Matchday six of this season’s Champions League group stage is upon us – we can’t believe how quick it has gone either. With all the English sides already confirmed as through to the knockout stages, there may be key players rested as managers look to continue to build momentum heading into the round of 16 in the New Year. Here is all you need to know about the final fixtures of the group stage.
RB Leipzig v Manchester City
These two sides gifted us an entertaining nine-goal thriller back in September as City ran out 6-3 winners. With Pep Guardiola’s side already through as group winners and Leipzig already eliminated, there is nothing to play for in this fixture but it gives the Spaniard the chance to maybe try something different with his lineup.
Where: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
When: Tuesday 7th December, 5:45pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 14 games against German opponents in the Champions League (W13 D1), a run which began in November 2014 with a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich.
AC Milan v Liverpool
Liverpool are already comfortably through to the knockout stages in the so-called group of death, which means all eyes will be on AC Milan. They need a victory if they are to have any chance of joining Liverpool past the group stage and they will be hoping to carry over the momentum they built by defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 last time out at Wanda Metropolitano. With Milan, Atletico Madrid, and Porto standing a chance of progressing in this final matchday, this will undoubtedly be the group to follow.
Where: San Siro, Milan
When: Tuesday 7th December, 8pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: English teams have won five of their last six away games against AC Milan in European competition (L1), with Arsenal in February 2012 the only team to fail to win in this run.
Zenit v Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel will be delighted that his side are already booked in for the knockout stages as Chelsea’s injury list continues to grow. The Blues lost in-form defender Trevoh Chalobah last week and Kai Havertz was forced off in their recent Premier League defeat against West Ham United. The German coach may give some of his regular starters a rest, and it may give the opportunity for his fringe players to make an impression.
Where: Gazprom Arena, St Petersburg
When: Wednesday 8th December, 5:45pm
How to watch: BT Sport 3
Sportsman stat: Zenit will become the second Russian team to reach 200 games across all European competitions, after Spartak Moscow (277).
Manchester United v Young Boys
In recent weeks, Manchester United have looked a lot more organised and the players look unified in fighting for the shirt since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure. Ralf Rangnick is sure to build on that and he will want to see his players avenge their away defeat against their Swiss opponents earlier in the season.
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Wednesday 8th December, 8pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: This is only the fourth meeting in history between the two sides.
Fixture list in full
Tuesday
RB Leipzig v Manchester City
PSG v Club Brugge
Ajax v Sporting CP
Porto v Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid v Inter Milan
AC Milan v Liverpool
Shakhtar Donetsk v Sherriff Tiraspol
Borussia Dortmund v Besiktas
Wednesday
Zenit v Chelsea
Juventus v Malmo
Benfica v Dynamo Kyiv
Atalanta v Villarreal
Wolfsburg v Lille
RB Salzburg v Sevilla
Manchester United v Young Boys
Bayern Munich v Barcelona
*All odds courtesy of Betfred | 18+ | BeGambleAware
