As European competitions heat up, six Premier League clubs prepare for their third match of the season in the UEFA Champions League, which resumes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Football writer Ben Bloom provides insights on each team’s upcoming fixtures.
Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, October 21, at 20:00 BST, aiming for their milestone 100th UEFA Champions League victory. The Gunners are riding high following their recent win against Fulham, which puts them three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Having won both of their initial Champions League matches without conceding a single goal, Arsenal is poised to maintain their impressive home record, where they haven’t let in a goal during their last 11 home group phase matches in European competitions. Atletico Madrid comes to London after a mixed run; despite a commanding 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, they recently drew with Celta Vigo and have struggled in their away games.
Newcastle United, back in the Champions League for the first time in years, will face Benfica, also on Tuesday at 20:00. The Magpies endured a tough start by losing to Barcelona but rebounded with a 4-0 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Benfica, yet to secure any points, is also in a tough spot after two losses, with a new coach, Jose Mourinho, beginning to feel the pressure. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade, who has been in scoring form, will be one to watch as they seek a critical victory.
Manchester City aims to continue their legacy of reaching the Champions League knockout phase, taking on Villarreal also on Tuesday at 20:00. Despite recently struggling away in the competition, Pep Guardiola’s side is unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions. They enter the match with significant momentum, backed by the explosive form of Erling Haaland. In contrast, Villarreal has endured a disappointing streak, winless in their last three games and struggling against English teams.
On Wednesday, Chelsea will take on Ajax at 20:00, with the Dutch side experiencing a challenging season, currently sitting near the bottom of their league. Chelsea, conversely, has found form after victories against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, propelling them to fifth in the Premier League. This matchup is crucial for Ajax, desperate for their first win against English opposition since 2019.
Liverpool will travel to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, eager to revitalize their campaign after four consecutive losses across competitions, a situation that feels unprecedented for the reigning champions. Liverpool firms up their defense against a Frankfurt team that has struggled defensively this season, promising a high-scoring encounter.
Finally, Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Monaco on Wednesday at 20:00 will see both teams searching for momentum. Spurs have seen their home form falter, while Monaco, amid a managerial change, has yet to find their footing after four games without a win. The absence of key defenders may pose a challenge for Spurs, but they will lean on their recent successes to turn their fortunes around.
These matches promise excitement and high stakes as each team looks to solidify their standing in the competition. As they step onto the European stage, fans can anticipate a thrilling showcase of talent and determination.