UEFA Champions League: Preview and predictions for tonight's matches
The first half of match-day 5 of UEFA Champions League is here, and numerous important matches are lined up for tonight. While Roma will host Real Madrid, Juventus will lock horns with Valencia and Manchester United will be taking on Young Boys. Who have the better chances tonight? How will the top teams fare? Read all about it here.
Real Madrid will take on Roma tonight
Roma will battle it out with Los Blancos, and Solari will be eager to prove a point after a 0-3 defeat against Eibar. Nacho and Casemiro will not be able to take part in the match owing to injuries, and Roma will miss the services of Daniele De Rossi and Javier Pastore. Isco can be given a chance after a dismal performance by Ceballos.
Manchester City will be too hot to handle for Lyon
Lyon had earlier defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Etihad in the first leg of their tie. However, City have been in lethal form ever since and will pose an enormous challenge. Kevin De Bruyne, Claudio Bravo, and Mendy will remain absent once again due to injuries. Fekir, Lyon's captain, will be fit to play tonight, while Memphis Depay can become a threat.
Juventus up against Valencia: Will Ronaldo take revenge tonight?
Ronaldo was red-carded in the first leg of Juventus against Valencia, and the Portuguese striker will want to extract his revenge. Juventus will be confident as even a draw will secure them a place in the round of 16. Emre Can and Federico Bernardeschi will not make it to the proceedings tonight. For Valencia, Cristiano Piccini and Denis Cheryshev would be absent.
Will United bounce back after their draw against Crystal Palace
United impressed against Juventus by defeating them 2-1 in their last UCL match. The draw against Crystal Palace will be a motivation to bounce back, and anything but a win will put additional pressure on United. Luke Shaw and Ashley Young will be returning to their respective roles in the first team tonight. The key player of Young Boys, Guillaume Hoarau, might miss out.
Predictions for tonight's encounters
Real Madrid vs Roma will be an intense affair, and no clear winner can be predicted at the moment. Lyon might not be able to curtail City owing to the thunderous form, which Pep Guardiola's City are enjoying. Manchester United should win their match and make their passage to the next round safer. Juventus, too, should fare well against Valencia.
