UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 Preview, Group F: November 3, 2010

Chelsea vs. Spartak Moscow

Chelsea will be without Malouda for their clash with desperate-for-points Moscow, and the home side don’t really look like they are going to struggle too much for players to pick from. Chelsea have won all three of their starting matches, and after beating Spartak on their home turf will not exactly be too worried about the match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea is still without long term injured Lampard, although it doesn’t seem to have made a great deal of difference to the way they have been performing. There are very small odds that Chelsea are going to lose this match, although, if they have any sense, they will rest a few players as a draw will be enough to take all the pressure off them for qualification.

Spartak could really use some points, but after losing at home in this same fixture, things aren’t likely going to go their way, they are also nursing a couple of injuries: Ari and Stanzl will not be playing, and Alex is doubtful. There is also the fact that the Russians don’t really have the squad depth to cope with this sort of issue. They’re really going to have some difficulties in this match.

Zilina vs. Marseille

Zilina can still technically qualify for the second round, although this is going to mean that they are going to rely on other results. Unfortunately for the Slovakian champions, they may come up short in this fixture due to their weaknesses going forward. They have only managed one goal, and that was a consolation in a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea—not exactly something to shout about. This match is unlikely to go their way; if they're lucky, they will manage a consolation draw, as there isn’t that much chance of them getting through to the knock out stages.

Two weeks ago, Marseille picked up their first points in the Champions League this season. If they win here, they will probably join Moscow's level on six points, assuming Moscow's probable loss comes to fruition.

Given their recent run of good form, the French outfit are favourites to win this match and beat their hosts. In all fairness, if they play anything like they have done in the last few weeks, this match should be in the bag. A draw won't do; they need a win, so you can expect them to fiercely contest this game.

Joe—livescoredaily.com—live scores and live sports