07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Basel - Manchester Utd.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BASEL Sommer Steinhofer, Abraham, Dragovic, J.Park Shaqiri, Huggel, G.Xhaka, F.Frei Streller, A.Frei

MANCHESTER UNITED De Gea Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra Nani, Jones, Fletcher, Young Rooney Welbeck

With no fresh injuries or suspensions, Basel boss Heiko Vogel is likely to stick with the same starting XI which helped secure a 3-2 victory over Otelul Galati on matchday five.

For United, the absence of Michael Carrick through suspension means Sir Alex Ferguson will almost certainly persist with Phil Jones in the centre of midfield, with Chris Smalling deputising at right-back.

Up front, the ankle injury sustained by Javier Hernandez means Danny Welbeck is likely to be the man linking up with Wayne Rooney.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Basel need to win on Wednesday night in order to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, while a draw will suffice for Manchester United.

• Manchester United are unbeaten in the three previous meetings between the sides, winning once and drawing twice.

• If Basel qualify from Group C, it will be only the second time they have gone beyond the first group stage of the Champions League. The first time, back in 2003, they reached a second group stage, and ultimately missed out on the quarter-finals only by goal difference.

• Manchester United have reached the Champions League final in three of the last four years, and currently sit top of the Uefa club coefficient rankings.

• Basel are currently on a run of nine straight victories in domestic competitions, and have only lost three of their 25 matches in all competitions this season.

• Manchester United have only lost one of their last 25 away matches in the Champions League.

• Both teams have scored in each of the three previous meetings between the sides.

• Basel keeper Yann Sommer and Manchester United stopper David de Gea faced each other in last summer’s European Under-21 Championship final, with De Gea’s Spain triumphing 2-0 over Sommer’s Switzerland.

Prediction

United will have the better of the opening exchanges and will make their early superiority count by taking the lead. Basel will rally as the game wears on, but United’s formidable defence will ensure a comfortable passage to the knockout stages.

Editor's Prediction

Basel 0-1 Manchester United

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Inter - CSKA Moskva

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PROBABLE LINE-UPS

INTER Julio Cesar Nagatomo, Ranocchia, Samuel, Zanetti Cambiasso, Thiago Motta, Obi Stankovic Zarate, Milito

CSKA MOSCOW Gaboulov Na'kin, V.Berezutski, Igna'ch, A. Berezutski Oliseh, Aldonin, Dzagoev, Cauna Love, Doumbia

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri will be missing the services of influential defender Lucio, who is out with a thigh injury, while Wesley Sneijder is still sidelined with a muscle problem. Maicon returned to training on Monday and could make the bench for Wednesday's encounter.

CSKA require victory at San Siro to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages, and boss Leonid Slutsky will have to make due without Zoran Tosic who sustained a knee injury in training last month and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Inter are undefeated against Russian opposition at San Siro in European competition (W5 D1).

• The Nerazzurri have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 after their shock loss to Trabzonspor in the opening game of the group stages.

• Dejan Stankovic's long-range strike against Schalke in last season's tournament has been shortlisted for the Fifa Puskas award for the best goal of 2011.

• CSKA Moscow can still qualify for the last 16 if they beat Inter and the match between Lille and Trabzonspor ends in a draw.

• Seydou Doumbia has scored 11 goals in the Russian outfit's last nine games.
  

• CSKA have picked up just four wins in their last 15 Russian Premier League encounters.

Prediction

The Italian outfit are already through to the knockout round as group winners and will do enough to extend their unbeaten run in the competition.

Editor's Prediction

Inter 1-0 CSKA Moscow

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Ajax - Real

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PROBABLE LINE-UPS

AJAX Vermeer V' der Wiel, Alderw'd, Vertonghen, Anita Enoh, Eriksen, Janssen Sulejmani, Lodeiro, Ebecilio

REAL MADRID Adan Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, CoentraoXabi Alonso, Sahin Altintop, Kaka, Callejon Benzema

Ajax coach Frank de Boer will still have to make do without the services of defenders Nicolai Boilesen and Bruno Silva due to injury, while midfielder Siem de Jong and striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson are unavailable as well. Furthermore, winger Derk Boerrigter is doubtful due to ongoing back problems and is unlikely to feature.

