Bergamo's Team Hosts The Blues, Spurs Hosts The Czech Side – A Night of Champions League Action
The focus is on an important night of European football. A pair of fascinating fixtures headline the schedule, as sides competing for important standings in the group stage.
A Question Mark Over Chelsea
What version of Chelsea will show up in Bergamo? Their last Champions League outing served as a declaration, a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Barcelona that stood as a high point in Enzo Maresca's reign. However, form has proven elusive afterwards. A solid tie with their London rivals was followed by a loss at Leeds, and a dour stalemate at Bournemouth has left them with momentum sapped.
Awaiting them is a tricky opponent that sits tied in the standings with them. La Dea endured a heavy loss in their first game at PSG yet have gone undefeated in Europe ever since, defying their modest results in Serie A.
A Must-Win for Tottenham
Much like their London counterparts, Tottenham have been notoriously inconsistent. A 5-3 loss away to PSG, coming between painful defeats in the Premier League, had increased scrutiny on boss the Danish coach. But, recent league results – a win and a draw available – have provided a measure of calm.
This evening, they host a Slavia Prague side yet to win in this year's tournament. This is precisely the kind of fixture which Spurs need to secure three points from if they are of climbing towards the knockout places, particularly given forthcoming challenges versus Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt still to come.
The Evening's Other Games
The drama is not limited to those two matches. One notable game, the Blaugrana will look to bounce back after their loss as they welcome the German side. Meanwhile, high-flying PSV Eindhoven will provide a stern test to the defence of Atlético Madrid. Finally, Monaco hosts the Turkish champions in a match which promises to be a high-scoring affair. All matches begin at 8pm GMT.
A pivotal night in the group stage awaits, as clubs striving for their path towards the knockout rounds.