Group F is the best place to begin, as tonight Inter take on Barcelona, in a match that could have massive consequences. Inter sit on 6 goals, Rubin Kazan and Barcelona on 5 points, and Dynamo Kiev on 4 points. So any of those sides could get through. If Rubin were to beat Kiev, and give them 8 points, neither Barca or Inter could really afford to lose it (Indeed, Barca would be out) Its not going to be a boring 0-0 certainly, though Ibra and Messi could both miss out.

Elsewhere, if Fiorentina get a result against already qualified Lyon, then they will be through, and Liverpool will be stuck in the UEFA Cup. That’s basically that group summed up. If Fiorentina don’t win, then Liverpool are still in with a chance as they play one another in the last round of games.

Similarly if Unirea beat already qualified Sevilla, they could be through, depending on the result between Stuttgart and Rangers.

Arsenal just need a draw to ensure qualification, while any of the other three could get in. But AZ probably will not.

Wednesday

Big match here is Milan playing host to Marsille. OM are just one point behind Milan (with Real Madrid sanwhiched between the two), so whichever side wins is in a great position to go through. Real play Zurich, and the word is that Ronaldo may return. Which will obviously be a massive boost for them. If Milan and Madrid both win, they will both be through.

Chelsea and Porto are through, you don’t care about that one.

Wolfsburg take on CSKA Moscow as the Russian side need to win. If the German side win, they’ll join Manchester United in the next round.

Juventus need a win against against already qualified Bordeaux to go through, which would knock out Bayern Munich. Bayern need to beat whipping boys Maccabi Haifa and hope that Bordeaux do some kind of job against Juventus to have any chance of making the next round.

So which are the picks of the next two days? Well thats where I come in.

Tuesday:

Atlético Madrid Vs Chelsea

Atleti look a bit of a shambles at the moment, but the magic thing about football is that you know that they could turn it around over 90 minutes. Chelsea re oozing confidence though, coming off a brilliant win (and team goal) in the Premier League at the weekend.

Bayern Vs Bordeaux

The French side currently sit top of the group, three points ahead of third placed Bayern. If the German side want to progress (and you know what, I think they do) this is an absolutely massive match. Win it, and they’re back in the mix. Lose it and Bordeaux are six points ahead of them with just two games left.

Milan Vs Real Madrid

Yeah its the Derby of Europe Part II, and yeah, both sides will probably get through anyway, but whoever loses here will be on joint points with whoever wins the other game in the group, so it adds an element of doubt. With neither side really firing as well as their reputations would suggest either, it will be fascinating. Or dull. But either way its Milan and Madrid, and I know what I’m watching.

Wednesday

Rubin Kazan Vs Barcelona

Can Rubin do it again? That’s basically the reason for watching this. And if that isn’t a good enough reason, maybe the fact that Barca will be angry and looking to regain a bit of pride by banging a few goals past them will be.

Dynamo Kiev Vs Inter

Tricky trips to the Ukraine are rarely welcome, but even worse when you are in Inter’s position, at the foot of group F. They are only one point back though, and a big win should set them back on the course toward qualification. They have to to get it though, and Kiev will be giving nothing up easy.

Lyon Vs Liverpool

According to the tabloid press, if Liverpool lose in France on Wednesday, Rafa will be clearing out his desk on Thursday. Will that might be a touch over the top, Liverpool’s Champions League does hang in the balance. They do play their best with backs against the wall, and its a good job, They currently sit third in the group, three points back from Fiorentina, and six back from Lyon. They really, really need a win.

Tuesday:

Inter Vs Dynamo Kiev

Flying high after a 5-0 win at the weekend, Inter will go into this match strong favourites. But Shevchenko is lining up against them, and he’s got a fantastic record against Inter from his Milan days. He’d absolutely love to add to his tally tonight.

Liverpool Vs Lyon

Arguably the big one this evening. After losing last time around to Fiorentina, Liverpool are in the precarious position of 3rd, having only beat the groups whipping boys Debrecen 1-0 in the first matchweek. After the Beach-Ball madness at the weekend, Liverpool will need to…er…bounce back. Liverpool have done the whole slow starting in the Champions League only to pull it back late on before though, so who knows?

Stuttgart Vs Sevilla

The top 2 teams in Group G have a good chance of stretching their legs ahead of the rest of the group. A win for either side would put them in a great position – it’d basically put Sevilla through if they won, while Stuttgart need to fight off the teams below them a little more.

Wednesday

CSKA Moscow Vs Manchester United

United have been winning games this season, but haven’t look the convincing frontrunners they usually do – probably due to the fact that a certain Portuguese (who is currently the top scorer in the CL) is pying his trade in Madrid. CSKA don’t really do losing at home, and there is the infamous Plastic Pitch to deal with. I have a feeling there might be a upset here.

Bordeaux Vs Bayern

Both teams sit atop of Group A with 4 points, but with Juventus breathing down their necks, they will both want to make sure they get all three points here. If Juve win as expected, they’ll have 5 points, which means a draw in this game would leave the group wide open, while a win for either side puts them in a strong position.