However, full-back Gregory van der Wiel is expected to return to the match squad after a brief injury lay-off and will start at right back, while Dmitry Bulykin could also make his comeback to the match squad again.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is expected to rest several key players for Wednesday's encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA, meaning that reserves such as Antonio Adan, Raul Albiol and Hamit Altintop could all get some playing time.

Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa hasn't featured since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win at Valencia on November 19, but has resumed regular training and could return to the starting XI. Kaka made his comeback from injury against Sporting Gijon and is likely to feature from the start against Ajax.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Ajax have collected only five yellow cards so far, the lowest total in the competition.

• The meeting with Madrid will mark a year and one day since Frank de Boer replaced Martin Jol at the helm; his first game was a 2-0 Champions League victory over AC Milan on 8 December 2010.

• Ajax were beaten 4-0 at home by Madrid in the 2010-11 edition of the Champions League, despite the fact that the guests ended the match with nine man after red cards for Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos.

• Real Madrid are the only team that have been able to find the net against Ajax in Europe this season.

• The Blancos are just one win shy of their club record of 15 consecutive victories in all competitions, set in 1960-61.

• Madrid recorded their 250th win in Uefa competitions on matchday five.

Prediction

The Amsterdam side know that a draw will be enough to book their ticket for the knockout stages, while even a small loss will be enough to stay ahead of Olympique Lyonnais. However, Real Madrid have been in absolutely stunning form in the past few months and although the guests are expected to rest some key players, they still have plenty of individual talent. They should win, but Ajax may still progress.

Editor's Prediction

Ajax 1-2 Real Madrid

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Lille Metropole - Trabzonspor

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PROBABLE LINE-UPS

LILLE LandreauDebuchy, Chedjou, Basa, BeriaBalmont, Mavuba, Cole Payet, Sow, Hazard

TRABZONSPOR TolgaSerkan, Glowacki, Kacar, Celustka Colman, Zokora Altintop, Paulo Henrique, MierzejewskiBurak Yilmaz

Rudi Garcia will welcome back striker Moussa Sow and Eden Hazard to the starting XI after the pair came off the bench to feature in Saturday's 3-2 win over AC Ajaccio.

There are a few injury concerns for les Dogues ahead of the visit of Trabzonspor on Wednesday evening. Idrissa Gueye is recovering from a hand injury sustained in the win over CSKA Moscow a fortnight ago. Benoit Pedretti (hip) and Tulio de Melo (torn hamstring) are sidelined, with David Rozehnal suspended as Lille look to seal Champions League qualification.

Trabzonspor boss Senol Gunes is without Robert Vittek until 2012 after the Slovakian striker missed the last few months with a torn knee ligament.

Tayfun Cora and Onur Kıvrak have both not featured this season after suffering cruciate ligament damage. The former has returned to training, but Wednesday's clash at the Stadium Lille Metropole is too soon for the right back.

Burak Yilmaz, scorer of 14 goals in his last 16 games for club and country, will spearhead the Turkish side's attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Lille OSC secured a 2-0 win over CSKA Moscow on matchday five to stay in contention for a last 16 berth.

• Rudi Garcia's men moved to third in Ligue 1 on Saturday after edging out Ajaccio, sealing a fifth match unbeaten since the 2-1 reverse to Inter in early November.

• The last time les Dogues hosted Super Lig opposition in northern France, they ran out 2-1 winners over Fenerbahce in the 2009-10 Europa League.

• Lille will only qualify for the Champions League knockout round if they beat Senol Gunes' men. Anything less will see them drop into the Europa League if Inter avoid defeat against CSKA Moscow.

• Trabzonspor held 2010 champions Inter to a 1-1 draw on matchday five, courtesy of Halil Altintop's goal.

• Despite claiming a shock win at San Siro on matchday one, the Turkish side have failed to win any of their last four Champions League encounters.

Prediction

In what should certainly be an exciting match in the three-way tussle to join Inter in the last 16, home advantage should count for the Ligue 1 champions, against a Trabzonspor side who have punched far above their weight this term. A narrow win is on the cards for les Dogues, although don't rule out Senol Gunes' men just yet.

