UCL Preview: Big Night In Group F

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Group F is as finely poised as any in living memory with all four sides still in with a chance of qualification to the knockout stages.

So if you are ready, let’s run through the possible scenarios that could see Barcelona or Inter Milan eliminated from this years Champions League.

Leaders Barcelona must avoid defeat on their travels to Dynamo Kiev to ensure progression, while their Ukrainian hosts must beat Pep Guardiola’s side by two goals or win by any margin and hope Inter Milan draw at home to Rubin Kazan.

The San Siro clash is essentially a winner-takes-all encounter, although the Italians would go through by drawing 0-0 or 1-1 if Barcelona avoid defeat in Kiev.

Surprise package Rubin Kazan progress with a win or by scoring at least twice in a draw, unless Kiev beat Barca in a scenario that would end their Champions League aspirations.

As I sit watching Inter tongue I’m not really sure how I’m going to keep on top of all the if’s and buts.

Bottom line is this. Jose needs to stick a rocket up the backsides of the 11 men he fields tonight to ensure victory and avoid the need to depend on the other group match scoreline.

Yes there are other matches on tonight, so here’s a quick rundown.

Liverpool and Rangers conclude miserable European campaigns with what are for them dead-rubbers against Fiorentina and Sevilla respectively, while Arsenal travel to Olympiakos with an inexperienced squad as they have already secured top spot.

Lyon are at home to Debrecen, while Standard Liege take on AZ Alkmaar with Stuttgart welcoming Unirea Urziceni.

Posted on December 9, 2009 | Filed Under Football