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The focus is on an important evening in the Champions League. A pair of fascinating encounters headline the schedule, with teams fighting for vital standings as the group phase continues.

Chelsea's Inconsistent Form

Which iteration of Chelsea will we see on Italian soil? Their last European outing was a statement, an emphatic 3-0 victory against the Catalan giants that stood as a peak for Enzo Maresca's reign. Yet, form has been unpredictable afterwards. A credible tie against their London rivals was followed by a defeat at Leeds, and a dour draw at Bournemouth means they arrive with momentum drained.

Awaiting them is a tricky Atalanta who are level on points alongside them. The Italian side suffered a 4-0 loss in their first game in Paris yet have remained unbeaten in Europe ever since, defying their mid-table domestic form.

Tottenham's Test

Much like their London counterparts, Tottenham can be famously unreliable. A 5-3 defeat in Paris, coming between disappointing losses in the Premier League, had increased scrutiny on boss Thomas Frank. However, the last two league results – four points from six – have provided some stability.

This evening, they welcome Czech opponents yet to win in this year's tournament. This is exactly the type of fixture which Spurs need to secure three points from for any hopes of climbing into the top eight, especially with upcoming games versus Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.

Other Key Fixtures

The drama extends beyond those two matches. In a notable game, the Blaugrana will aim to bounce back after their loss when they host Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, free-scoring PSV Eindhoven pose a stern test to the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Finally, AS Monaco hosts the Turkish champions in a match that has all the makings of a potential goal-fest. All matches begin at 8pm GMT.

A pivotal evening for the tournament standings awaits, as clubs striving to secure their path towards the knockout rounds.