Phew, the Champions League is Back

Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Bayern Munich v Fiorentina

Hot or Not: Bayern Munich - Level on points at the top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Leverkusen, Munich have won their last three league fixtures scoring on average 3 goals a game. Fiorentina – 11th place in Serie A, a staggering 23 points off top spot, La Viola head to Munich on the back of three crushing league losses.

History: The two sides met in the group stage of the competition last season, with Bayern winning 3-0 at home and drawing 1-1 in Florence.

One to watch: Alberto Gilardino. The Italian hitman has never scored against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and he’s running out of chances. Without a win in his four starts against the German giants, all eyes will be on Gilardino to turn the tie with his predatory eye for goal and willingness to chase lost causes.

Alberto Gilardino - Waving greatness goodbye?

FC Porto v Arsenal

Hot or Not: FC Porto – The 2004 Champions League winners find themselves uncharacteristically in third place in the Portuguese Liga, 9 points behind leaders Benfica. However, their last loss in all competitions came back in November against Chelsea at home. Arsenal - 3rd place in the Premiership with the top prize not out of sight. Arsene Wenger‘s men head to Porto on the back of a moral boosting 1-0 win over Liverpool.

History: Porto and Arsenal shared the spoils during the 2008 Champions League group stage, with home field advantage proving decisive as Arsenal won 4-0 at the Emirates and Porto ran out 2-0 winners at the Dragao.

One to watch: Hulk. The FC Porto striker shot to stardom this season with a number of powerful and bruising displays in attack. Linked with a move to the Emirates before the January transfer window, a good display over two-legs could see Arsenal miss out  on the Brazilian’s talents to wealthier competition come the summer.

Hulk - His power knows no bounds

Check back next week for a preview of the remaining four fixtures…

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Stuttgart v Barcelona

Olympiacos v Bordeaux

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

CSKA Moscow v Sevilla

Inter Milan v Chelsea

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