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Five Champions League crackers not to miss

We're salivating at the thought of the Champions League returning this week, so here are five games to look forward to. Can Manchester City get their European bid back on back and how will Liverpool cope against Real Madrid?

Manuel Pellegrini (C) supervises training in Moscow on October 20, 2014, on the eve of a UEFA Champions League group E game for Manchester City v CSKA

CSKA Moscow v Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini (C) supervises training in Moscow on October 20, 2014, on the eve of a UEFA Champions League group E game for Manchester City v CSKA

With City's game in Moscow kicking off at 17.00, it gives viewers the chance to squeeze in two games on Tuesday evening. Manuel Pellegrini's side are desperate to pick up their first win in Group E, but the manager has dismissed claims that playing behind closed doors - due to UEFA's disciplinary proceedings against CSKA - will be an advantage: "We must try to win because we are better than CSKA playing away or at home. If not, if we need those kinds of things to win the game, then I don't think we are a big team. It's always good to play with a crowd that can go to the stadium." It will be a surreal atmosphere at the Arena Khimki, but one City must adjust to if they are to get their Champions League hopes back on track.


Roma v Bayern Munich

Pep Guardiola, press conference, Roma v Bayern Munich, Champions League

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The last meeting between these two teams was a cracker, Roma running out 3-2 winners at the Stadio Olimpico in November 2010 despite trailing 2-0 at half-time. Late goals from Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti helped the Italians clinch second spot behind Bayern to reach the Champions League knock-out rounds, and Rudi Garcia's side will be aiming for a repeat on Tuesday. After drawing with Manchester City last time out, Roma have given themselves a great chance of progression, and Totti, De Rossi and Co should pose a tough test for Pep Guardiola's Group E leaders.

Liverpool v Real Madrid

 Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid

It's highly unlikely Liverpool will repeat their last result against Real Madrid on Wednesday, a 4-0 victory at Anfield in 2009 which even saw Andrea Dossena get on the scoresheet. The Reds have made a slow start in the current campaign and need a big performance against Real after losing 1-0 to Basel in their last Champions League outing. The good news is that Gareth Bale has been ruled out; the bad news is that Carlo Ancelotti can still call on Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez. The trio will be ready to take advantage of any slips in a defence that has shown no signs of improvement from last season.

Anderlecht v Arsenal

Danny Welbeck

This should be a routine victory for Arsenal as they look to progress from the group stage for the 12th year in succession. However, the Gunners' mounting injury crisis could see them forced to stick with an unfamiliar back four, offering Anderlecht hope of earning a shock result. The Belgians' danger man, Matias Suarez, was heavily linked to Arsenal in 2012, but a move failed to materialise. This is his big chance to make Arsene Wenger pay for deciding to look elsewhere.

Galatasaray v Borussia Dortmund

After victories over Arsenal and Anderlecht, Dortmund lie top of Group D ahead of their trip to Galatasaray on Wednesday. However, the 2013 finalists' form in the Bundesliga is a different story entirely, with Jurgen Klopp's side sitting just a point above the relegation zone following their fifth defeat of the season on Saturday. "We played a kind of football which is absolutely pointless," said Klopp after the 2-1 loss to Koln. "We misplaced so many passes in the first half and made simple mistakes which can be explained in a whole host of ways, but still should not be happening. We've just got to face the music once again." Can Dortmund bounce back or is there hope that Arsenal can still finish as group winners? Galatasaray could have a significant say in the outcome.

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