28 October 2015
The Bianconeri’s Champions League rivals Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach will turn their attentions to their country’s respective cup competitions this evening in a busy midweek schedule across the continent.
Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace
With fellow Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Arsenal suffering shock exits from the League Cup last night at the hands of Stoke and Sheffield Wednesday, Manuel Pellegrini’s City will have to be at their very best to avoid the same fate against Crystal Palace tonight (kick-off 20.45 CET) at the Etihad Stadium.
Although Pellegrini fielded a full-strength side in the previous round against Sunderland, a match comfortably won by four goals to one, the suggestion is that the Citizens’ Chilean coach may shuffle his pack with important fixtures against Norwich and Sevilla on the horizon.
Their visitors this evening however have proven to be one of the English top-flight’s surprise packages so far this term, particularly away from home, and Eagles boss Alan Pardew will be looking for a repeat performance of his side’s unfortunate 1-0 defeat to the same opponents in September.
Borussia M'Gladbach vs. Schalke
Borussia Monchengladbach’s trip to Schalke (kick-off 20.30) is the standout fixture in Germany’s DFB Cup this evening, as the Bundesliga’s seventh and third placed sides face off in Gelsenkirchen for the second time in four days.
Five straight wins in the league have reignited the Foals’ season after a stuttering start and back-to-back victories over their local rivals, having beaten the Royal Blues 3-1 on Sunday, would send Schubert’s men into next week’s Champions League return fixture against Juventus with plenty of confidence.
With a place in the competition’s last 16 at stake, expect a feisty and typically full-blooded encounter at the Veltins Arena.
