English teams face German opposition on Match Day 1
Both Arsenal and Chelsea begin their Champions League group stage campaigns on Tuesday night as they face German opposition in the form of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
Arsenal, who narrowly edged Swansea 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a howler from opposition keeper Michel Vorm. The Gunners will be up against Dortmund and their rising teenage star Mario Goetze at the Westfalenstadion. Those having purchased Arsenal tickets for this clash will be hoping that the Gunners can come away with a positive result against the reigning German champions.
Arsenal are a bit thin in midfield, with Aaron Ramsey joining Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby on the sidelines. This could mean a Champions League debut for Mikel Arteta, who joined Arsenal from Everton on transfer deadline day.
The biggest question in front of those having purchased Chelsea tickets for the Blues’ tie against Bayer Leverkusen will be whether or not Andre Villas-Boas starts out of form striker Fernando Torres. Torres stirred up some controversy with his comments on Chelsea’s older players and opposition fans who’ve bought Champions League tickets may have to wait for a later stage in the competition to see him in action.
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack could make an appearance for Leverkusen, who have won only two out of fifteen games in Europe against English opposition. Chelsea , who will be without Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, have never lost to a German club at home in the Champions League.
