Bergamo's Team Hosts The Blues, Spurs Hosts Slavia Prague – A Night of Champions League Action

The focus turns to an important night of European football. Two fascinating encounters headline the lineup, with sides fighting for vital standings in the group stage.

The Chelsea Conundrum

What version of Chelsea will appear on Italian soil? Their previous European performance served as a declaration, a comprehensive 3-0 victory against the Catalan giants which was a high point in their manager's tenure. However, results has been unpredictable afterwards. A credible tie with their London rivals was followed by a loss at Leeds, followed by a lackluster stalemate at Bournemouth means they arrive with confidence sapped.

They face a dangerous opponent who are tied in the standings alongside them. The Italian side suffered a heavy opening defeat at PSG but have remained unbeaten on the continent ever since, contrasting somewhat modest results in Serie A.

Tottenham's Test

Similar to their rivals, Tottenham can be famously inconsistent. A 5-3 loss away to PSG, coming between painful defeats to Arsenal and Fulham, had increased scrutiny on boss Thomas Frank. But, recent domestic outings – a win and a draw from six – have provided a measure of calm.

Tonight, they host a Slavia Prague side yet to win in the competition. This is exactly the type of match which Spurs need to be won for any hopes of climbing into the top eight, particularly given forthcoming games versus Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt still to come.

The Evening's Other Games

The action extends beyond those two matches. In a key encounter, Barcelona will aim to respond after their loss as they welcome the German side. At the same time, high-flying PSV will provide a stern test to the backline of Atlético Madrid. Rounding out the night, AS Monaco entertains the Turkish champions in an encounter which promises to be a high-scoring affair. Every game begin this evening.

A pivotal night in the group stage awaits, as clubs fighting to secure a route towards the knockout rounds.