Juventus face Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie having regained their spot at the top of the Serie A standings.

Despite going unbeaten in their last two matches, Lyon head into the contest with the Italian giants sitting in seventh position in Ligue 1.

Match preview

While Juventus returning to first place in Serie A has been the biggest plus point for the club in recent weeks, it is difficult to ignore the contribution of Cristiano Ronaldo.

During Saturday's win at Sassuolo, the Portuguese superstar netted in his 11th successive league fixture, equalling the long-standing record held by Gabriel Batistuta.

Coincidentally, achieving the feat came in his 1,000th game as a professional, and the 35-year-old will now have his sights set on trying to winning another Champions League crown with a third different club.

Although they are clear favourites to progress, Maurizio Sarri will want to see more from his team, who have been making a habit of failing to show a ruthless streak in the final third.

However, another plus point from the weekend was Aaron Ramsey getting on the scoresheet, with the Welshman netting just his third goal of the campaign at a time when he is being linked with a return to the Premier League.

As far as Lyon are concerned, they have endured one of their worst domestic campaigns in years, sitting seven points adrift of third-placed Rennes.

Nevertheless, there is still the belief that Rudi Garcia's team are capable of beating anyone on their day, especially at the Groupama Stadium.

Garcia will hope that being easily defeated by Paris Saint-Germain on February 9 will be the turning point for his side, who have since conceded just one goal in three matches.

That includes a 2-0 success at Metz at the weekend, which saw Lyon net both of their goals in the final minute of either half.

Since earning a place in the knockout stages of this competition, Lyon have only suffered three defeats from 16 matches, something which they will take confidence from ahead of welcoming one of the leading contenders for the trophy.

Lyon Champions League form: DWLWDL
Lyon form (all competitions): LDLWDW

Juventus Champions League form: DWWWWW
Juventus form (all competitions): LWLDWW

Team News

After making his comeback from a long-term knee injury, Giorgio Chiellini will hope to retain his place in the starting lineup for this game.

With Miralem Pjanic struggling due to injury, Rodrigo Bentancur could be deployed as the most defensive-minded player in the midfield three.

Given his injury record, Sarri must decide whether to keep Ramsey in the team, with Adrien Rabiot an alternative to the Welshman.

Having used three at the back against Metz, Garcia has options when it comes to his tactics for this contest.

However, a back four appears more likely, which may leave Marcelo to settle for a place among the replacements.

Bertrand Traore will hope to get the nod over Maxwell Cornet after finally netting his first league goal of the campaign at the weekend.

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Tete, Andersen, Denayer, Marcal; Tousart, Mendes; Traore, Aouar, Terrier; Dembele

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Ramsey, Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Ronaldo

We say: Lyon 1-2 Juventus

Despite their standing in France's top flight, we expect Lyon to push Juventus all of their way on Wednesday night. However, the extra quality in the Italian's ranks may prove crucial and they should have enough to record victory.