Here we go again with Champions League soccer. Yesterday I spoke about Groups E-H today I will deal with the games to be played later today, which are Groups A, B, C and D.
This is where the Groups start to take shape as we reach the halfway point of the competition so these games could be vital for some of the clubs struggling right now.
All games are scheduled for kick off at the same time (7:45 BST/2:45 ET) with the exception of CSKA Moscow v Manchester City. That game is scheduled for an earlier time of 5pm BST/midday ET.
GROUP A:
Bayer Leverkusen v Shakhtar Donetsk.
Everything is still all to play for in this group but a home defeat would surely see Champions League progression become that much harder for the German side. Sami Hyypia (the Ex Liverpool player) will be looking for his side to build on the weekends result where they held on to a 2-1 away win, saving a penalty in the process.
With Donetsk though they find themselves a tough opposition. A win would certainly increase their European profile but standing in their way is Leverkusen’s record against Ukranian sides, which is currently an undefeated one.
Prediction: 2-0
Manchester United v Real Sociedad.
David Moyes would be grateful that his attentions will turn to Champions League now and away from the domestic league. Currently joint top of the pot and playing at home against the side who are yet to register points could be great for him to get fans back onside but, imagine a loss or defeat?
Vidic and Ferdinand are recovering from injuries and so are doubtful for this particular clash. Cleverley and Welbeck could be back for the game so it will be interesting to see what side steps out tonight.
For the visitors any points they get from this game will be good. After a come from behind win away to Valencia at the weekend the side will certainly be flowing with confidence, add to that the United defensive absentees and it there is no better time for Sociadad to pick up their first points.
Prediction: 2-2
GROUP B:
Galatasaray v FC Copenhagen.
Two ex Manchester City figures could be involved in the progression on the Turkish side tonight. Ex Manager Roberto Mancini will have to decide if fellow ex Manchester City player, although not there at the same time as the Italian, Albert Riera will play at the vacant left back position.
So far both sides have just the single point after both losing to Madrid and drawing with Juventus. The next two games will be vital for both, with the next game being a reverse of this one.
Copenhagen have posed their manager a similar selection problem as Mancini although Solbakken has a full strength squad to select from.
Prediction: 2-1
Real Madrid v Juventus.
Gareth Bale may return for Madrid for the game tonight which will be great for Madrid fans, but not so much for Juventus. Madrid are currently four points clear of second place Juventus and a win tonight would all but secure their progression to the next stage.
Juventus, like their hosts, are also undefeated in this Group. Unfortunately they are also winless with two draws in the opening two games, against easier opposition. Their weekend game has not exactly installed confidence going into the game though with a 2-0 lead being surrendered for a 4-2 defeat against Fiorentina, all four goals coming in 14 second half minutes.
Prediction: 3-0
GROUP C:
Anderlecht v PSG.
It is bottom versus top in Group C and a defeat for Anderlecht would almost certainly see their chances to progress to any competition disappear.
Unfortunately for the home side, Paris St Germain are in fine form, both in Champions League and their domestic league and could be outsiders to win the whole thing. Just as a loss for the home team would see their chances of progression diminish, a win for the away side will see their progression all but secured.
The teams met in the knockout stage back in the 1992/93 competition. Back then PSG won out over the two legs, but only on away goals. A lot has changed since then and I really don’t see it being that tight this time around.
Prediction: 1-3
Benfica v Olympiacos.
If you are to assume, as I am, that PSG will progress and Anderlecht will finish bottom then that makes this game a potential play off for decider as to who goes through and who drops down to the Europa competition.
From that point of view it puts a little more pressure on Benfica with them being the home side this time around. These teams have met five times with three wins for the Portuguese side and the other two were wins for the Greeks, however Olympiacos are still yet to score in Portugal against Benfica.
Prediction: 2-1
GROUP D:
CSKA Moscow v Manchester City
Comments before the game has focused on the state of the pitch from the Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini. Just like the Benfica versus Olympiacos fixture in Group C this game is also a match for second place.
For City, Kompany could still be missing, but Demichelis may be making his City debut. This will certainly be a relief for City fans who are nervous when Javi Garcia steps in a center back.
There is history with City players maybe wanting to level the score with the Russian side on a personal level. Edin Dzeko scored against them in a 2-1 defeat while he was at a previous employer. The Ex Sevilla duo, Navas and Negredo, also went our to Moscow over two legs four years ago.
Prediction: 1-1
Bayern Munich v Victoria Plzen
You have to feel a little sorry for Plzen who haven’t played that badly throughout this competition so far. A short blistering spell from City in the opening game undid them to the tune of 3-0. Next up they actually took the lead away to Moscow before two goals in ten minutes reversed that. A terrible mistake from the defense resulted in an own goal to make it three but Plzen came back to make it a nervous end for the Russians.
The way Bayern dismantled City a few weeks back was scary and this has the potential to be a hammering for the visitors.
Prediction: 4-0
