Champions League Preview, Group B

Benfica vs. Schalke, Kickoff Time 20:45 CET

The first and second spots in Group B have already been decided and Benfica will simply be playing for a place in the Europa League, which for them is vital if they are to maintain any semblance of pride after their poor performance in Europe thus far.

If these two teams played the same ways they have been domestically in this competition, the story of who was going through to the next stage of the competition would be a very different.

However, Shalke are a testament to just how funny a thing like Champions League can be.

Shalke are not going to be winning any silverware from home this season and whilst on paper they are a pretty good side, their recent performances in the Bundesliga would go as a statement to the contrary.

Looking at their last Champions League performance, where they thrashed Lyon 3-0 and gave a spectacular performance, this could very well be their match for the taking. The problem is that they probably won’t put out a full side, with them wanting to avoid a relegation battle in their own league.

It is pretty vital that they don’t risk any key players in matches which count for nothing.

Lyon vs. Hapoel, Kickoff Time 20:45 CET

Lyon only needs a draw to qualify for the next stage, they’ve been known to play a pretty clever game in the Champions League in recent years and fortunately for them, they have one of the easiest opponents that they could’ve hopped for.

Realistically, this should be a pretty easy match for them; even though Hapoel have picked up recently, they shouldn’t put up too much of a fight against Lyon, who have been pretty good going forward.

Their problems have come from the back and if it wasn’t for the fact that they are scoring a lot then Lyon would be in real trouble. Despite this, with them being at home this should be Lyon’s game.

Hapoel have still got a chance of getting into the Europa League assuming that Schalke win against Benfica.

In theory, they actually may have an advantage in the fact that they are playing Lyon, at least they have a better chance of winning than their rivals for the place.

Jann - mysportshub.co.uk