Sportsnet’s soccer panel offer their picks, predictions and analysis of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League group stage matches.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal
James Sharman: Talk about a benchmark week for Arsenal. Coming off an impressive win over Liverpool on Saturday, Arsenal now travels to Dortmund before another crunch Premier League tilt with Manchester United next Sunday. So much for the soft schedule. Don’t forget, questions were raised two weeks ago when Arsene Wenger’s troops were beaten by Dortmund at the Emirates. A League Cup loss to Chelsea followed, and the wonderful start to the season suddenly had some wrinkles. That is why the Liverpool win was so important. Despite missing Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal’s midfield was outstanding. It will need to be against Dortmund, too. Wilshere is out again, as is Flamini.
Dortmund’s midfield is as strong as any in Europe, and despite Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky’s fine form of late, Arsenal will be in tough. Dortmund is coming off a 6-1 humbling of a red hot Stuttgart. Robert Lewandowski’s hat trick stole the headlines, but the inspired play of Marco Reus was the real story. We know how outstanding he can be, but of late he has kicked it up another gear. This is another salivating encounter, but I can’t see anything other than a Dortmund win.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund wins 2-1.
Wednesday programming alert: Watch Zenit St Petersburg vs. FC Porto (on Sportsnet World, noon ET), Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal (on Sportsnet), Ajax vs. Celtic (on Sportsnet ONE), Barcelona vs. AC Milan (on Sportsnet 360) and Chelsea vs. Schalke (on Sportsnet World). Also, watch these three games exclusively on Sportsnet World Online: Atletico Madrid vs. Austria Wien, FC Basel vs. Steaua Bucuresti, and Napoli vs. Marseille. Live coverage begins at 2:30 pm ET/11:30 pm PT. | TV schedule
Barcelona vs. AC Milan
James Doyle: When Milan hosted Barcelona on the last matchday, things weren’t going well for the Rossoneiri. They were in a disappointing spot in the Serie A table, and their Champions League campaign was struggling to get off the ground. But the embattled Italians did themselves credit, earning a hard-fought draw, holding mighty Barca to just one goal.
The problem? They haven’t won since. Losses to Parma and Fiorentina and a draw with Lazio have allowed Milan to slip to 11th in Serie A with five losses already in the young season. Mario Balotelli has just three league goals, not nearly enough to make up for a backline that has allowed 19 in Serie A. Things are not well for AC Milan. And now, with their Champions League fate in the balance, they head to the Camp Nou to face a Barcelona side that’s unbeaten all season, that has won three straight—including a Clasico—since that Champions League match at the San Siro.
It could get messy. Barca have the edge on Milan all over the pitch—they’ve scored 34 goals in 12 league matches, and allowed just seven (both best in La Liga). They’re getting production from Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and, increasingly, Neymar. Even as Lionel Messi has struggled in the league, he’s got four goals in two Champions League appearances. Milan have troubles aplenty this year. Barcelona probably can’t remember what a run of bad form feels like. Anything other than a big Barcelona win would be a surprise.
Prediction: Barcelona wins 3-0.
Chelsea vs. Schalke
Gerry Dobson: It would be too much to suggest that Chelsea is a team in turmoil, but they are a team with questions. A six-game unbeaten streak ended on the weekend courtesy of a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, prompting manager Jose Mourinho to question whether or not his club is made of the right stuff. They are facing a glorious opportunity to take charge of their group, however. After an opening loss to Swiss club Basel, Chelsea has posted consecutive away shutouts, 4-0 at Steau Bucharest, and 3-0 at Schalke last time out.
For its part, Schalke is in a mess. They did defeat Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga on the weekend, but they have struggled this season. Injuries have depleted Jens Keller’s side and even the manager is now on the hot seat.
With first place in the group at stake this is a great chance for Chelsea to rebound from a disappointing league loss, take advantage of a team in turmoil and grab all three points to vault into first place in the group with two matches remaining. Mourinho is a great motivator and will get it right this time.
Prediction: Chelsea wins 3-1.
Zenit St. Petersburg vs. FC Porto
Thomas Michalakos: The bitter cold of a St. Petersburg night awaits its Portuguese visitors on Wednesday, and the stakes are very high following a surprising 1-0 defeat at Estadio Dragao on match-day three. Despite a valiant effort, and playing with 10 men for the majority of the game following Hector Herrera’s comical collection of yellow cards, Porto succumbed to a late strike by Alexander Kerzhakov, with the sucker punch being set up by former Portista and fan favourite Hulk, who triumphantly marked his return to a respectful and appreciative crowd.
Zenit have lost just one of their last 10 Champions League home matches (four wins and five draws), though, their visitors also boast a stellar record on their travels to Russia–winning four of five and never once failing to get on the score sheet. Expect a tight game. Zenit’s last three victories have ended 1-0, while Porto have kept four clean sheets in their last six European away games. Chances are good the final result will mirror the reverse fixture, with the visitors being the victors.
Prediction: Porto wins 1-0.
Soccer Central podcast: Sportsnet is proud to announce the launch of the Soccer Central podcast, hosted by James Sharman, Brendan Dunlop and Thomas Dobby. To listen and subscribe to the podcast, CLICK HERE.