Group A Preview (Oct. 21)
Bordeaux vs Bayern Munich:
This match features the two leaders of Group A. Both sides have 4 points from two games and will be looking to take a strangle hold on the group in their next two fixtures.
Bordeaux hope to take full advantage of their home turf and upset the German giants before they meet again in a little less than a fortnight.
Munich will have to try and spoil their attempts without Robben who has had a setback with his injury.
Bayern Munich defender Daniel Van Buyten is confident his side can grab a win.
“We know it will be very difficult but we can claim something from it.”
“We expect a real Champions League clash, with great intensity. My team-mates are ready.”
Player to watch:
Franck Ribery terrorized Juventus’ back line in the last Champions League round and will hope to do the same against a Bordeaux side who will not be as rigid in the back. With Robben out he needs to play even better and I think he will.
Match Prediction:
This is a hard match to call but I have a feeling that a draw is in the books. I predict a 2-2 draw at full time in France.
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Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa:
Juve may be playing the Israeli Champions at the perfect time. Ciro Ferrara’s side have 2 draws in their opening two Champions League games and will hope for (and expect) six points from their next two games against Haifa.
Juventus will have to play without the services of Tiago, Alessandro Del Piero, Hasan Salihamidzic and Claudio Marchisio but still have enough attacking prowess to cause Maccabi coach, Elisha Levi, some worry.
Amauri will start up front beside Vincenzo Iaquinta while Brazilian Diego will look to continue his top form and rip open defensive lines with his vision.
Player to watch:
Diego was Juventus’ best player in their Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich and I have to believe that he will find it a much easier task of breaking down Maccabi.
Match Prediction:
I predict a 2-0 victory for Juventus. Maccabi are the undisputed underdogs of Group A and I do not think they have a chance against the Italians.
Play Beautiful!
