Luiz Adriano was handed a suspension by UEFA due to his unsportsmanlike behaviour in netting the first goal of what proved to be a hat-trick against Nordsjaelland in the last round of fixtures.
Tomas Hubschman has a thigh problem, so Stepanenko is likely to take his place in the double pivot alongside key man Fernandinho.
Former Arsenal striker Eduardo should be first in line to take the vacant spot up front in Adriano's absence.
Claudio Marchisio is suspended having picked up 3 yellow cards in his last 3 Champions League games, so former United youngster Paul Pogba should come into the midfield.
The only other selection debate, with a fully fit squad to choose from, is likely to be who starts up front, with Vucinic, Quagliarella and Giovinco competing for two places in the side.
Lichtsteiner and Asamoah will continue to be favoured as the two starting wing-backs.
Prediction
With Shakhtar already qualified, Juventus know that they only need a point to ensure their progression to the final 16, and the Italian champions will be meticulously drilled to ensure that they do not lose this match.
The hosts also know that a point here will see them top the group, so may be a little more reserved than usual, with Fernandinho and Pirlo likely to see plenty of the ball in what could be a patient start to the game.
In what is likely to be a tactical battle, with two very different formations on display, this match should be an intriguing one, though the circumstances may see the match fizzle out toward the end, with both sides more keen to avoid defeat than actually win.
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uzuriaga
23 weeks ago
+3
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Yulva
23 weeks ago
+1
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l_conti
23 weeks ago
+2
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Ekeemz
23 weeks ago
-6
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Malpiedi
23 weeks ago
+4
-1
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gogajuve
23 weeks ago
+4
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kelevra
23 weeks ago
+2
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homaru
23 weeks ago
+5
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kelevra
23 weeks ago
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Yulva
23 weeks ago
+2
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See all 13 commentsIt seems the group table is wrong on this page. Internal meetings go before goal difference. Shaktar ended 2nd in the group..
@homaru: Many thanks. XD
Two great team, I hope to see them both in the next stages
Both sides will field weakened teams and just see it out to a draw.
JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
forza juve
Chiellini goes on the pitch for sure
Yulva, use thefirstrow.eu
Chiellini in doubt if he won't play Caceres goes on the pitch
I'd kill someone to be able to watch this game. Curses on my TV provider.