Wednesday’s key Champions League storylines on matchday five

There are only two group games left for these teams

There’ll be plenty of drama across Europe tonight, with eight Champions League games to be played.

With only two games left to jostle for position, there’s plenty to play for. Juventus host Barcelona in the showpiece fixture of the night, but that’s not the only game to keep an eye on.

The Coral News Team have taken a look at four big storylines in Wednesday’s Champions League fixtures…

Can Manchester United wrap up top spot early?

United have a potentially tricky away tie at Basel on Tuesday night. They’re already six points clear at the top of the group with four wins out of four. But they’ll want to make sure they get another win to secure first place with a game to spare.

They face Manchester City in the Premier League after their final group game against CSKA Moscow. That match already looks like it could be pivotal to this year’s title race. Jose Mourinho will want to be able to rest some of his key players ahead of a huge derby.

Will Celtic get into the Europa League?

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side are in a strange position. They’re far too strong for their domestic competition. But they struggle to compete with Europe’s elite sides.

It was always going to be tough to progress from a group with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. But they’ve got a great chance to finish third and drop down into the Europa League, where they could really test themselves.

They’ve got three points so far, having beaten Anderlecht 3-0 away from home. Earning a point at PSG could be enough to seal third place. If they lose, they’ll have a showdown against the Belgian champions in their final group game.

Are Chelsea going to get the job done?

Chelsea were dismal in their last Champions League outing. Antonio Conte’s side were run ragged in a 3-0 defeat to Roma.

That result leaves them second in Group C, one point behind the Serie A side. If they avoid defeat to Qarabag, they’ll confirm their place in the knockout stages.

The Blues are 3/10 favourites here. But Qarabag were able to hold Atletico Madrid to two draws. They shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Who’ll win the big showdown in Group D?

Juventus host Barcelona in a rematch of the 2015 UCL final. Barcelona won that time, though Juve will be determined to get back to winning ways against Sampdoria last weekend.

They’ll have to be at their best given Barcelona’s recent form. They’re unbeaten in all competitions since mid-August, when they lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

The La Liga leaders will finish first if they win. But a Juventus victory would put both sides on 10 points ahead of the final group game. It’s all to play for.

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