It's hard to believe Matchday 5 of the Champions League is upon us. Each team has two matches left to determine their fate, be it a spot in the Round of 16, a spot in the Europa League or a spot on the couch for midweeks to come.
Here is the schedule, standings and predictions ahead of the action.
Schedule
TUESDAY'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCHEDULE | ||||||
LEAGUE | HOME | AWAY | TIME | PROVIDER | ||
Champions League | Zenit | Valencia | 12:00 pm | FS2 | ||
Champions League | BATE | Bayer Leverkusen | 12:00 pm | FS1 | ||
Champions League | Barcelona | Roma | 2:45 pm | FS2 | ||
Champions League | Arsenal | Dinamo Zagreb | 2:45 pm | FS1 | ||
Champions League | Bayern Munich | Olympiakos | 2:45 pm | ESPN3 | ||
Champions League | Porto | Dynamo Kiev | 2:45 pm | ESPN3 | ||
Champions League | Maccabi Tel Aviv | Chelsea | 2:45 pm | FS2Go | ||
Champions League | Lyon | Gent | 2:45 pm | ESPN3 |
*All matches can be watched with a Fox Soccer 2Go account
Standings
Champions League action returns on Tuesday with Groups E-H playing. Here are the current standings. pic.twitter.com/USpMmv9KM2
— CBS Sports Soccer (@CBSSportsSoccer) November 23, 2015
Predictions
Group E
Barcelona vs. Roma
Barcelona needs just a draw to win the group, and that should be no problem as Roma has struggled, winning just one of four matches this UCL campaign. Lionel Messi is back, Luis Suarez and Neymar are on fire, and no team wants any part of Barcelona at the moment. Expect Messi to find the net and for Barca to roll.
Prediction: Barcelona 3, Roma 0
BATE vs. Bayer Leverkusen
A huge opportunity here for either team with a win, as Roma will likely lose. If Roma does lose, the winner here will jump up to second place in the group. Going on the road won't be easy for the Germans, but Chicharito Hernandez's form (10 goals in last 7 matches) could result in another stellar match in attack for the visitors.
Prediction: Leverkusen 2, BATE 1
Luis Enrique: “The match against Roma is essential to seal first place in the group.” #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/avnG4ATxmP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 23, 2015
Group F
Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb
Arsenal is in big, big trouble. The team must win and Olympiakos must lose for the Gunners to still have a chance. At home, a win usually isn't an issue, but so many injuries and an uninspiring loss to West Brom at the weekend see Arsenal reeling. In the end, Olivier Giroud comes up big.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Dinamo Zagreb 0
Bayern Munich vs. Olympiakos
Bayern and Olympiakos are both tied at the top of the group with nine points, but it's hard to see the Greek side getting even close to a point in Germany. Bayern Munich has scored 13 goals in its four UCL matches, allowing just three. Olympiakos has just six goals in four match, yet the same amount of points. The visitors have proven good enough to do what is needed to get by. But here, an other-wordly performance will be needed.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4, Olympiakos 0
PICTURES: Exclusive images of the @Arsenal squad in training ahead of the #AFCvZAG game: https://t.co/sCTjhP2vzo pic.twitter.com/2pgj4kumvp
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 23, 2015
Group G
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Chelsea
Chelsea got back in the win column against Norwich at the weekend, and a win here will see the Blues advance to the knockout stage. Maccabi has zero points and one goal from four matches, having allowed 11 goals So it's hard to see Chelsea slip up here. But, it's the 2015-16 Chelsea were are talking about.
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Maccabi Tel Aviv 1
Porto vs. Dynamo Kiev
Porto can clinch a spot in the Round of 16 on Tuesday with a draw, and at home that should not be a problem. A fantastic defense and patient midfield has guided the club so far this season. Dynamo won't have an answer for the Portuguese.
Prediction: Porto 2, Dynamo Kiev 0
.@hazardeden10 hopes Saturday's win marks a return to form for both the team and himself... https://t.co/7EoYQuleVH pic.twitter.com/wuiWPnNFAz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 23, 2015
Group H
Zenit vs. Valencia
A tough task here for Valencia against Zenit, who has qualified for the next round. Will the Russians rest their top players? Valencia has been so inconsistent that it's hard to envision Los Che grabbing a win on the road, and a loss could mean coach Nuno Espirito Santo is shown the door.
Prediction: Zenit 2, Valencia 1
Lyon vs. Gent
Lyon is playing for a Europa League spot it seems, but anything short of a win here will see the French club crash out of Europe. Gent has been formidable on the road, but with so much inexperience in the competition, it will catch up with the club at some point. And this is when. Watch Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon's 24-year-old forward. In a couple years, he has a chance to be one of the world's best.
Prediction: Lyon 2, Gent 0
For news, stories, results and more, follow us on Twitter: @CBSSportsSoccer