Previews

Group stages at an end

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 09/12/2009
Football betting

Liverpool and Arsenal will put their Premier League campaigns to one side on Wednesday as they play their final Champions League group games.

Both have had vastly differing fortunes this term on their continental adventures with the five time European champions Liverpool failing to secure progress to the next stage after a disastrous opening five fixtures.

Their inability to pick up enough points against main rivals Lyon and Fiorentina has cost the Merseysiders dear.

One point from a possible nine against these two has ultimately eliminated the Reds from this season's competition and they prepare to face Fiorentina, who will top the group with another win.

Liverpool must settle for a UEFA Europa League berth as their Premier League campaign also continues to falter following their goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez's men have now won just three in their 13 games in all competition.

Lyon entertain Hungarian minnows Debrecen, who wrap up their debut season in the Champions League.

Arsenal travel to Greece to come up against second placed Olympiacos.

The Gunners, on 13 points, have already secured their place in the next stage as group winners while the Greeks need a point to join the Londoners.

If Arsenal win and Standard Liege are to defeat AZ Alkmaar in Belgium, then they would win through to the next stage.

Arsene Wenger could call on his youngsters for the game, likely to be played in an intense atmosphere, in what would give them essential European night experience.

Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Fran Merida could be in line for a call-up if Wenger decides to rest his key first team players.

Rangers are rooted to the foot of the Group G table and they face a daunting trip to Spain to face leaders Sevilla.

Competition surprise package Unirea Urziceni, managed by former Chelsea full-back Dan Petrescu, will qualify for the next stage if they can avoid defeat against Stuttgart in Germany.

Many eyes will hover over Group F with all four sides capable of winning through to the next stage.

Current champions Barcelona, who are joint sportsbook favourites to win back-to-back Champions League trophies, have made hard work of their defence and although they sit top on eight points, just three separate them and bottom-placed Dynamo Kyiv, who they face in Ukraine.

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Jose Mourinho's Internazionale welcome Rubin Kazan and these two are tied on points.

A win for the Russians would sensationally put them through at the expense of their more illustrious Italian opponents.

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