Chelsea Vs Atlético Madrid

Atleti have looked completely off the pace in La Liga, but the return of multi-Golden Boot winner Diego Forlán will galvanise them. Chelsea meanwhile have begun to look the aged side they are, and with Petr Cech a long way from the rock that he once was there is a good chance there will be goals in this one.

Real Madrid Vs Milan

An absurd 16 European Cups between them means that all eyes would always be on this one. Throw in the fact that Kaká is playing against the club that made him too, and you have one hell of a spicy encounter. Milan have looked oddly out of sorts all season, but have begun to fight back and are now just three points from the fabled Champions League places. Leonardo could definately do with inspiring his team to a win here, against a Madrid side that will lack Ronaldo, who is injured.

Finally the Champions League returns to our screens tomorrow, and there are some brilliant games to kick us off in the first week. And while we have to wait till Wednesday for the really big one this week, Tuesday is still crammed with more quality matches than you can shake a stick at.

So here is your group by group guide to what is going down on Tuesday, with the Wednesday preview to follow tomorrow.

Group A

We kick off typically in Group A, and the big game from this group sees formerLaurent Blanc lead French Champions Bordeaux to Turin to meet Juventus in the hope of causing a minor upset. They’ll have to play well, the Italians are sitting pretty in Serie A at the moment with Diego having a revelatory season.
The other game sees Bayern travel to Israel to play Maccabi Haifa in a game they should win, as the stutter back to form after their indifferent start. They should have enough to pick up all three points.

Group B
B is Manchester United’s group, and they have a long trip to Turkey ahead to play Besiktas. Man United haven’t lost away from home in Europe since the San Siro in 2007, so will be looking to keep that record in tact. Meanwhile Wolfsburg make their Group Stage debut playing host to CSKA Moscow in a game that could be vital in deciding who gets out of this group.

Group C
The big match in C is Marseille playing host to AC Milan. The Italian giants have looked incredibly shaky in Serie A this season, a 0-0 draw at the weekend followed a battering at the hands of local rivals Inter. OM will be looking to capitalise accordingly. Meanwhile alot of eyes will surely be focused on the Galacticos 2.0 project as Real Madrid visit Zurich.

Group D
Finally Group D, which sees two teams struggling to get over Jose Mourinho clash. Chelsea are at home to Porto, and with Chelsea looking as strong as they do in the Premier League, it should be a win for the home side. Athletico Madrid take on newcomers APOEL aware that they will be strong favourites against the Cyprus team.

“There’s no question that this is the biggest game…The challenges and the clashes we’ve had with Arsenal in the past do not reach the proportion of tomorrow night, that goes without saying… it’s strange no European winners have held on to the trophy. It’s interesting and it is a challenge. We’ve got a lead and we’re only one kick away from Rome, so it’s a big incentive for us”

United of course lead 1-0 after the first leg, so are in a prime position, especially if they grab a goal at the Emirates. Arsenal have to win by two clear goals.

Usually looking at the two line ups, I would say that Man United would take it, you just don’t see them not scoring. But lest we forget this is the Champions League, and its pretty rare that a team costs through the semi-finals without any drama at all.

So I’m crossing my fingers for fireworks, Arsenal and Man United have shared some pretty epic semi-finals in the past, and here’s hoping this one will be one for the ages.

So in tribute, we’re being pretty brave here at the CL Offside, and we’re throwing our predictions out here, for you all to see, laugh at, and correct us on. Because if there is one thing this competition isn’t, its predictable.

Chelsea vs Liverpool

Stephen Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Sam Chelsea 1 – 2 Liverpool
Rob Chelsea 2 – 2- Liverpool

So we all think Liverpool will fight for a result, but that it won’t be enough. I’m pretty sure its going to be the most open Liverpool/Chelsea match of recent times though.

Bayern Munich Vs Barcelona

Stephen Bayern Munich 1-2 Barcelona
Sam Bayern 1 – 1 Barca
Rob Bayern 1 – 3 Barcelona

So we all think Bayern are at least going to fair better than last time around…

Porto Vs Man United

Stephen Porto 1-2 Manchester United
Sam Porto 2 – 1 Man Utd
Rob Porto 1 – 1 Man United

Pretty mixed predictions here, but shows its a tie that really could go either way.

Arsenal vs Villarreal

Stephen Arsenal 3-0 Villarreal
Sam Arsenal 2 – 1 Villareal
Rob Arsenal 2 – 0 Villarreal

Looks like we all expect Arsenal to be in the semi-final. I think its the Senna factor that swings it.

There are some great games to be looking forward to, as always. Barca take on Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool play Marseille, Atletico take on PSV, Man United have got a big one against Villarreal, Lyon play Fiorentina, Arsenal take on Kiev with their all new captain.

Group A

So Group A is where we’ll start, although the first half of the draw plays Wednesday. Roma will want revenge as they play their return match with Cluj, and Chelsea can qualify with a win against Bordeaux.

Chelsea 7
Roma 6
Bordeaux 6
Cluj 4

So, Chelsea will be in the KO stage if they beat Bordeaux. Cluj however will not be able to make the knockouts if they lose against Roma.

