Arsene Wenger's hopes of Arsenal turning around its floundering Champions league campaign rest on the daunting task of toppling Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Despite rising to second in the Premier league, Arsenal has slumped to two losses against the same Champions league opponents that Bayern has crushed and sits last in Group F.
Bayern are on a 12-game winning streak that includes two easy wins over Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb by a combined score of 8-0 to sit atop the group with six points. Guardiola's side has scored five goals on four occasions during that streak across all competitions, and it also won its last two visits to Arsenal in the 2013-14 and 2012-13 seasons.
The other marquee matchup of this week's third series of group games is Real Madrid's trip to Paris Saint-Germain with the Group A lead in dispute on Wednesday. Both sides have won their first two group games without conceding.
PSG is sweating over the fitness of three of its best players ahead of its clash with Madrid.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp picked up a thigh injury at training while defender David luiz damaged a knee on international duty with Brazil. Italy international Marco Verratti was also left out of the PSG squad that won 2-0 at Bastia on Saturday because of a calf injury. Against Bastia, he rested winger Angel Di Maria, who is expected to feature against his former club.
Despite having a deep squad to draw on, Rafa Benitez is missing first-choice players from defense, midfield and attack.
Danilo did return to replace the injured Dani Carvajal in the starting lineup of Saturday's 3-0 win over levante. But Benitez couldn't count on centerbacks Sergio Ramos and Pepe, striker Karim Benzema and midfielders James Rodriguez and luka Modric due to injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea looks to boost poor season with win in Ukraine. Outside of the top 10 in the Premier league and outside of the qualifying spots in Champions league Group G. Following a 2-1 loss to Porto last time out, Tuesday's visit to Ukraine could offer a much needed boost. Jose Mourinho thinks Saturday's 2-0 win over Villa could mark the team turning a corner.