Chelsea travel to Basel in search of a win that guarantees their progress to the last 16. With 9 points in the bag already, Chelsea look for revenge in Basel as they were beaten at home early in the group-stage. Ashley Cole is likely to miss out due to a rib injury, also Fernando Torres has rejoined the squad but is unlikely to start. Samuel Eto'o will probably start up front on his own. I would expect Chelsea to win this game quite handily as they are beginning to show good form in recent weeks and with progress in the group dependant on a win, surely that would be enough motivation foe the Londoners. In the other game in the group Steaua Bucharest play host to Schalke 04, a win for Schalke will see them battle it out with Basel for the second qualifying spot. Where as a win for home side Steaua will keep them in with a shout in the group.
Group F
This group is very interesting as Arsenal and Napoli have 9 points with Borussia Dortmund 6, Marseille are out of the group. Arsenal at home to Marseille is looking very like a home win for the gunners. They have been playing some superb football of late, with Olivier Giroud on fire. With Theo Walcott now back from injury it give Arsenal even more ammunition. Their midfield is very strong with Ozil, Ramsey and Cazorla gelling very well. If they can keep it tight at the back surely a home win is on. Borussia Dortmund's home game against Napoli should be a cracker. A win for Napoli would cement their qualification to the next stage, but if Dortmund win it will set up a brilliant last matchday. Napoli captain Marek Hamsik is a major doubt for Rafa Benitez, coming off injured only 10 minutes after coming on in Saturday's loss to Parma. Dortmund have a defensive crisis, also losing at the weekend to Bayern. I would fancy a Dortmund win in this as they have great attacking options, it just depends if they can keep Napoli out. It should make for interesting viewing.
Group G
Already qualified, Atletico Madrid travel to Zenit with a very different squad to that which has played in the competition so far. With Diego Simeone resting so many players an opportunity arises for Zenit to take command of the second spot. However when you are expected to win, you sometimes don't have the right attitude or application,so Zenit will need to be focused. Atletico's fringe players will no doubt want to impress and will have no fear. It wouldn't surprise me if this ends in a draw.
Porto should have too much for Austria Vienna in the other game. With the quality they posses and the fact they are at home means they should be the banker of the night.
Group H
Barcelona travel to Amsterdam to take on Ajax. Already qualified Barca really have nothing to play for where as Ajax have it all to play for. A win for Ajax will keep them in the mix, but a defeat could spell the end of their hopes depending on the result in the other game. At Parkhead, Celtic host a beleaguered Milan team who could well be there for the taking. Milan are struggling mightily in Serie A and with fan protests and manager Allegri under immense pressure. If Celtic put it up to them early on it could be another wondeful night in Glasgow. James Forrest has passed a fitness test, but Scott Brown and Nir Biton are suspended.
Published by @gersloveofsport 26 November
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