Group B

Italian leaders Inter Milan take on Panathinaikos, while surprise package Anorthosis take on surprise bottom of the group Bremen.

Inter 8
Anorthosis 5
Panathinaikos 4
Bremen 3

So (Deep Breath), Inter will qualify for the KO draw with just a apoint against Pana. If they win, and so do Anorthosis, Anorthosis, will amazingly be in the KO draw as well. If Bremen lose they won’t be able to get through, if they draw they’ll be relying on the other game.

Group C

Group C is all said and done, save for who is going to get the UEFA cup spots. Already. Sporting play Barca and in the big one at the other end of the table, Shakthar take on Basel.

Barca 10
Sporting 9
Shakhtar 3
Basel 1

So with Barca and Sporting already in the next round, if Shakhtar win, they will be in the UEFA cup. If Basel win, they are in with a chance, but it will depend on the last results. When they play the reserves of the big boys.

Group D

The last of the Wednesday groups is interestingly set up still. Liverpool take on Marseille and PSV are up against Atletico

Atletico Madrid 8
Liverpool 8
Marseille 3
PSV 3

So Liverpool are through if they win, or they draw and Athletico win or draw. The same is true of the reverse situation, if Atletico win, or they draw and Liverpool win or draw. Both PSV and Maeseille can kiss goodbye any hopes of getting through if they loose.

Group E

Tuesday’s games then. Man United take on Villarreal and Celtic have got Aalborg. Hopefully the ref will send off the right player this time round.

Man United 8
Villarreal 8
Celtic 2
Aalborg 2

So If Man United and Villarreal play out a draw, they are both through. Whichever wins, is through. If Celtic win, and Man United win, Celtic just have to beat Villarreal next time out. Aalborg meanwhile, have to hope Villarreal win, and they win against Celtic AND Man United. Tall order.

Group F for DeaTH.

Lyon take on Fiorentina in the group of Death, while Bayern take on Steaua.

Lyon 8
Bayern 8
Fiorentina 3
Steaua 1

So if Lyon get at least a draw against Fiorentina, they’ll be through. Bayern just have to beat Steaua, or hope Lyon win, and they are through. Steaua won’t make the UEFA cup if they loose and Fiorentina win.

Group G

Arsenal play against Kiev, while Fener entertain Porto.

Arsenal 8
Porto 6
Dynamo Kiev 5
Fener 2

Arsenal just need a 0-0 or a win against Dynamo to see them through. POrto will be through if they win and Arsenal get at least a draw.

Group H

Juventus are already through, so congratulations to them, Rest of the group is still tight as they play Zenit and Real take on BATE.

Juve 10
Real Madrid 6
Zenit 4
BATE 2

If Real win and Juve win or draw, then they will be joining the Turin giants in the next round. Zenit will need to win against the already through Italians though, so anything can really happen.

Goalscorers

Four players sit on 4 goals at the moment, Berbatov, Del Piero, Messi and Gerrard.

Photo credit AFP PHOTO / Adrian Dennis

And that’s just Tuesday’s highlights. Wednesday, we have Athletico hosting a Torres-less Liverpool, and then the battle of the runners up – last years Serie A runners up Roma, take on last years EPL runners up Chelsea.

Full preview after the jump.

So Tuesday we start in Group E. Celtic visit Old Trafford, and they will be desperate to try and sort out their terrible away record in this competition. United however come off of a big win in the league at the weekend. Villarreal host Aalborg in the other game in that group.

Group F, The Group of Death, sees Bayern play host to Fiorentina, in what promises to be a fantastic match. The group is still wide open, and both sides will want to have a positive result here, as Lyon will be expected to beat Steaua in the other game.

Group G sees Arsenal visit Fenerbahce. Both sides will want a win to really kick start thier campaign, although Arsenal currently sit top of the group they have looked fragile. Fener meanwhile have struggled, and will want to pick up a home win. Porto are also hosting Dyanmo Kiev in the other game, which should be a close game.

Group H is where its at though. Zenit St Petersberg are playing at home to BATE, where both sides will want to get maximum points to spur them on, but the biggie is elsewhere. Real Madrid are taking on Juventus. Two clubs full of history, who have underperformed in recent times, looking to get back on top. Has all the makings of a classic encounter.

Wednesday

First big game on Wednesday is in Group A, where Chelsea play host to Roma. Couldn’t come at a worse time for the Italian side, who suffered at the hands of title rivals Inter at the weekend, while Chelsea are looking in fine form, battering Middlesbrough. Bordeaux host surprise package Cluj, and with the French side yet to get off the mark in this years CL, they will need a win.

Anorthosis against Inter in Group B, in a game the latter will expect to take, Panathinaikos meanwhile host German side Werder Bremen.

Group C sees Barca take a visit to FC Basel, while Shakthar are taking on Sporting Lisbon, in a battle of the teams that nearly always finsih third.

Group D’s big game is Athletico Madrid hosting Liverpool, though the latter are without ex-Athletico hitman Fernando Torres, the game will be played in Madrid’s proper stadium. PSV are taking on Marsielles in the groups other intriguing game.

Lets hope it lives up to promise.