Bergamo's Team Faces The Blues, Spurs Hosts Slavia Prague – An Evening of European Action
The focus shifts towards a crucial evening in the Champions League. Two fascinating encounters take center stage in the schedule, as teams fighting for crucial points in the group stage.
Chelsea's Inconsistent Form
Which iteration of the London club will show up in Bergamo? Their last European outing was a statement, an emphatic three-goal win against Barcelona that stood as a peak in Enzo Maresca's tenure. Yet, form has been elusive since then. A solid draw against Arsenal came before a defeat away to Leeds United, followed by a dour stalemate on the south coast has left them with confidence sapped.
They face a dangerous opponent that sits level on points with them. La Dea endured a 4-0 opening defeat in Paris but have gone undefeated on the continent ever since, contrasting somewhat modest domestic form.
Spurs Seeking Consistency
Similar to their rivals, Ange Postecoglou's side can be famously inconsistent. A heavy defeat in Paris, coming between disappointing losses in the Premier League, piled pressure on boss Thomas Frank. But, the last two league results – four points from six – have offered a measure of calm.
This evening, they welcome Czech opponents still searching for their first victory in the competition. These are precisely the kind of fixture which Spurs need to be won if they are to climb into the top eight, particularly given forthcoming games against Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.
The Evening's Other Games
The action extends beyond England and Italy. In a notable game, Barcelona will look to bounce back after their loss when they host Eintracht Frankfurt. At the same time, high-flying PSV will provide a major challenge for the backline of Atlético Madrid. Rounding out the night, Monaco hosts Galatasaray in an encounter that has all the makings to be a goal-fest. Every game begin this evening.
A pivotal evening in the group stage is upon us, with teams striving for their path into the latter stages.