Bergamo's Team Faces The Blues, Tottenham Welcomes Slavia Prague – A Night of European Football
The focus turns to a crucial evening in the Champions League. A pair of compelling encounters headline the schedule, as teams battling for crucial standings as the group phase continues.
A Question Mark Over Chelsea
What version of the London club will we see in Bergamo? Their previous European performance was a statement, a comprehensive three-goal win against Barcelona which was a high point in their manager's tenure. Yet, form has been unpredictable since then. A credible draw against their London rivals came before a loss at Leeds, and a lackluster stalemate at Bournemouth means they arrive with momentum drained.
Awaiting them is a tricky opponent that sits level on points alongside them. The Italian side endured a 4-0 loss in their first game in Paris but have remained unbeaten on the continent ever since, defying their modest domestic form.
A Must-Win for Tottenham
Similar to their rivals, Ange Postecoglou's side have been famously inconsistent. A 5-3 defeat in Paris, sandwiched between painful defeats in the Premier League, had increased scrutiny on manager the Danish coach. But, the last two league results – four points available – have provided a measure of calm.
This evening, they host Czech opponents yet to win in this year's tournament. These are exactly the type of fixture which Spurs need to be won for any hopes to climb into the top eight, particularly given forthcoming games versus Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt still to come.
Elsewhere Across Europe
The action extends beyond England and Italy. One notable game, the Blaugrana will look to bounce back after their loss as they welcome the German side. At the same time, high-flying PSV will provide a stern test for the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Rounding out the night, Monaco hosts Galatasaray in a match that has all the makings to be a goal-fest. Every game begin at 8pm GMT.
A pivotal night for the tournament standings awaits, as clubs fighting to secure their path towards the knockout rounds.
