UEFA Champions League Analysis – Group F
The Champions League draws saw English Premier League giants Chelsea FC and French Champions Olympique Marseille drawn with Spartak Moskva and MSK Zilina. As expected, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have heavily dominated their fixtures and stand first in the group.
Reigning French champions Marseille would be expected to stand runner ups but their poor form made sure Spartak Moskva stood out in their misery. Champions League debutants Zilina have failed to register a single point so far and there is little room for them
to have optimism in their situation.
Chelsea FC
Carlo Ancelotti’s mean have dominated their group in ruthless fashion and have the maximum points from opening three rounds. Chelsea travelled to Slovakia on match day one and thumped the Slovakian minnows by a 4 – 0 score line. The victory was followed
by yet another thrashing, this time to Marseille at Stamford Bridge. On match day three, Yuri Zhirkov inspired Chelsea conquered the frost of Moscow and registered a 2 – 0 victory. Little is expected to change for Londoners as they are en-route to maintaining
a perfect record. Chelsea will top the group without even switching gears enabling them to avoid tough opposition in round of 16.
Spartak Moskva
Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moskva stands second in the group with 6 points after three rounds of football. Myaso had not conceded a goal until Chelsea put two past Andriy Dikan on match day three. Spartak now travel to London on match day four
and a defeat is all they will get. Valery Karpin’s side will face Marseille at home on 23rd of November. Playing in Russia is always a very tough task and Marseille will struggle especially since they lost to the Russians at home. Spartak will register
a draw at the very least. Match day six tie against Zilina will be a mere formality for Spartak and they will finish second in the table with 12 points.
Olympique Marseille
Marseille won the French league last year on the back of some truly memorable performances but it has gone all downhill this year. Didier Deschamps failed to strengthen the squad appropriately. A tired and jaded outfit started the campaign this year and
the results have been far from impressive. Marseille still has a chance of qualifying for the next round but for that they will have to defeat Chelsea at home and Spartak in Moscow. Chelsea are already one of the favourites to win the Cup come May and Deschamps
will find himself cornered when Ancelotti’s all conquering force takes to the pitch in Marseille. The trip to Moscow will be equally ardours as teams traditionally suffer from the cold in Russia. Marseille will qualify for the Europa league with ease but their
progression in the primary continental competition is in serious doubt.
MSK Zilina
The Champions league debutants find themselves at the rock bottom of the group but in all honesty they were never expected to even challenge for a Europa League place. Pavel Hapal will be extremely proud of his squad for even making to the Champions League
group stage. Zilina was a virtual unknown entity before the Champions League draws took place and the increase in stature of the club as a result of their participation would be invaluable.
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