Champions League time again and now the Groups are really starting to take shape. Today I will look at Groups A-D, who play today, and tomorrow I will tackle the other four Groups. All kick off times are 7:45 BST or 2:45pm if you are on the US East Coast.
Group A:
Real Sociadad v Manchester United
Manchester United are currently top of Group A but thanks only to an own goal in the previous game against Real Sociadad which proved to be the decider. Away from Old Trafford and in their own ground maybe they will improve and give a test for David Moyes men.
The pressure is on the home side though currently bottom of the Group and yet to get points. A draw would be bad, and all but end their Champions League participation beyond the Group stage, but defeat would be worse. A defeat at home and the wrong result in the other Group A game could see Sociadad’s European participation, in any competition, really end tonight.
Prediction: 1-1
Shakhtar Donetsk v Bayer Leverkusen.
All four teams can still realistically qualify for the next stage at this moment in time. As I said in the previous match preview, one could potentially be eliminated tonight, but as far as these two go everything is still all to be won or lost from here on out.
The visitors are just one point behind leaders United and Shakhtar are only two points behind them. The hosts also have some revenge to get on the visitors with the reverse fixture, match day three, finished in a 4-0 hammering.
Another defeat tonight coupled with a win for United will see, I think, the progression of United and Leverkusen to the next stage. Donetsk will drop down and become involved in the Europa and Sociadad will go home and try again next year.
Prediction: 1-2
Group B:
FC Copenhagen v Galatasary
They may be bottom of Group B but unlike Sociadad in Group A, Copenhagen still have all to play for. The visitors did win when they were hosts a few weeks back but a win tonight for Copenhagen would see them draw level on points.
Realistically Madrid have dominated the Group so far and both these sides will be hoping Juventus doesn’t find form now and defeat the Spanish giants.
That, along with a Galatasary win would be fantastic for the Turkish side and see them five points ahead of third place with only six left to play for.
Ironically that result will see ex Manchester City coach, fired for his lack of Champions League progression, actually have one foot in the door of progressing.
Prediction: 1-1
Juventus v Real Madrid
If Juventus could get something in Italy tonight that would really put the cat among the pigeons. Carlos Tevez said in an interview that he has nothing to be in awe of Ronaldo for. I guess that it could be argued that he shouldn’t be in awe of any player, he has played at the very top for numerous clubs and won everywhere he has been including the Premier League three times, FA Cup and League Cup while in England. Ronaldo has won similar. I think the real decider could be their World Cup successes and so far neither have done that yet, and so I would like to nominate David Silva as better than both of them!
Prediction: 1-3
Group C:
Olympiacos v Benfica
This, much like Group D, is a battle for the remaining Champions League place. It is assumed that PSG, after winning away to Anderlecht, will take care of them at home tonight. With these two currenlty level on points the winner here will have one big foot in the door of Champions League knockout stage and the other will be looking at the consolation of Europa League.
Olympiacos did get a point when they faced off in Portugal a few weeks back. It was also the first time the side had scored on Portuguese soil. It would be a shame to let that advantage and momentum go now you are at home.
Prediction: 1-1
PSG v Anderlecht
Focus is the key for the PSG side ahead of tonight’s game. So close to qualification you can taste it can be a great motivation for a side. Equally it can see you ease off a little and try to coast to qualification.
Laurent Blanc has been around the block enough to know he needs to keep his side motivated for this game, and what could end up being the final push.
In the opposite dugout coach John Van Den Brom will know if his side can get at PSG early on and unsettle them and the crowd they may stand a chance. Otherwise I think it will be long journey home knowing their Champions League progression is likely over and it will be really tough to get the Europa spot.
Prediction: 4-0
Group D:
Manchester City v CSKA Moscow
Manchester City did well to get the victory in a hostile Moscow stadium in front of an extremely hostile crowd. The events of that night have been much reported on already and I will not be going over the old ground. The great response for City though would be to get another win at the Etihad tonight and all but secure progression to the knockout stage.
Honda is the CSKA go to player and was unlucky not to score late on in the game a couple of weeks ago to equalize and but for a great reaction save from Joe Hart he would have. Pantilimon is set to keep his place in the City goal at the expense of Joe Hart and the big Romanian is a bit of an unknown for the opposition it seems.
Prediction: 3-0
Viktoria Plzen v Bayern Munich
Munich have been dominant in the Group stage and Plzen have been tough but ultimately have been undone and are yet to get their first points. They did score two against CSKA on match day two and were tough for 80 minutes against City on the opening day. However three goals in ten minutes or so saw City get the opening day 3-0 victory and CSKA were thankful to an horrendous own goal to ensure their victory. Scoring two goals and conceding eleven in three games is not good and I do not see them making a stand tonight against the current holders of the trophy.
Prediction: 0-3
