The UEFA Champions League group stages are finally here. Tomorrow marks the first fixtures, with Chelsea FC and Arsenal representing the English Premier League. Manchester United and Manchester City will take the field on Wednesday with extremely high expectations for the Manchester-based clubs. Previews for United and City will be available tomorrow. So let’s get to it.
Chelsea v. Bayer Leverkusen: from Stamford Bridge, London, England
This match stands out for one reason, it marks the return of former Blues midfielder Michael Ballack to Stamford Bridge. Ballack will reportedly be honored by Chelsea prior to kick-off. The club will be thanking Ballack for the four years he spent with the team and Ballack is ever so thankful.
“The presentation is a very nice gesture and it will be a very emotional moment for me tomorrow.
“There are still a few players there and some who left in the meantime who I am still friends with and whom I am still in touch with, and also a few of the staff.
“When I moved to Chelsea, it was a big, big challenge and experience for me at the time to play with so many good players.
“If I look back, I had a very good time. I feel always welcomed by the fans and the club. They treat me always very well and we had success.
“We missed a few chances, but we had some successes and I will remember this always and it is a big part of my career.”
Ballack will have a lopsided day in London. On one note, he will be honored by his former club. On the other, Chelsea will win the match convincingly. An eye for an eye? I think so.
Prediction: 3-1 Chelsea
Arsenal v. Borussia Dortmund: from Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
Once again we have another Premier League versus Bundesliga battle. Assuming Chelsea takes care of business at home, the Bundesliga will even the score with a win versus Arsenal. Yes I said it. Despite a flurry of signing on transfer deadline day, their is still chaos surrounding the Gunners. Wilshere and Vermaelen are set to miss significant time, which does not bode well for Wenger. But it gets worse for the Gunners. Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out of Tuesday’s match.
Now let’s take a look at the reigning Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. Two words can describe why Dortmund will defeat Arsenal at home on Tuesday, Mario Goetze. Goetze is on splendid form for club and country. In five appearances for Dortmund in 2011-12, Goetze has one goal and three assists. He will be the primary threat to pick apart Arsenal’s shaky back four. The 19-year-old starlet also scored in his first start for the German national team in 2011. I forgot to mention that his start was against Brazil.
Prediction: 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
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