Tuesday, October 21, 2008

UEFA Champions League - Matchday 3 Preview

Back then, to Champions League action, today and tomorrow, and some absolutely corking games to look forward to, including the ‘Battle of Britian’ between Celtic and Manchester United, a battle of two of last years Quarter-Finalists, Arsenal and Fenerbache, and Nine times champions Real Madrid are taking on Italian behemoths Juventus. Fiorentina visit Bayern Munich.

And that’s just Tuesday’s highlights. Wednesday, we have Athletico hosting a Torres-less Liverpool, and then the battle of the runners up - last years Serie A runners up Roma, take on last years EPL runners up Chelsea.

Full preview after the jump.

So Tuesday we start in Group E. Celtic visit Old Trafford, and they will be desperate to try and sort out their terrible away record in this competition. United however come off of a big win in the league at the weekend. Villarreal host Aalborg in the other game in that group.

Group F, The Group of Death, sees Bayern play host to Fiorentina, in what promises to be a fantastic match. The group is still wide open, and both sides will want to have a positive result here, as Lyon will be expected to beat Steaua in the other game.

Group G sees Arsenal visit Fenerbahce. Both sides will want a win to really kick start thier campaign, although Arsenal currently sit top of the group they have looked fragile. Fener meanwhile have struggled, and will want to pick up a home win. Porto are also hosting Dyanmo Kiev in the other game, which should be a close game.

Group H is where its at though. Zenit St Petersberg are playing at home to BATE, where both sides will want to get maximum points to spur them on, but the biggie is elsewhere. Real Madrid are taking on Juventus. Two clubs full of history, who have underperformed in recent times, looking to get back on top. Has all the makings of a classic encounter.

Wednesday
First big game on Wednesday is in Group A, where Chelsea play host to Roma. Couldn’t come at a worse time for the Italian side, who suffered at the hands of title rivals Inter at the weekend, while Chelsea are looking in fine form, battering Middlesbrough. Bordeaux host surprise package Cluj, and with the French side yet to get off the mark in this years CL, they will need a win.

Anorthosis against Inter in Group B, in a game the latter will expect to take, Panathinaikos meanwhile host German side Werder Bremen.

Group C sees Barca take a visit to FC Basel, while Shakthar are taking on Sporting Lisbon, in a battle of the teams that nearly always finsih third.

Group D’s big game is Athletico Madrid hosting Liverpool, though the latter are without ex-Athletico hitman Fernando Torres, the game will be played in Madrid’s proper stadium. PSV are taking on Marsielles in the groups other intriguing game.

Lets hope it lives up to promise.

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