Champions League Match Day 6 Preview
December 7th 2010 11:42
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Tonight brings the final round of this season's Champions League group stage, for half of the teams in the competition. With seven of the eight places in the next round already decided from the groups in action tonight, much of the interest will surround who will top the groups. Meanwhile, Copenhagen and Rubin Kazan will aim to grab that final spot in the last 16.
From an English perspective, Manchester United host Valencia, knowing a draw would be enough to secure top spot. Wayne Rooney scored the winner last time at Rangers, and will be desperate to impress the crowds at Old Trafford, and start winning the fans back. After their weekend match at Blackpool was postponed, United should be well rested, and I'd expect them to win this one. Rangers have already secured 3rd in the group, and travel to Bursaspor in their final game of this season's Champions League, amidst violent scenes in Turkey in recent days.
Tottenham are competing with Inter Milan for 1st place in Group A. Spurs travel to FC Twente, with Inter facing a similarly tricky trip to Werder Bremen. Given the amount of top sides currently lying second in the competition's group stage, it is not necessarily beneficial to top your group. But having impressed hugely so far in their debut Champions League campaign, Tottenham would love to grab top spot.
In Group B, Lyon will win the group if they beat Tel Aviv, with Schalke facing a tough match at Benfica. Rubin Kazan face the daunting prospect, of needing to win away against Barcelona to get through. Even if they pulled off that result, they would still require Copenhagen to drop points at home against Panathanoikos. Safe to say it is a bit of a long shot.
This season's group stage will reached its finale tomorrow night, with the last 16 draw to follow later this month. Tottenham and Manchester United both currently top their groups, and tonight can secure those positions with victory.
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