests the Red Devils are to close to meeting Dortmund’s valuation. It has previously been noted that Man Utd are even prepared to lean on a recently withdrawn loan to help make the deal happen.

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