Atalanta Takes On The Blues, Spurs Hosts Slavia Prague – A Night of Champions League Football
The focus turns to an important night of European football. Two fascinating fixtures take center stage in the schedule, with sides competing for important points in the group stage.
The Chelsea Conundrum
What version of Chelsea will appear in Bergamo? Their last Champions League performance served as a declaration, a comprehensive three-goal win against Barcelona which was a high point for their manager's reign. However, form has been unpredictable since then. A credible tie against their London rivals came before a loss away to Leeds United, and a lackluster stalemate at Bournemouth has left them with confidence drained.
Awaiting them is a dangerous Atalanta that sits level on points alongside them. La Dea suffered a heavy opening defeat at PSG but have gone undefeated in Europe ever since, contrasting somewhat mid-table domestic form.
Tottenham's Test
Similar to their London counterparts, Ange Postecoglou's side have been notoriously inconsistent. A heavy defeat away to PSG, sandwiched between disappointing defeats to Arsenal and Fulham, piled scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank. However, the last two league results – four points available – have offered some stability.
Tonight, they welcome a Slavia Prague side still searching for their first victory in this year's tournament. This is precisely the kind of match which Spurs need to secure three points from if they are to climb towards the knockout places, especially with forthcoming challenges versus Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt still to come.
Other Key Fixtures
The action is not limited to England and Italy. One notable game, Barcelona will aim to bounce back from their defeat as they welcome the German side. Meanwhile, high-flying PSV Eindhoven pose a stern test to the defence of Atlético Madrid. Finally, AS Monaco entertains Galatasaray in an encounter that has all the makings to be a goal-fest. Every game kick off this evening.
A pivotal night for the tournament standings is upon us, as clubs striving to secure a route towards the knockout rounds.
