The main Champions League talking points heading into the sixth round of matches in this season’s league phase.Â
Salah and Slot’s futures on the line
There is no bigger talking point in football right now than Mo Salah after the Egyptian winger threw his future at Liverpool into doubt with some explosive comments at the weekend.
Whether it was his intention or not, it has had the effect of burning bridges at the club. He hasn’t travelled with the squad for their trip to Inter Milan and, with AFCON around the corner, may have played his final game for the Merseyside outfit. Now everyone’s watching to see what happens next.
Benching Salah, arguably the biggest star Liverpool has ever had, was a risky power play from Arne Slot. It still has the potential to blow up in his face should results not improve.
The Dutchman will be given a long leash after leading the team to Premier League glory in his first season. But the fall off from last year has been so dramatic that his job is at risk nonetheless. The best way to avoid being sacked is to win games.
Inter at the San Siro is a very tricky test for any side, but particularly one that has failed to find any consistency. Defeat here would not be the death knell for Slot, but it would take him one step closer to the brink.
Right now it feels like there can only be one winner, and the loser will be gone before the end of the campaign.
Alonso in Real trouble
Speaking of managers under pressure, Xabi Alonso is already fighting for his life just months after being appointed. The Real Madrid boss has reportedly lost the dressing room and the club are considering giving him the sack.
A shock 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, during which Los Blancos had two men sent off, has put Alonso in the dock. On Wednesday they will be cross-examined by Manchester City, who are bang in form right now.
Alonso has been dealt a potential blow ahead of the game as well, with top scorer Kylian Mbappe reportedly a doubt to face City. This is going to be one of the toughest nights of his managerial career and one of the most consequential too; win and he buys himself a bit more time, but lose and edges ever closer to the exit door. Will he get pushed through it?
Read – Real Madrid consider Alonso axe ahead of Man City clash
Chelsea need to rediscover scoring touch
A month has passed since Chelsea shocked Barcelona, winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. They followed it up with an impressive 1-1 draw against Arsenal while down to ten men, suggesting they are ready to challenge for the biggest trophies.
However, the Blues have only managed to pick up two points in three Premier League games since then, while only scoring twice. The club has been brought back down to Earth after reaching one of their biggest highs under Enzo Maresca.
Their opponents on Tuesday, Atalanta, are also coming off the back of a humbling. Hellas Verona beat them 3-1 to end a three-match winning streak.
The Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo has played host to many a scalping by the hosts; Chelsea, in their vulnerable state, could be the next victim. But this encounter also presents an opportunity for Maresca’s men to return to form.
Atalanta are at their weakest in years, sitting 12th in Serie A having conceded 17 goals. They can be got at.
Arsenal need to bounce back
It’s been a rough month for Arsenal since beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They felt on top of the world following that incredible win, but have been hit by setbacks ever since.
Their draw with Chelsea at least maintained their lead over their London rival, but their position at the top of the Premier League is looking shaky after that 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Coupled with injuries to key players, this is a hugely challenging time for Mikel Arteta.
Fortunately for the Gunners, on Wednesday they face one of the weakest teams in the Champions League this season. Club Brugge have just one win and one of the worst defensive records after five games of the league phase. If they can bounce back with a convincing victory, it will give them a huge lift heading into the festive period.
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