Editor's Prediction

Lille 2-1 Trabzonspor

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Villarreal - Napoli

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

VILLARREAL Lopez Mario, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Oriol Bruno, De Guzman Perez, Valero, Cani/Moises Ruben

NAPOLI De Sanctis Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica Maggio, Gargano, Inler, Dossena Hamsik, Lavezzi Cavani

Villarreal have been boosted by the return of Nilmar, who made a substitute appearance in the weekend defeat to Racing, but coach Juan Carlos Garrido may opt not to risk the forward, with their fate in the competition long since sealed. Likewise, midfielder Cani is back in action, but with a crucial home match versus Real Sociedad at the weekend, it is unclear whether Garrido will include the wide player in his side.

The Spanish outfit are definitely without Giuseppe Rossi, summer signings Cristian Zapata and Javier Camunas, while Jose Catala is also ruled out. Joan Oriol is the man who will deputise at left-back.

Napoli are near full strength for the visit to El Madrigal on Wednesday, with Marco Donadel and Miguel Britos the only players missing through injury. A number of the side's star players will return after being rested during the 4-2 Serie A win over Lecce at the weekend, a game in which Edinson Cavani returned after suffering with a leg injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Villarreal have had their worst ever Champions League campaign and are yet to pick up a single point in Group A, having scored only two goals in their five games so far.

• When the two teams met in Naples in September, Juan Carlos Garrido's team succumbed to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of first-half strikes from Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani.

• No Italian side has ever won at El Madrigal (four defeats and one draw).

• Victory for Napoli would guarantee them a spot in the Champions League last 16, consigning big-spending Manchester City to a place in the Europa League in the process.

• Cavani has scored four goals from only four shots on target in this season's Champions League.

• Excluding qualifiers, Walter Mazzarri's men have won none of their last nine away games in Europe (four draws and five defeats), including a 2-1 loss to Villarreal last season in the Europa League.

Prediction

Villarreal have struggled in domestic and European competition this season and it is hard look to beyond a Napoli away win as the Italians go in search of a crucial victory to qualify from Group A.

Editor's Prediction

Villarreal 1-2 Napoli

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Benfica - Otelul

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

BENFICA   Artur Amorim, Jardel, Garay, Emerson Javi Garcia, Witsel Gaitan, Matic, Nolito Cardozo

OTELUL GALATI Branet Rapa, Perendija, Costin, Salageanu Filip, Iorga, Giurgiu, Viglianti, Neagu Pena

Already sure of their place in the last 16, Benfica will now aim to ensure they finish top of Group C by beating pointless Otelul Galati at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday night.

Jesus Jorge could name a makeshift defence with Luisao missing through injury, whilst Maxi Pereira incurred a suspension from matchday five. Amorim deputised for the Uruguayan full-back and is expected to fill in for the visit of Otelul.

Pablo Aimar may be rested, with the Argentine one yellow card away from missing Benfica's next match, as are Artur and Ezequiel Garay, but both are still expected to feature.

In their maiden Champions League campaign, Otelul are yet to pick up a single point in Group C heading into their final match in Portugal.

Coach Dorinel Munteanu, welcomes back Ionut Neagu after the Romanian served a suspension in Galati's last domestic match, with the midfielder vying for a starting spot. Sergio Costin is also available are serving a ban for their 3-2 loss against Basel last time out.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Benfica's superior head-to-head record against Manchester United means a victory will guarantee them top spot, while a draw would be enough if the group's other fixture between Basel and United finishes level. 

• Jorge Jesus' side have managed to score in all 23 of their competitive games this season.

• Nicolas Gaitan has four assists in the Champions League; the highest total in the competition.

• Otelul Galati were beaten 1-0 by Benfica in Bucharest in the reverse fixture and have one final opportunity to claim their first points after five straight defeats in their debut Champions League campaign.

• Prior to this season Otelul had made only one previous visit to a European Cup-winning side, against Juventus in the 1988-89 UEFA Cup.

• On November 28, coach Dorinel Munteanu and captain Sergiu Costin were made honorary citizens of Galati.

