Champions League matchday two preview: The big stories ahead of the second round of Champions League group games

By Press Association

Football

Tue October 01, 2019 · 5y ago

Take a look at the big stories ahead of the second round of Champions League group matches this week.

There are more big ties and huge matches coming up this week for the second week of Champions League group game, as holders Liverpool return to Anfield after suffering a disappointing defeat in Napoli for the second year running.

Frank Lampard's Chelsea are also big favourites for their trip to France to face Lille, while Barcelona host Inter Milan in another big-name showdown.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the main talking points before the second round of matches.

Home comforts for holders

Liverpool's Anfield Kop ahead of their Champions League game with PSG

Liverpool's Anfield Kop ahead of a Champions League game

Champions League football returns to Anfield for the first time since that memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona in May, a night which has gone down in history as one of the best comebacks in the history of the competition.

While the Reds, unbeaten at home in the competition since 2014, are not likely to produce anything as dramatic as that when they host Red Bull Salzburg, they do need a win to get the defence of their crown up and running after defeat against Napoli a fortnight ago.

Encouragement for Lampard in Lille

Frank Lampard: Chelsea manager salutes fans at Stamford Bridge after their win over Brighton

Frank Lampard: Chelsea manager wants a positive Champions League response

Chelsea appear to be running into some form after two confidence-boosting wins in a week ahead of their trip to Lille. That is exactly what they need as they head to the Stade Pierre Mauroy, where their opponents have not lost since March.

However, Ligue 1's fourth-placed side - who have former Chelsea striker Loic Remy in their squad - have been inconsistent so far this season and that offers Blues boss Frank Lampard hope, especially after seeing 10 different players score in their last three matches.

Barcelona v Inter Milan

Lionel Messi: Celebrations for the Barca star against Manchester United

Lionel Messi continues to struggle with injuries this season

Back-to-back LaLiga wins have barely eased the scrutiny on Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde and the criticism will return with a vengeance should they fail to beat Serie A leaders Inter Milan at home. Without the injured Lionel Messi, who is hopeful of being fit for the game after a thigh problem, the Catalan side have been exposed but even if the Argentina star does return he is yet to score in three matches against the Italians.

Inter have conceded just three goals in seven games and will arrive at the Nou Camp with a plan to, first and foremost, frustrate and negate. Barca, after a goalless draw in Dortmund, need a win and Valverde even more so.