Next week is a huge one for the English sides in Europe, as three of them head into the final game of the Champions League group stage fighting for a spot in the next round. So far we’ve seen Manchester City book a place, while Arsenal have fought back from the brink. Chelsea and Manchester United have had mixed campaigns, but it all comes down to this last match for them.
The Premier League needs to see all four sides go through, while seeing three teams crash out on one night could spell trouble for English football. This competition used to be dominated by teams from England, but now they’re just fighting to survive. Ahead of the final round of games, we’ve taken a look at every match for the English teams, previewing the game and offering up a great value bet on each.
Tuesday 8th December 2015
Wolfsburg v Manchester United (19:45) – Draw (11/5 with Betfair)
Manchester United passed up the chance to make the last 16 in their last game, as they drew 0-0 with PSV. That’s left the Dutch side within touching distance of the Red Devils, so Louis van Gaal’s side need to win in their last game. Anything short of a win here coupled with a victory for PSV at home to bottom side CSKA Moscow puts United into the Europa League, ending their return to this competition a lot quicker than anyone expected. So, can they get the win needed to survive?
The problem for them is that they face their toughest fixture in the group so far, as they travel to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. The Germans top the group, and United only just about beat them at Old Trafford. On their own patch, they are a tough side to break down, so this is a massive challenge for the Red Devils. A defeat here could also see Wolfsburg crash out, so they’ll not be relaxing in this one. We think that United should be able to grind out a draw here, but we don’t see them having enough to win the game. A point would see Wolfsburg through, but it would leave United sweating.
Manchester City v Monchengladbach (19:45) – City to win and both teams to score (7/4 with Coral)
Manchester City are the only English side to have booked a place in the last 16 already. They currently sit second in their group, well clear of Borussia Monchengladbach. But, after years of tough last 16 draws, they know the perils of failing to win the group. With Juventus facing a potentially tricky game away to Sevilla, City may just have the chance to sneak in to top spot. To do that they’ll need to see of a Gladbach side who are unbeaten in their last three games in Europe.
Gladbach are already out, but they hold on to the Europa League spot ahead of Sevilla, and they might need a result here to stay in third. The entire club seem desperate to stay in Europe past Christmas, so they really can’t afford to slip up here. The German side have a strong team, and given their recent upturn in form they should threaten City, which is why we’re backing them to get on the scoresheet. However, the Citizens have played well in this group barring the games against Juve, and we see them getting a result here to pressure the Italians in the fight for top spot.
Wednesday 9th December 2015
Chelsea v Porto (19:45) – Both teams to score (21/20 with Coral)
There’s no shortage of drama on Wednesday night, as we see two head to head games between teams fighting for progression. First up, Chelsea take on Porto in what was expected to be a fight for first, but it’s now so much more than that. The Portuguese side lost at home to Dynamo Kiev in their last game, and that blew this group wide open. Now, Kiev are third but they have the upper hand, as a win at home to minnows Maccabi Tel-Aviv would secure them a place in the next round.
That’s made this game a battle to go through, as well as one to decide the group winners. It’s winner take all, while the loser is likely to drop down to the Europa League. Chelsea know a point would get them through, but they’d finish behind Kiev if they only took a point. They’ll be pushing for the win in this one, which will leave their struggling defence exposed. With both gunning for the win, we think both teams to score is likely, and it’s fantastic value at 21/20 with Coral.
Olympiakos v Arsenal (19:45) – Arsenal win (21/20 with Betfair)
After a disastrous opening two games Arsenal are back in contention for the last 16, but to make it they have to beat Olympiakos in a specific manner. The Gunners lost at home to the Greek side 3-2, so that gives them the head to head advantage. That means Arsenal have to win by two clear goals, or win by scoring three or more, to take the advantage on away goals. It’s a huge ask, but can Arsene Wenger’s men get over the line?
It certainly won’t be the straightforward result that everyone is expecting, with most still viewing this as a walkover, despite the result in the first meeting. The good thing for Arsenal is that they’ve hit a great patch of form, and their forward line is getting goals. The bad news is their ever growing injury list, which will pose a problem in this one. But, we do see Arsenal getting the three points here. They may not be able to go and thrash the home side to guarantee a spot in the next round, but we think they’re value to get the win at 21/20.