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

AC Milan vs Real Madrid

AC Milan could use this win, and it’s quite important that they do if they don’t want to drop out of the Champions League early on. They are level on points with Ajax (who's probably going to beat Auxerre). Milan do have a pretty good record at home against Real Madrid, although they may well struggle to get anything from this fixture.

The fact is that the Spanish giants are a much better side than the Italian outfit, although their aren’t a great deal of teams that can claim that. AC Milan weren’t very convincing when they were walked over by Juve on the weekend, if they don’t play a great deal better, they are going to lose significantly.

Real Madrid will be banking on picking up the three points and qualifying for the knock out stages in style. Whilst the Spaniards have struggled at San Siro in the past they should have every opportunity to win this match, and if recent performances are anything to go by, then they should do so in style. Odds are Ronaldo should play a significant part in this match and Mourinho’s men should have control over most of the match even if Milan are pretty good at home.


Auxerre vs Ajax

Auxerre will be looking to pick up a point for the first time since the start of the group stages. Unfortunately the French side have looked overwhelmed at every turn and Ajax should walk all over them unless something goes seriously wrong for the away team.

Auxerre have been poor since the start, but in all fairness they have been prioritising domestic performances over the Champions League. Auxerre are going to struggle here and they could lose in quite a prolific manner. You might think that getting just a single point may be important just to salvage some pride from the group experience, but apparently with them set to play a weakened side it doesn’t look that way.

Ajax need a win to keep in the running against Milan for qualification. A win here could put them in a very strong position considering the fact that AC Milan are probably going to struggle against Real Madrid. Ajax may have some difficulties at the back, but that is the only problem that they should have, the odds are that they are going to win but there is a good chance that they will let Auxerre have at least one consolation goal.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores and live sports