[ad_1]
An engrossing Champions League group stage comes to a conclusion this week, with all of Europe’s biggest sides in action on SuperSport.
While half of the Round of 16 teams have already booked their places in the knockout stages, eight of the spots in the next round are still up for grabs as we head into matchday six.
Here are four of the big bouts to keep an eye on in the midweek action on SuperSport.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Liverpool
While Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have been imperious in the Premier League—establishing a considerable lead at the top of the table—they’re in trouble in Europe, where they must avoid defeat away in Salzburg this week.
Not since 2012 have the cup holders—in that instance, Chelsea—failed to reach the knockout stages to defend their title, but Liverpool face a considerable obstacle if they’re to avoid such a fate.
Salzburg will be quietly confident of their chances in front of their own fans, where they’ve scored eight in their two matches to date.
Liverpool head into the match in top spot of Group E, and will advance as group winners with a win. However, they’ve been tested by Salzburg before—finding themselves repeatedly undone at the back in a 4-3 home victory earlier in the competition.
“Everybody knows it’s a final and we’re prepared for that—Salzburg have to win against us,” Klopp told journalists, as per BBC Sport.
“We are not a typical Champions League winner, we’re still ambitious like crazy. We will go for everything and run for our lives.”
The outstanding Erling Braut Haaland has scored in every group game to date, and if he does so again, the Merseysiders may find themselves facing an early elimination.
Liverpool, however, will be without injured Adam Lallana.
“It’s not that I expect us to go through,” Klopp concluded. “I expect us to play the best game we can play.”
Napoli—in second place on nine points—are favourites to down bottom-placed Genk in the group’s other match.
Atletico Madrid vs Lokomotiv Moscow
Atletico have become proud Champions League competitors under Diego Simeone, reaching the final under the Argentine coach and establishing themselves as genuine contenders for the continental crown.
However, their superb European form has evaporated this term, as a fine cycle has come to an end, and they find themselves staring elimination in the face.
Consecutive defeats against Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus have revealed this side’s limitations, and while they’ll progress with a home win against Lokomotiv, the Russians will be buoyed by their own continental exploits already this season.
They defeated Leverkusen away, gave a good account of themselves in Turin, and could deny Atletico a spot in the next round.
A draw may not be enough for Simeone’s side if Bayer defeat already-qualified Juve in Leverkusen.
Bayern Munich vs Tottenham Hotspur
Both of these two have already qualified for the Round of 16, and with a five-point advantage over Spurs, Bayern have already guaranteed their progression as group winners.
With the pressure off, this has the potential to be a fascinating clash at the Allianz Arena, particularly considering Bayern smashed the Lilywhites 7-2 at the new White Hart Lane earlier in the campaign.
Things are very different for the North London giants now though, with Jose Mourinho having replaced Mauricio Pochettino, although it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese coach has truly ended Tottenham’s defensive failings.
However, there’s no doubt that the two-time UCL winner gives Spurs an advantage on these big European nights, and it will be fascinating to see how Tottenham have improved and progressed since that miserable evening on October 1.
While Bayern are overwhelming favourites still, Tottenham have been breathtaking at times going forward under Mourinho, and if they demonstrate some of the invention and artistry that underpinned the 5-0 rout of Burnley on Saturday, they could spring a surprise.
Chelsea vs Lille
Right from when the draw was made, Group H had the potential to be the most intriguing of the eight pools, with all four sides having considerable reason for optimism.
Unfortunately for LOSC Lille—last year’s surprise runners-up in Ligue 1—their campaign is already over after taking just one point to date, but they could end the group stage on a high with a strong result away at Chelsea.
They have reason for optimism too, with the Blues losing their way under rookie manager Frank Lampard.
Article continues below
While the ex-England midfielder overcame a slow start at Stamford Bridge, they’ve struggled in recent matches, winning just one of their last five in all competitions.
Lille, by contrast, have won their last three, with Nigeria superstar Victor Osimhen scoring the winner in their weekend triumph over Brest.
If Chelsea beat Lille, they progress, but failure to do so, and they face the Europa League—unless the result between Ajax and Valencia in Amsterdam goes their way.
[ad_2]
Source link