Champions League: Team News & Probable Lineups (Matchday 4)
The Champions League group stage is heating up, and Matchday 4 promises some thrilling clashes. With teams battling for top spot and others fighting to stay in contention, every point is crucial. Let's delve into the team news and probable lineups for the upcoming matches.
Group A:
Napoli vs. Ajax (Tuesday, October 25th, 8:00 PM GMT)
Napoli are flying high, sitting top of the group after a dominant start. Ajax, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Liverpool.
Napoli: The Italian side are expected to field a strong lineup, with Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen leading the attack. Lozano could be back from injury, adding further firepower to the squad.
Ajax: The Dutch giants will be hoping for a more solid performance. Kudus and Bergwijn will be key in attack, while Blind will provide experience in defense.
Probable Lineups:
- Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Kim, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Lozano, Kvaratskhelia, Politano; Osimhen
- Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch, Timber, Alvarez, Bassey; Taylor, Alvarez, Berghuis; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn
Group B:
Porto vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Tuesday, October 25th, 5:45 PM GMT)
Both Porto and Leverkusen are locked in a tight battle for second place. This match could be a decisive one in the group.
Porto: The Portuguese side have been impressive at home this season. Taremi and Evanilson will lead the line, while Otavio will provide creativity in midfield.
Leverkusen: The Germans will be looking for a win after a disappointing draw in their last match. Diaby and Hlozek will be key to their attacking threat.
Probable Lineups:
- Porto: Costa; Pepe, Cardoso, Marcano, Wendell; Grujic, Uribe; Otavio, Eustaquio, Galeno; Taremi
- Leverkusen: Hradecky; Frimpong, Tah, Tapsoba, Bakker; Palacios, Wirtz; Diaby, Adli, Bellarabi; Hlozek
Group C:
Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan (Wednesday, October 26th, 8:00 PM GMT)
A clash of European giants, Bayern Munich will be aiming to maintain their perfect record. Inter Milan, however, will be looking for a statement win.
Bayern Munich: The Germans are in sensational form, with Musiala and Sane pulling the strings in attack. Gnabry and Mane provide further attacking options.
Inter Milan: The Italians will need to be at their best to get a result. Lautaro Martinez and Dzeko will lead the line, while Barella and Calhanoglu will dictate midfield play.
Probable Lineups:
- Bayern Munich: Neuer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Mane
- Inter Milan: Onana; Skriniar, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Dzeko
Group D:
Real Madrid vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (Tuesday, October 25th, 8:00 PM GMT)
Real Madrid are looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to RB Leipzig. Shakhtar Donetsk, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid: The Spanish giants are expected to field a strong lineup, with Benzema and Vinicius Junior leading the attack. Modric and Kroos will control the midfield.
Shakhtar Donetsk: The Ukrainians will be looking to cause an upset. Mudryk and Traore will be key to their attacking threat.
Probable Lineups:
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Kroos, Valverde; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Junior
- Shakhtar Donetsk: Trubin; Bondar, Matvienko, Konoplyanka; Mudryk, Stepanenko, Bondarenko, Sudakov; Zubkov, Traore, Sikan
These are just probable lineups, and there are always potential changes based on fitness and tactical decisions. Stay tuned for the latest updates before each match.
Remember to follow these teams and other Champions League action throughout the season!