Chelsea v Nordsjaelland, 19:45
When you consider the group draw they got and the fact Chelsea are defending champions in this competition it seems entirely reasonable that the owner would not expect to see his side in danger of missing out on the knockout rounds, but I’m willing to be a fair few other managers would be very pleased if the Blue went out. Of all the games you could need to win a home tie with a Danish side would be a good pick, but the home team will need to display some fluency and thought to do so. Ladbrokes have 13/4 on Chelsea winning by 2 goals, and Rafa is never one to risk a potentially winning lead.
David Luiz is available after suspension, but although John Terry, Frank Lampard and Daniel Sturridge are close to full fitness the visit of the Danish champions comes too soon for the trio, which won’t help a Chelsea side that needs to beat Nordsjaelland and hope Shakhtar Donetsk defeat Juventus.
Man Utd v Cluj, 19:45
After the debacle of last season Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to finish the group with a home tie against Cluj, knowing United are already into the next stage as group winners. With the defensive issues the club are suffering in the league getting twelve points from five games in Europe is a good effort, but with Turkish, Romanian and Portuguese opposition the Red Devils were always expected to make light work of this section. Wayne Rooney is likely to start in a much-changed team, and may be a good shout to get the opening goal at 9/2 with Bet365.
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will not make his return from injury in this match despite some speculation to the contrary, and Shinji Kagawa is also not yet ready to come back for United, although the Japanese midfielder may be available on the weekend.
Celtic v Spartak Moscow, 19:45
Celtic must better Benfica’s result in Barcelona in order to progress to the last 16 of the tournament, and as tough as that sounds you know 100% of managers would rather take a home match against Spartak than needing to go to the Nou Camp and get a win. Ironically, the Portuguese may be too good a side to worry the Spanish giants, and Celtic know a draw here will probably be enough to get through to the next stage. I can see this being a nervy 1-0 to Celtic, at 8/1 with Victor Chandler, and Spartak may try to capitalise on those jitters.
Victor Wanyama is suspended but Scott Brown has been training without any discomfort and is ready to start, althoug Pat McCourt, James Forrest and Anthony Stokes all remain sidelined. Former Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady, who has only recently returned from a foot injury, is a doubt for Spartak after picking up a knee knock in training.
