Battle of Britain & more tonight
November 24th 2010 11:15
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
There will be a tense and steamy, yet electric atmosphere at Ibrox tonight, as Glasgow Rangers, welcome Manchester United to town. They will also be welcoming the prodigal son, Sir Alex Ferguson 'home'. But more than just a match being played for pride, this game has huge significance in Champions League Group C. After a 0-0 between the sides at Old Trafford, Rangers know they need to win tonight to stay in contention for progress. For United, a draw would see them through.
The English side lead the group on ten points, but with Valencia on 7 and Rangers 5, United have to face both those sides in their final two games. Ferguson will know that going into the final game with Valencia needing a result will be difficult, so will want to get a last 16 place booked tonight. But the Scottish side will be eager to show they are no European make weights, and make it to the knock-out stages.
Valencia host Bursaspor in the group's other game, in a must win clash for them. Victory for the Spaniards, and Rangers failing to win, would also see their name go into the hat for the next round.
In Group B, Benfica travel too Tel-Aviv, and a win could put them in a great position in this close group. Schalke and Lyon meet in the other game, and despite seeming out of it after three rounds of matches, Benfica have a good chance to qualify should they win tonight.
I think the most interestingly set up group in the competition, is Group A. Tottenham are top, ahead of Inter on goal difference, both on 7 points. FC Twente have 5, and surprisingly, Werder Bremen only two. Spurs and Inter host Bremen and Twente tonight, respectively, and if they both win then we will know which teams are going through. But I just don't think it will be that easy. Should either of Twente or Bremen stay in contention, they are the home sides in the final round of matches, and could cause an upset.
From an English perspective, Tottenham have been brilliant value for money so far in the Champions League, and I'd love them to win tonight, and move a big step closer to the next round.
The final group in action tonight, Group D, sees Barcelona travel to Greek side Panathanaikos, looking to wrap up the group. The Spanish giants have stumbled through the group so far, but are top, ahead of Copenhagen by a point. They could also make it through tonight, but have a tricky trip away to Rubin Kazan to deal with. Should the home sides put in good performances tonight, this group could go right to the wire.
With big teams such as Arsenal, Inter and Valencia currently sitting second in their groups, not only is getting into the last 16 important, but where you come in the group as well. There is potential for some great first knock-out ties to be drawn as things stand.
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