After two weeks, the biggest European club competition is back. Teams will be playing rematches across the continent, facing whoever they saw before the break.The fact there are no big match-ups or classic rivalries or tonight should not be a discouraging one because in eight matches of round three – during which same teams played each other – 24 goals were seen.Today’s Champions League fixtures (WAT)6.45pmWolfsburg vs SalzburgMalmo vs Chelsea9pmDynamo Kyiv vs BarcelonaBayern vs BenficaVillarreal vs Young BoysAtalanta vs Man UnitedSevilla vs LilleJuventus vs ZenitWho are you backing? #UCL #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/xCYfikBdjG— Football Pundit (@Futball_Pundit) November 2, 2021 MALMO – CHELSEA (20.45)The Blues faced no difficulties in the 4-0 win over the Swedish champions at Stamford Bridge, and Thomas Tuchel’s troops are once again seen as hot favourites to beat Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men. Chelsea will be aiming to cement their spot in top two in Group H when they take on Malmo on Tuesday evening.The Londoners head into the match following a 3-0 win over Newcastle United and even though both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are injured, away win at the far north of the European mainland should be considered a must for Chelsea who have been in splendid form lately.JUVENTUS – ZENIT (23.00)The only team in Group H with 100% record – Juventus – take on Russian champions Zenit at Allianz Stadium in Turin. The Russian outfit have been scoring goals for fun in the national championship, but beating Massimilliano Allegri’s team at home is easier said than done. Given Juve’s anything but brilliant form in October, there is big chance a surprise is on the way.The bad news for the hosts continue with Federico Chiesa has joined the likes of De Sciglio, Kean, Ramsey, and Rugani in the recovery room.
WOLFSBURG – SALZBURG (20.45)Wolfsburg are desperate to record their first win of the process and three-game winless run in Group G is something they will be aiming to put an end to when they take on Salzburg. After outplaying Bayer Leverkusen on the road in their last league match, the Wolves welcome the Austrian side in high spirits.Salzburg defeated Wolfsburg 3-1 two weeks ago in front of home fans and now the Wolves rely on their own crowd at Wolkswagen Arena to help them take revenge.SEVILLA – LILLE (23.00)Los Sevillanos are on the hunt to record their first win in the competition at their Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan against reigning French champions Lille. Second place in Group G will be at stake and it is no small matter.Lille have been struggling in all competitions this season, and seeing that Sevilla are a real force to be reckoned with at home – it might be no shock to eventually see Les Dogues return home with a frown on their face.
ATALANTA – MANCHESTER UNITED (23.00)Manchester United saw some light (3-0 win over Tottenham away) at the end of a dark five-nil-loss-to-Liverpool tunnel. They flew to Bergamo hoping they can beat Atalanta for the second time in a row – but the Italian squad will be aiming to get their revenge at Gewiss Stadium. Atalanta failed to defend their two-goal lead at Old Trafford, but they are surely capable of matching the Red Devils at home soil.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did well to keep his job as a Man Utd boss with that win over Spurs… At least for now. The Red Devils have been playing some high-scoring games recently and given Atalanta’s attacking potential, both goalkeepers should have their work cut out for them.VILLAREAL – YOUNG BOYS (23.00)The Yellow Submarine failed to win the previous four league fixtures but they did roll over Young Boys 4-1 in Bern in the previous Champions League round. Villarreal will look to retain second position in Group F and, no doubt, they are determined to give fans something to cheer about at Estadio de la Ceramica. Young Boys do not seem to be competitive at this level therefore – even though Villareal’s main man Gerard Moreno remains in the recovery room – La Liga side are seen as favourites.
BAYERN MUNICH – BENFICA (23.00)Fourteen days ago, the Bundesliga giants stomped over the Lisbon Eagles 4-0 at Estadio da Luz, and the Germans are likely to stick to their attacking style of play. Fit-again France international Kingsley Coman should be in the starting line up, as well as former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, who has been in a fine form.Benfica are aware of Bayern’s dominance so the Portuguese aim to retain their spot in top two with Barcelona’s poor form imposing as a grand opportunity.DYNAMO KYIV – BARCELONA (23.00)The Catalan side continue life without Ronald Koeman, and it remains to be seen if interim boss Sergi Barjuan is capable of helping the team improve their game. Barjuan’s newest challenge – NSC Olympiyskiy Stadium and the clash against talented Dynamo Kiev side.Ansu Fati, Braithwaite, Roberto, Pedri, and Frankie de Jong are all out of rotation and that is why a sure away win is not a certainty.Kun Aguero is sure out and will be for a while, Gerard Pique is rated doubtful for the game. Dynamo Kiev are on a four-game winning run in the national championship and are eager to get their revenge on Barcelona for the 1-0 loss at Camp Nou. The Ukrainian outfit could be another ‘smaller’ team to take advantage of the current situation in Barca’s dressing room – as Alaves, Rayo Vallecano, Cadiz and Granada did this season.