The focus is on a pivotal evening in the Champions League. Two compelling encounters headline the schedule, with sides fighting for important points in the group stage.
The Chelsea Conundrum
What version of Chelsea will show up in Bergamo? Their previous Champions League outing served as a declaration, an emphatic three-goal win over Barcelona which was a high point in Enzo Maresca's reign. Yet, form has proven elusive since then. A credible tie against Arsenal was followed by a defeat away to Leeds United, and a lackluster stalemate on the south coast has left them with confidence drained.
Awaiting them is a dangerous opponent that sits level on points with them. La Dea suffered a 4-0 opening defeat at PSG but have gone undefeated on the continent ever since, defying their modest results in Serie A.
Spurs Seeking Consistency
Much like their rivals, Tottenham have been notoriously inconsistent. A heavy loss away to PSG, sandwiched between disappointing losses in the Premier League, piled pressure on manager the Danish coach. But, the last two league results – a win and a draw available – have provided a measure of calm.
Tonight, they host a Slavia Prague side still searching for their first victory in the competition. These are precisely the kind of match which Spurs need to secure three points from for any hopes to climb towards the knockout places, particularly given forthcoming games against Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt still to come.
The Evening's Other Games
The action is not limited to those two matches. One key encounter, the Blaugrana will look to respond from their defeat when they host the German side. Meanwhile, high-flying PSV will provide a major challenge for the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Rounding out the night, Monaco hosts the Turkish champions in an encounter that has all the makings of a potential high-scoring affair. Every game kick off at 8pm GMT.
A crucial evening for the tournament standings is upon us, with teams striving for their path towards the knockout rounds.
