On Wednesday, the UEFA Champions League group stage will come to an end. Before the winter break, all participants of the knockout stage will be clear, while the "Roma" and "Man City" clubs are still trying to get on the departing train. The situation in Group E is quite confusing. The clear leader is Munich's "Bayern" with 12 points, while "Roma," "Man City," and Moscow's CSKA have 5 points each. The Serie A giants will face the English champions, while the Russians will try to create a sensation in Germany. Portal "EuroFootball.com" asked experts - coach Valdas Dambrauskas and television commentator Gediminas Reklaičio to share their opinions on the most interesting matches of the day. "Man City" heavily relies on forward Sergio Aguero, who suffered an injury last weekend, so his absence could greatly affect the match. The "Citizens" play aggressively, as they do in England, so the main thing that "Roma" should do is to control the ball for some time. If "Roma" prepares a plan, i.e., coordinates control and occasional passes to "Man City," with successful counterattacks, the match could be very interesting, and its outcome is difficult to predict," - said V. Dambrauskas. Football specialist G. Reklaitis said that the English team may feel additional pressure due to past failures in the tournament. "Right now, "Man City" is playing better, but could their Champions League complex hold them back? What is the situation with Aguero? How is Yaya Toure's health? There are many questions, and the answers will be during the match. However, I have no doubt that the second team of the group will clarify after the match in the Eternal City," - said the sports commentator. V. Dambrauskas predicted that the different levels of national championships could have a significant impact on the matches - in the English league, they need to fight fiercely with all competitors. "Nevertheless, I believe that "Man City" will be able to get a result. The Premier League is a championship where this needs to be done throughout all matches, and this factor can be very important. I find it completely unlikely that CSKA will defeat "Bayern," even if the Germans do not play with their strongest lineup. In front of their own audience, they will still not have significant problems". Group E standings: - "Roma" would advance to the Champions League knockout stages (for the first time in the last four seasons) if they defeat "Man City." - The Italians would be fine with a draw if CSKA shares points with "Bayern." A goalless draw would be enough if the Russians do not beat the Munich club. - The fate of "Man City" depends on the result of CSKA. If "Roma" wins, the English and Russians will end their appearance in the tournament
Aivaras Katutis
