The third round of Champions League group play is here! Here's a preview of the games taking place today.
Group E
Debrecen vs. Fiorentina
Debrecen is the only team in Group E with no points in two games, while Fiorentina has 3. The Hungarian team will really have to step up their game if they want to make it out of the group stages.
Liverpool vs. Lyon
Liverpool has come under harsh criticism as of late- they suffered another defeat in the Premier League this season, setting them in 7th place overall. Lyon, however, are undefeated in the CL, and just lost their first game of 9 in the French Premier League. If Liverpool wants to make a statement about their capabilities as a soccer team, it will be made during this game.
Group F
FC Barcelona vs FK Rubin Kazan
Barcelona leads the table with 4 points while Kazan have only 1. However, after a weekend draw against Valencia, I'm starting to wonder if Barcelona is starting to run out of steam due to their grueling schedule. A win over Kazan would give them a confidence boost to continue their winning ways.
Inter Milan vs Dynamo Kiev
Inter, while leading the Italian Premier League by 2 points, has only 2 points in the CL, with two draws to Barcelona and FK Rubin Kazan. Inter will definitely be looking to make a statement this round against Dynamo after their poor showings the first two rounds.
Group G
Rangers vs Unirea Urziceni
Both teams have only one point from their last two games, meaning a win for both is absolutely necessary to stay in the running for a future in the tournament. My money is on DeMarcus Beaseley and the Rangers. Hopefully.
VfB Stuttgart vs Sevilla FC
Sevilla is definitely a force to be reckoned with this year. They are 3rd place in the Spanish Premier League, they gave Real Madrid their only defeat of the season (so far), and are leading Group 6 with two wins and 6 points, the max up to this point. Stuttgart has tied twice, and I don't think the Romanian team will be able to compete with Luis Fabiano and Sevilla.
Group H
AZ Alkmaar vs Arsenal
Arsenal, while being ridden with injury as of late, are leading Group H with 6 points, and also sit comfortably in 4th place in the EPL. Alkmaar has only one point in two games. Arsenal should have little difficulty sealing the win.
Olympiakos vs Standard Liege
Both teams have only one point in the standings. This is a crucial game for both to decide who will still have a chance to continue.
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