Man United host an already-qualified Bayern at Old Trafford
With only 90 minutes left to maintain their Champions League credentials, Manchester United host an already-qualified Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in their final Group A clash on Tuesday.
Both sides were humiliated domestically over the weekend, as the Red Devils were beaten 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League, while Thomas Tuchel‘s side suffered a shock 5-1 thrashing away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
Man United require a particular set of circumstances to materialise if they are to sneak into second place behind Bayern, whose status as group winners has already been rubber-stamped.
Even if the Red Devils can defy the odds, they would need Copenhagen and Galatasaray – both of whom are one point better off – to play out a stalemate in their contest, otherwise a demotion to the Europa League or complete elimination from continental football will serve to dampen the Christmas spirit even further.
en Hag and his opposite number Thomas Tuchel can at least empathise with one another when it comes to recent domestic hidings, as the German champions suffered their first Bundesliga defeat of the season in incredible circumstances during Saturday’s visit to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Bavarians’ defence should not emerge unscathed either as Man United go all out for a potentially pivotal three points, but only one team should make amends for their humiliating defeat at the weekend, as the hosts’ continental adventure comes to a premature end.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal close out successful campaigns
A Champions League dead-rubber will take place at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday evening, as PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal close out successful Group B campaigns.
Both sides have already entered the pot for the last-16 draw, the hosts as runners-up and Arsenal as group winners, but the Gunners in particular have an incentive to right some recent wrongs in the Netherlands.
While PSV marched to Eredivisie win number 15 of the 2023-24 season at the weekend, Aston Villa stormed to consecutive home league win number 15 on Saturday evening, where erstwhile Arsenal manager Unai Emery put a significant dent in the Gunners’ title aspirations.
While Arteta will naturally demand a response from his crestfallen players on Tuesday, neither the Spaniard nor Gooners should be losing sleep over the result of this inconsequential tie, where PSV should make amends for their 4-0 Emirates embarrassment.
Attacking absences could harm the hosts’ chances of a second home win over the Gunners in the space of two seasons, though, and with both sides potentially electing to save their energy ahead of crucial domestic contests, a low-key draw is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Napoli host Braga as they aim to secure a spot in the last-16 stage
Napoli will be looking to secure their spot in the last-16 stage of the Champions League when they welcome Portuguese outfit Braga to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Tuesday night.
The Italian champions are second in Group C, three points ahead of third-placed Braga, and the hosts would qualify for the next round of the competition with a win, a draw, or a one-goal defeat.
It would be fair to say that it has been a difficult few weeks for Napoli, who will enter this match off the back of three straight losses in all competitions, two of which were damaging defeats in Serie A.
Napoli are yet to win at home in the Champions League this season, losing to Real Madrid and drawing with Union Berlin, but they have never lost at home to Portuguese opposition, winning four and drawing two of their six previous matches, so history could be created on Tuesday night.
Victor Osimhen‘s recent return to fitness is a huge positive, with the Nigeria international starting the last two games, and he will lead the home side’s attack amid speculation surrounding his future in Naples.
Napoli are a difficult team to back at the moment, even on home soil. It would be a shock to see Braga secure the result that they need in order to finish second, but we are expecting the visitors to claim a point, which would guarantee their spot in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milan and Real Sociedad battle for top spot in Group D
In a straight fight for top spot in Group D of the Champions League, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad meet at San Siro on Tuesday evening.
The two teams – who drew 1-1 in September’s reverse fixture – have cruised through to the last 16 without losing, and both will be intent on finishing their group campaign with a flourish.
Simone Inzaghi‘s side have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages, sitting on 11 points in Group D alongside Tuesday’s visitors, following an eventful 3-3 draw with Benfica last time out in Europe.
Inter Milan now conclude their successful group-stage campaign back home in Milan, where they have won six of their last seven Champions League home fixtures, including both games this season.
By contrast, Real Sociedad only need one point from their final fixture to secure first place in Group D – and with it a potentially favourable draw in the last 16 – as their goal difference is superior to Inter’s after five matches.
Without a great deal at stake, both sides may rest some weary legs for the challenges ahead, but it should still be an engaging tussle between the undisputed top two in Group D. Inter have only slipped up once at San Siro this season and boast impressive squad depth, so it is the Nerazzurri that will celebrate claiming first place.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
