Arsenal won two nil at home last time out against Greek side Olympiakos. They now have two wins out of two & are looking good for qualification from group H. AZ won the Dutch Title last season which was only the second time in their history that they had finished top (the other being 1981). Their title win last season was only the second time since their first title win in 1981 that a club from outside of the Dutch big three (Ajax, PSV & Feyenoord) had one the title. This is their first season in the Champions league even though they played in the European cup in 1981/82 season & have of course played in the UEFA Cup as well in the past. They are having a mixed season domestically so far having lost 5 games already at the time of writing as well as losing one & drawing their two champions league games. Their last Champions League game was a 1-1 draw against Standard Liege (Belguim) who scored a late equaliser. It must be pointed out that AZ have only lost once at home in European Fixtures (33 games) & that was last season against Everton in the UEFA Cup. Arsenal are on form & are giving some average sides a right spanking this season so I really can’t see past an Arsenal win despite AZ being difficult to beat at home in past European games.

Result Prediction: Arsenal to win

Score Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 1 Arsenal 3

Liverpool are in trouble both domestically & in Europe. They lost on Sunday against Sunderland which was their forth League defeat of the season so far which is twice as many already as they lost in the whole of last season. I am convinced that if you take Gerrard & Torres out of the side then Liverpool would be in mid-table. They have also struggled in Europe losing easily at Fiorentina 2-0. Lyon meanwhile have won both their Champions League games and lie top in France having lost only won league game so far but unfortunately that was at the weekend at home to a mid-table Sochaux. With Gerrard back after missing Saturday’s game at Sunderland I think they will win but it will be close.

Result Prediction: Liverpool to win a close game

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2 Lyon 1

Rangers got thumped in their last Champions League game 4-1 by Sevilla at home. Coupled with their draw in their other Champions League game this means that they need the three points against Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni at Ibrox on Tuesday night. Last season Unirea won their first ever domestic title & so obviously this is there first appearance in the champions league. They lost their first game against Sevilla 2-0 away & then drew 1-1 with Stuttgart in their last match. They are ahead of Rangers on goal difference. They lost their league game at the weekend while Rangers won theirs (2-1 at St Johnstone) but they are only three points off the top domestically (they are 5th). I think Rangers will win this one but it will be close.

Result Prediction: Rangers to win another close game.

Score Prediction: Rangers 2 Unirea 1

Chelsea lost for the second time in three league games on Saturday (2-1 at Aston Villa) and therefore are in a bit of a slump (by their standards) even though they are second. However, in their last home game they beat Liverpool 2-0 & have won both their Champions League games so far. Atletico meanwhile are having a bad season so far, lying 15th in their domestic league & facing Chelsea on the back of a 3-0 away defeat on Sunday. In fact they haven’t won away in the League yet & to be honest I can’t see them winning at Stamford bridge on Wednesday. Chelsea’s home form in recent years in both the Premiership & the Champions League has been very strong. The only game I can remember them losing in Europe in recent years was to Barcelona 2-1 a few years back. An easy home win for the Blues.

Result Prediction: Chelsea to win easily.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 3 Atletico Madrid 0

United will be without Wayne Rooney & Ryan Giggs for this game which could make a difference for them. They have won both their group games so far but this could be a game they might lose points in. CSKA are 4th domestically at present but have won both their champions League games. It is a long way to go for United, so the question is weather they can overcome the distance & time difference not to mention it being a bit colder than back home. Manchester United are used to games like this but then so are CSKA. I have a feeling that United will lose this game as they have been a bit lucky in some games this season & are without any question missing Rolando (I’m not). A shock 2-0 win for the Russians.

Result Prediction: CSKA to win

Score Prediction: CSKA 2 Manchester United 0

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