With the second set of matches set to unfold this week in the Champions League, I thought I'd point out which I think will make for intriguing fixtures.
1. Manchester Utd. v. AS Roma (at Old Trafford) Tuesday, Oct. 2
As one of two matches that should determine who wins the group, this is the biggest game on day two.
United are winning now after a slow start, but not really scoring. After another 1-0 victory over Birmingham on the weekend, they have won five matches in all competitions by a goal to nil. Not the sort of play that stirs the imagination. Furthermore, with Edwin Van der Sar picking up an injury on Saturday, the odds of a clean sheet against any team, let alone Roma are much slimmer.
Roma, on the other hand, are playing very attractive football. While they did lose 1-4 to Inter over the weekend, they have averaged two goals a game in Serie A and looked good in their opening CL game versus Dynamo Kyiv. They will also be seeking revenge for the 1-7 humiliation they suffered in last season's competition.
Both teams are far from ironclad at the back and potent going forward. Look for more than two goals in this match, with a 2-2 draw a likely result.
2. Valencia v. Chelsea (at the Mestalla), Wednesday, Oct. 3
This match will prove to be Avram Grant's biggest test since taking over Chelsea from Jose Mourinho.
He essentially got a pass in his first match against Manchester United where his side lost 0-2. They easily won versus Hull in the League Cup, but only managed a goalless draw against Fulham on the weekend.
Valencia will be a much tougher test, particularly with captain John Terry out with a fractured cheek bone. Any result short of a draw in this match will put Chelsea's Champions League hopes in jeopardy.
For their part, Valencia will look to avenge their elimination from last season's competition at the hands of their rivals. They sit third in Spain with five victories already this season and atop CL group B after defeating Schalke 04 on matchday 1. On current for, Valencia look to be a challenge to any squad in Europe.
Look for Valencia to win 1-0 and add to Chelsea's woes.
3. Celtic v. AC Milan (at Celtic Park), Wednesday, Oct. 3
A test of Celtic's impeccable home record in European competition against the reigning European champions.
Celtic have shown flashes of brilliance so far this season, but stumbled to defeat against Hibs on the weekend. They lost their opening match in group D 0-2 to Shaktar in a difficult Eastern European fixture. Celtic play excellent football at home (all their CL points come at home), so they should test the mettle of the Italian giants.
Milan on the other hand are starting to show their age. With only 3 victories in CL, Serie A and the Super Cup this season, Milan have faltered out of the gate. They may feel lucky to escape this match with a draw.
I see Celtic coming through this match with a 1-0 victory, putting Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti's job under further scrutiny.
Other Odd Facts
- The match against Steaua will be Arsenal's first match away from London since visiting Blackburn on Aug. 19.
- The match between Inter and PSV will pit Roberto Mancini against Ronald Koeman. The pair battled in the 1992 European Cup Final as members of Sampdoria and Barcelona respectively.
- Prediction: After scoring in his past two matches, Yossi Benayoun will not feature for Liverpool.
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