Prediction

Benfica will want to claim top spot in the section, and victory over a side who have looked out of their depth in this season's competition should pose no particular problem for Jorge Jesus' outfit.

Editor's Prediction

Benfica 2-0 Otelul Galati

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Dinamo Zagreb - Olympique Lyonnais

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

DINAMO ZAGREB Kelava Tomecak, Vida, Cufre, Ibanez Badeji, Callelo, Leko, Sammir Rukavina Beciraj

LYON Lloris Reveillere, Kone, Lovren, Cissokho Kallstrom, Gonalons Briand, Lisandro, Bastos Gomis

For this Group D clash, Dinamo Zagreb look to make just the single change from the 2-2 draw with Cibalia on Sunday, as Jerko Leko is set to be preferred to Mehmed Alispahic. However, coach Krunoslav Jurcic will not be able to call up Josip Simunic, who remains out of contention with a calf problem, Mathias Chago and Igor Biscan, with the latter duo facing spells on the sidelines until next year. Portuguese defender Tonel, meanwhile, requires a late fitness test.

On the other hand, Lyon, in the wake of their 3-2 success against Toulouse at the weekend, should welcome back Dejan Lovren and Bafetimbi Gomis back into the fold. The pair missed the game, with the Croat suffering a thigh injury in the warm-up, but he should reassume his place in the French side's rearguard.

There isn't such news for goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre, who has ruptured tendons in his right foot, while Anthony Lopes has undergone surgery on a broken tibia. A calf setback rules out John Mensah, while Yannis Tafer remains unavailable after breaking his foot during the U-20 World Cup last summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Dinamo Zagreb have conceded 15 goals in the group stage thus far, the joint highest total in the Champions League along with Genk.

• However, the Croatians side have kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season, conceding just seven goals.

• Striker Fatos Beqiraj has scored in seven of his last nine HNL appearances, netting eight goals in all.

• Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis has been caught offside 12 times in the competition, more than any other player.

• Lyon had lost four successive away league games – their worst sequence in over a decade - before beating Auxerre 3-0 November 27.

• Lyon are currently on their longest unbeaten run since September, spanning three games.

Prediction

Zagreb have nothing to play for but pride, after a dismal qualification campaign, meaning the stage is set for Remi Garde's men to notch up a considerable victory. They have the talent to inflict significant damage, but will need to remain focused and not have Ajax's result playing on their mind.

Editor's Prediction

Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Lyon

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Manchester City - Bayern Munchen

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER CITY Hart Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy Barry, Yaya Toure, Milner Silva, Dzeko, Aguero

BAYERN MUNICH Neuer Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber, Contento Luiz Gustavo, Tymoshchuk Olic, Alaba, Usami Petersen

Manchester City have a full squad to select from, so it will come down to Roberto Mancini picking the team he feels is most suitable to stop the German side from repeating their dominant display in Munich. Samir Nasri may be the player to miss out, with Edin Dzeko looking set to return to the line-up, while Mancini has an interesting choice to make in the full-back slots, where Gael Clichy is likely to be given the nod on the left.
For Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez are suffering the flu, but both could feature, having made the trip to England. Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos have also been struck down with flu and remained in Munich to recover.
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger remains sidelined with a fractured clavicle, and defender Daniel van Buyten is also nursing a knock. Philipp Lahm may also be given a rest, meaning Diego Contento could feature on the left of defence.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena in September is the only time the Premier League leaders have failed to score this season in their 23 matches.

• For City to progress, they will have to beat Bayern and hope that Villarreal – who have yet to take a point this season in the competition – are able to deny second-placed Napoli at home.

• Bayern's last visit to England ended in elimination for City’s neighbours Manchester United as the English side went out on away goals in the quarter-finals of the 2009-10 campaign.

• Both teams have four players nominated for the FIFPro World XI. City’s four players are Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Serio Aguero.

• Bayern’s players are Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez.

• Manuel Neuer won €500,000 (£427,000) for charity last month in the German version of the ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ television show.

Prediction

With Bayern already having qualified, they may ease off a little in this match, and with City having to get a win to have a chance of qualifying, they’ll be going gung-ho in the last 15 minutes if the result isn’t going for them.

Editor's Prediction

Manchester City 2-1 Bayern

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