Champions League (Match-Week 5 Preview)

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The Champions League returns today (26th) and there are a host of exciting matches to look forward to over the next two days. Let’s run over the highlight games this match-week.



Real Madrid vs PSG (26/11/19):













Arguably the best match of the week (across all leagues), Real Madrid vs PSG is set up to be a competitive reverse fixture. The first match saw PSG dismantle a ‘weak’ Real Madrid team at the Parc des Princes 3-0. Real Madrid were missing Marcelo and Ramos. PSG were missing Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani (a bigger loss than of Real Madrid’s). Despite having a makeshift attack of Sarabia, Icardi and Di Maria, they scored three goals. Zidane was close to the sack after that match. Fortunately for Zidane, he has been able to steer Madrid back to the top and has made them a force to reckon with.





                                                                                                                                                                  







Real Madrid will have home advantage and their captain this time, however PSG have their entire attack too. As for the table, this match will not affect it that much, because no matter what happens, PSG are poised for a first-placed finish, with Real Madrid 2nd if Club Brugge drop any points. This match is important so both teams can pick up momentum and establish themselves as a genuine title contender. There are no significant weaknesses in either side. We can expect the match to be very tight and exciting.

(Prediction: 2-1)  


Tottenham vs Olympiacos (26/11/19):


                                                                                                                                                                  








This will be Jose Mourinho’s first Champions League match as a Tottenham manager. He seems sharper as a person and that has translated into his team. Mourinho is one to learn from his mistakes, so we can expect a defensively better performance today than what we saw against West Ham. Going forward, Spurs seem very dangerous; something we didn’t see for a while under Pochettino. We have to wait to know whether this resurgence is just a temporary effect or something more long-lasting.

(Prediction: 4-0)                                                                                              


Juventus vs Atletico Madrid (26/11/19):

Cristiano Ronaldo last year after scoring a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the RO16












                                                                                                                                            
Both these teams are playing well below their standards this season. Juventus are still good enough to win Serie A and Atletico are still just about in the race for the La Liga title. But both of them are not anywhere near good enough to challenge the best in the Champions League. Juventus should have the edge as they are home and have Cristiano Ronaldo; who has a lethal goal-scoring record against Atletico. This match looks much better on paper than how it will actually turn out. Don’t be surprised if we see a 0-0 draw as both teams sometimes are just flat-footed upfront.

(Prediction: 2-0)


Valencia vs Chelsea (27/11/19):














  

 Group H is the tightest group to call right now. They have three teams (Chelsea, Valencia, Ajax) all on 7 points with Ajax having a much superior goal difference. It is a must-win match for Valencia as they have to face Ajax (away) next and Chelsea will visit Lille (who are on 1 point). A point for Chelsea should almost guarantee them 2nd place. Chelsea are too good at the moment to put down. They bossed City in the midfield and controlled the game. City just took their chances and secured the win. Valencia don’t have the firepower City did against Chelsea and will most likely crumble against an in-form Chelsea team.

(Prediction: 2-1)


Barcelona vs Dortmund (27/11/19):



To be honest, both teams are a shambles at the moment. Barca lack an identity and can't defend to save their lives. Dortmund on the other hand are extremely inconsistent and can’t build any form of momentum. Barcelona were lucky to win 2-1 against Leganes (20th in the league) and had to rely on set-pieces for their goals; open play mostly didn't seem to work. Dortmund were disastrous against Paderborn (newly promoted team and are bottom of the table). They were 3-0 down at half-time at home and had to come back in the second half to get a draw.

Marco Reus during Dortmund's 3-3 draw against Paderborn

Barcelona are the home team and get a significant advantage from this. They also generally perform very well at home. As a result of this, I don’t think Dortmund stand a chance against Messi and Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

(Prediction: 2-0)


Liverpool vs Napoli:


Liverpool won 2-1 against Crystal Place during the weekend.

 















Napoli got the better of them in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Liverpool will be looking for sweet, sweet revenge this time. If Liverpool win, they are guaranteed a first-place finish. Salah is expected to be back for the game, which will allow Liverpool to play using their strongest XI. Napoli haven’t won a game in 5 matches and their chances against an in-form Liverpool team looks bleak.

(Prediction: 3-0)

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