Here's a look to this Wednesday's Champions League fixtures throughout Europe. Some mouth watering ties throughout the continent tonight
Group A
Manchester United travel to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen in the BayArena in what could be a pivotal clash for both sides. A win for either team could put them in the driving seat to claim one of the last 16 spots. Leverkusen, under the tutelage of former Liverpool star Sami Hyppia, are in good form at present, 2nd in the Bundesliga only 4 points behind Bayern. United are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw with Cardiff. It's hard to predict the outcome of this game, as Leverkusen are very strong usually at home while United are a little too unpredictable at the moment as David Moyes is still tinkering with his team. However they do have two world class strikers in Rooney and Van Persie, who on their day can win games on their own. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Leverkusen win, but a draw could be on the cards. In the other game Shakhtar host Real Socieded in Ukraine. Sociedad, coming off a 4-3 comeback in the league against Celta Vigo, come into this game on a real high. Carlos Vela is a striker in form after scoring all 4 goals in that game. Shakhtar, with a win can guarantee at least Europa league qualification, and put them in with a shout of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League. I would fancy Shakhtar to win at home, as the Spaniards are not the best of travellers.
Group B
Juventus are in real danger of missing out of the last 16, bottom of the group and having two 'must-win' games. Tonight's game is the easier of the two, at home to Copenhagen. Juve should have won the return game but complacency led to them giving away a sloppy goal. With all the talent they have it would be a real shame if they were not to progress. With Pirlo and Pogba leading the way in midfield, and Tevez and Llorente striking up a formidable partnership, they should have way too much class for a determined Copenhagen side. Real Madrid host Didier Drogba led Galatasaray. Madrid, already qualified and missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo still have a squad capable of beating the Turkish side. But whether they have the determination to beat them is questionable. Galatasaray on the other hand have plenty to play for. It remains to be seen if they are good enough to actually go to the Bernabeu and get a result. I think the best they can hope for is a 0-0 draw.
Group C
PSG have already qualified, and host Greek side Olympiakos in Paris. The Greeks would not traditionally be great travellers and with the quality of the French side it's hard to look past them. With Cavani and Ibrahimovic up-front, and Pastore, Lucas Moura and Thiago Motta in midfield it looks like a tough task for Olympiakos. Javier Saviola and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell combine well up front but the quality is just not there in midfield, Vladimer Weiss is industrious while Brazilian Leandro Salino is solid enough. If PSG don't rest players, I fully expect a win. Benfica travel to Belgium to take on Anderlecht where only a win will do. Anderlecht have shipped a few goals in this group already and as the Portuguese side are quite solid in defence and have a potent attack, with Oscar Cordozo, Markovic, and Sulejmani, a Benfica victory is assured.
Group D
Both Bayern and Manchester City are in the last 16 even before these games kick-off. City at home to Victoria Plzen will probably rest some of their players. Joe Hart may get a start in goal, expect Javier Garcia, Lescott, Rodwell and maybe James Milner and Edin Dzeko to play some part as well. Whatever team they do put out, it should be enough to take care of Plzen. In the other game CSKA Moscow play Bayern Munich in the Luzhniki Stadium. Expect changes for Bayern, but maybe not many as Guardiola is still trying to stamp his mark on the Germans. CSKA like to play attacking football at home so expect them to go all out, while Bayern could sit back and wait for their opportunities. I think Bayern could win this game as they are very experienced in European football and won't panic when under pressure.
Published by @gersloveofsport November 27
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