UEFA Champions League: Preview of tonight's fixtures
What's the story
The second half of Champions League's match-day 3 is set to commence tonight and a lot of heavyweight clubs will be taking to the field in their group stage encounters. A Messi-less Barcelona will take on Inter Milan at the Camp Nou as Dortmund will be up against Atletico Madrid. PSG will face Napoli while Liverpool will host Red Star Belgrade. Here's more.
Barca vs Inter
Barcelona will want to maintain their winning streak
Inter will be confident, coming off seven straight victories, when they take on Barcelona at Camp Nou. They will wish to take full advantage of Messi's absence. Inter will be without Radja and Perisic's presence is also doubtful. Barca will again have defensive woes as Umtiti and Vermaelen remain out of action. Barca have lost only once again Inter, in 2009's semi-final's first leg.
PSG vs Napoli
How will PSG and Napoli fare tonight?
Two powerful teams, PSG and Napoli will meet in Paris tonight. Both won their last Champions League fixtures, where they defeated Red Star and Liverpool respectively. Paris Saint-Germain's Kurzawa, Dani Alves, and Dagba will be out of action due to injuries and Napoli might miss Insigne, Younes, and Alex Meret. Buffon might make his UCL debut for PSG tonight after completing his two-match ban.
Dortmund vs Atletico
Dortmund and Atletico's match will be an intense affair tonight
Dortmund will host Atletico tonight and this will be a humongous challenge for Simeone and his men, as the hosts are in phenomenal form, scoring 27 goals in eight league matches. Alcacer's availability remains a concern for Dortmund, who has been their highest scorer this term. Gimenez might return to action for Atletico tonight and Costa will be well-rested after sitting out this weekend.
Liverpool vs Red Star
Klopp's men need a win against Red Star Belgrade
Both Liverpool and Red Star lost their previous UCL matches and would be desperate to secure a victory tonight. Liverpool have an added home advantage over their weaker opponents and will wish to capitalize on the return of Mane from injury. Henderson and Keita will play no part for Liverpool, while Red Star will be without mid-fielder Cafu and defender Milan Rodic.