UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 Preview, Group G: October 19, 2010

Ajax vs. Auxerre

Neither side has won a Champions League match so far this season, and neither of the two sides has really looked up to much at all, if we’re perfectly honest.

Even a victory here will not make a resounding difference to either of the two teams' chances of winning this competition, which are pretty much zero if you judge by their recent performances.

Auxerre’s problems aren’t just in the Champions League; in fact, they have played pretty abysmally all round, having won just one game domestically so far this season—which doesn’t bode well for an away game against Ajax, even if they aren’t on sensational form.

So far, they have looked slightly out of their depth in the Champions League. They are a good team—that is not up for question. The real question is are they good enough?

Well, Ajax may be hoping the answer to the above is no, but they haven’t exactly had much to shout about this season; if it wasn’t for the fact they are a big name in the contest, then many people probably wouldn’t give them the time of day.

They may struggle to pick up all three points, which is not good considering this is the sort of match they should be easily winning.

Real Madrid vs. Milan

Real have won both of their opening matches and do look like the favourites to finish at the top of the group.

Of course, that could all change if they lose to Milan on Tuesday.

This side has really started to find its legs in recent weeks (domestically), and they will be looking to demonstrate that further with their third win in the Champions League.

The club is fortunate enough not to have any injury concerns as of yet. Real should win this match—after all, it is on their turf—but how often "should" translates into "did" is another matter.

Christian Abbiati is unlikely to make an appearance due to injury, although whether or not that will matter too much to Milan remains to be seen. Milan may have stumbled a little in their last match, drawing against an out of form Ajax, but they are not a team to be taken lightly.

This could be one of the best matches of the group stages, and certainly it is in terms of playing talent.

Last year, this fixture did go in Milan’s favour but against an ever improving Real, it will be tough to call exactly how this match is going to end up.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores and live sports