UCL Judgement Day: 7 key clashes to watch out for

The last matchday of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League is always full of drama, making or breaking the dreams of teams hoping to progress into the lucrative and prestigious knockout stages with the prospect of being crowned Europe’s best. This time it is no less dramatic. With teams such as Bayern Munich, defending champions FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan already having secured qualification, the competition for the remaining places is intense. There are many heavy weight teams such as Manchester United and the new boys on the block from the other side of Manchester having to consider the possibility of Europa League football, something quite unthinkable when the groups were formed. We take a look at 7 key clashes which may be instrumental in deciding the last 16 line-up.

Manchester United vs FC Basel

Basel will be a tough nut to crack for Man Utd

Manchester United believed that they had the easiest group, but Basel and Benfica have forced them to think again squeezing out draws at Old Trafford. This season, the Theatre of Dreams has not been a bed of roses for United. And now they have to travel to Switzerland and play Basel on their home turf to confirm progress into the last 16. Basel also don’t have a 100% record at the St. Jakob’s Park, having lost to Benfica 0-2 on Matchday 2. Of late United have not been close to the blistering form with which they opened the campaign and have struggled to get solitary goal wins. The spate of recent injuries also has not helped Sir Alex, with Cleverley, Anderson, Berbatov and Hernandez all out. However, Fergie has his first choice defence with him. A draw will do for the men in red, but they will surely look to make a statement of intent after their dismal form in the last few matches. Basel, however, will fancy their chances against a weakened Man Utd and try to use the home advantage to press for a win, in which case United will have to wait on the result of the other Group C match of the night between Otelul and Benfica.

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

Will the star studded Manchester City team reproduce its domestic form in Europe?

The unparalleled resources at the disposal of Roberto Mancini may have propelled Manchester City to the pinnacle of the Barclays Premier League, but it is in Europe where they have not been able to make the same kind of impact. City will be hoping Bayern will be a little easy on them, having already secured qualification especially at the Etihad Stadium. City have broken all scoring records in the Premiership and will be looking at their key playmaker David Silva to get them through this original group of death. Bayern would be looking to finish the group on a high with 16 points out of a possible 18, but may decide not to field their first 11 keeping in mind their domestic fixtures. In that case City will have a real chance of winning with a big margin, and will hope that Napoli drop points against Villarreal.

SSC Napoli vs Villarreal

Can Marek Hamsik inspire Napoli to a victory over underperforming Villarreal?

Napoli, led by the talismanic Marek Hamsik and mercurial Edinson Cavani, will push hard for qualification into the the last 16. The two time time Serie A winners will be looking to relive their glory filled days during the time of Maradona and Zola and earn their place among Europe’s elite. Manager Walter Mazzarri has transformed the club into a potent force since taking over from Roberto Donadoni two years ago, and is determined to lead the club to European glory. Villarreal, on the other hand, will be playing completely for pride and will look to salvage their disastrous campaign by finishing with 3 points and not face the ignominy of ending pointless.

Lille vs Trabzonspor

Turkish side Trabzonspor stand at the doorsteps of history

The French champions, whose only notable achievement in Europe was the Intertoto Cup in 2004, will be looking to emulate the feats of Monaco in 2004 when they had a dream run to the final before finally losing to Jose Mourinho’s Porto. Standing in their way are Turkish champions Trabzonspor, who few would have tipped to be in this unbelievable position going into matchday 6 with history beckoning them. Both teams have nothing to lose, so expect a cracker of a match filled with uninhibited football. Lille fans will be looking up to their iconic star, Eden Hazard, who is the subject of interest of so many top European clubs, to inspire this clash of national champions with artistry and finesse and win the match for them. Trabzonspor will be looking to cause an upset and send thousands of Turkish fans into jubilation.

Chelsea vs Valencia

Terry and co. looking desperately to progress

This clash pits two teams who are facing an uphill task to regain their past status as one of Europe’s best. Valencia, a finalist in 2000 and 2001, have been plagued with financial problems of late, forcing them to sell their star players David Villa and David Silva. But this season, they are third in the La Liga behind Real and Barca. Chelsea too have been in and around the top 4 in the Premiership without being able to topple the two Manchester sides, and will be looking for an opportunity to regain their confidence and make a renewed charge both domestically and in Europe. Both teams will make it with a draw only if Genk can defeat Leverkusen, which is extremely unlikely considering that they have conceded 15 goals already in 5 matches. So, both will go for a win making way for an exciting game of football.

Porto vs Zenit:

Both Porto and Zenit will want to relive their European glory once more

Porto will want to relive their 2004 glory under Jose Mourinho. They were starting to reach the same form under Villas-Boas before he was snatched away by Chelsea. Porto, who have won the Portuguese league 7 times since 2002 and are currently leading domestically, are brimming with confidence and will believe that they can progress to the knockout stage. With players like Steven Defour and Hulk in their ranks, they will look to defeat Zenit and progress.

Zenit, who have had recent European success in the UEFA Cup and the Super Cup will want to prove that they are ready for the next level by qualifying. Zenit is managed by former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti, who has had decent success after taking over in 2009. He has brought in several experienced players like Bruno Alves who will be relishing this trip to his former club.

Olympique Marseille vs Borussia Dortmund

Marseille the next Monaco?

Borussia Dortmund took the Bundesliga by storm last season becoming champions with a young and dynamic team, but have failed to leave a mark in the Champions League with just 4 points after 5 matches. Even a win against Marseille won’t be enough to guarantee them qualification due to their poor goal difference of -5. Marseille, on the other hand, will go all out for a win at the BVB stadion which will confirm their qualification. A draw, however, would mean the match between Arsenal and Olympiacos will determine their fate. Marseille, who have qualified regularly for Europe in the last 5 years have not made much of an impact beyond the group stages of late, will be hoping to change that this season. Players such as Andre Pierre Gignac, Loic Remy and Andre Ayew will be looking to make this European campaign memorable for Marseille.

Matchday 6 promises to be eventful with some great football action mixed with very strong emotions. Some clubs will fade away into obscurity while others will have the Europa league to keep them satisfied. But for the ones who make it into the last 16, a very exciting 2012 awaits along with the opportunities for players to impress their managers to get the elusive seat on the flight to Euro 2012!