UEFA Champions League - Gameweek # 3 - Tuesday - Preview and Predictions

As the dust settles on the Premier League Weekend, the Champions League resumes. Three British teams will walk out on Tuesday night in exciting clashes . Here is the preview for all three games

ARSENAL VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND

This is the first of the two marquee England vs Germany showdowns on Tuesday. Arsenal have won seven , drawn one and lost one in their nine league matches and the Germans have matched them. Arsenal sit pretty atop the Premier League while Dortmund lie one point behind pace setters Bayern Munich in Germany. In what was billed as the group of death, Arsenal were brilliant last time around when they dismantled Napoli within a few first half minutes in the Emirates stadium while Dortmund eased past Marseille in their second gameweek.

In the weekend , Arsenal overcame Norwich very convincingly whereas Dortmund edged past Hannover 96. In what will be a clash of two exciting teams who are in form, there is so much to look forward to.

Man To Look Out For - Jack Wilshere. The Englishman scored and was instrumental in the weekend. Can he continue his good form against the likes of Gundogan and Bender , in what has been a tough season for him?

Prediction - Arsenal have been the dark horses this season and I expect them to continue this trend. 2-1 to the Gunners.

CELTIC VS AJAX

In what looks like a direct play off for the Europa League spot in Group H, the Scottish Champions go head to head against the Dutch Champions Ajax . As usual, Celtic have been coasting in the league and sit on top in the Scottish league whereas Ajax have been stuttering in their title defence. They sit fifth in the Eredivise. In their group matches so far, Celtic have been very unlucky , losing narrowly to Barcelona last time around while Ajax did well to get a point against AC Milan

Celtic require some inspiration and two victories and perhaps a shock repeat of their heroics from last year against Barcelona might see them in with a shout for the last 16

Man To Look Out For - Kolbeinn Sigþórsson - The Icelandic forward has been in sublime form for Ajax this season netting six times in the Eridivise. A victory here for either side is crucial while both sides wouldn’t want a draw. An instinctive striker like Sigborsson can be the difference between one point and three for Ajax.

Prediction - Ajax have traditionally been all flair but this time around they lack the same nous. The Parkhead bhoys will provide a hostile atmosphere and I expect their team to edge it. 1-0 to Celtic

FC SCHALKE VS CHELSEA

In the second England vs Germany showdown, Schalke lock horns with Europa League Champions Chelsea. It is never easy going to Gelsenkirchen but more so with a young, unpredictable squad that Jose Mourinho finds himself equipped with. Chelsea have been so unpredictable this season. Mourinho’s side conceded a shock lead to Cardiff in the weekend before being gifted a way back into the game. Then they showcased their brilliance with great goals. In their campaign so far, they were stunned at home by Basel but recovered to beat the group’s whipping boys Stateua Bucharest. S

Schalke have had a lukewarm start to their season but are starting to find their feet having won the last two league games , they lie fifth in the Bundesliga. They have had no problems in dispatching opponents in the Champions League and have a perfect record. Can they thwart Mourinho’s men?

Man To Look Out For - Julian Draxler. The midfielder hasn’t scored a single goal in the league this season , however , he has bagged three in the Champions League already. He was on target against Basel last time around and is a persistent threat to David Luiz and Chelsea

Prediction - Mourinho’s side still have some defensive flaws. They will do great to come away with a point from Germany. I expect Mourinho to set up rigidly and play out for a point. 0-0.