Juventus host surprise package Atalanta at the Juventus Stadium looking to pick up just their third victory in what is proving to be a disappointing domestic campaign.
Juventus struggling domestically
The hosts performances in the league this year have been nothing but a farcry from last years where they won their 31st Scudetto.
A shock 1-0 Serie A opening weekend defeat to Udinese was followed up by a 2-1 loss to Roma and it wouldn't be until matchday four that Massimiliano Allegri and his men picked up their first victory.
It looked like things had taken a turn for the better but things only got worse again. Having lead minnows Frosinone for just under half of the game, Juventus' defensive woes, seen in the past weeks, re-appeared and cost them all three points in the final kick of the ball as Blanchard bundled home.
Their last two fixtures have shown slight improvement as they picked up just their second victory at home to Genoa before playing out a dull goalless draw with a rejuvinated Inter.
Interestingly, all of Juve' domestic wins come off the back victories in Europe, where they've looked a completely different team. Having drawn with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Wednesday night, only time will tell whether or not they break this duck or not.
Atalanta improved from last term
The Bergamese outfit narrowly avoided relegation last season and looked certain to drop to Serie B for much of the season but this season they have been a much improved side despite a few big departures over the summer.
From their opening eight fixtures they've accrued 14 points and are just four off top spot. Granted it's only the beginning but the inspired performances of Mauricio Pinilla, Alejandro Gómez and Maxi Moralez have shown that the club aren't willing to settle for the basement.
They've won three of their last five including a victory over Sampdoria who had started so well before petering off a little. Moreover, victories against Empoli and a big win over Carpi in the last match will have Nerrazzurri confidence high.
Despite not fairing all that well when they met Fiorentina, Atalanta have proven to be a solid outfit this season and shouldn't be overlooked coming into this fixture.
Changes likely for Juventus
Having failed to win in the Champions League midweek, changes may be plentiful, particularly up top after they had just two shots on target from 22 attempts, neither of which caused problems for Yann Sommer in the 'Gladbach net.
Martin Caceres, won't feature having injured himself on international duty last week and Stephan Lichtsteiner remains out with a heart problem.
Juventus Probable XI: Buffon - Alex Sandro, Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli - Khedira, Pogba, Marchisio - Cuadrado, Zaza, Dybala.
The visitors also have two who won't play any part due to injury. Emmanuele Suagher, who ruptured his cruciate ligament in February is not fully fit yet and Paraguayan winger Marcelo Estigarribia is also out with a muscle injury.
Atalanta Probable XI: Sportiello - Dramé, Stendardo, Tolói, Masiello - de Roon, Kurtic, Cigarini - Gómez, Pinilla, Moralez.
Atalanta will rely on Pinilla
Juventus Key Player - Paulo Dybala - Having made a ten minute cameo on Wednesday night, there is every chance that the diminutive forward will be in Allegri's starting XI on Sunday. Dybala is the club's top scorer despite many citing that he is flopping and ex-club president Maurizio Zamparini going as far as saying Allegri "has ruined him."
Atalanta Key Player - Mauricio Pinilla - The Chilean forward has been one of, if not, the best player for Atalanta this term. With three goals to his name he sits atop of the clubs scoring charts and there is every chance that he could add to that against Juventus with their defensive frailties.