Liverpool, Chelsea looking for big Champions League nights

Two Premier League sides take centre stage on the first night of matchday six of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Liverpool will face last season’s losing finalists, Inter Milan, in a clash of European heavyweights.

Chelsea will take on Atalanta at the New Balance Arena in Italy – the very first fixture between the sides.

Kick-off time in both fixtures is 22:00 (SA time).

CHELSEA LOOK TO CONTINUE GOOD CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FORM

Enzo Maresca’s side have gone on a dry run of late, they haven’t won in their last three games.

Their last victory was in the same competition when they beat Barcelona comfortably on matchday five.

It is important for Maresca’s team to find their rhythm again and consolidate their place in the top eight to advance automatically to the knockout stage.

LIVERPOOL LOOK TO END THEIR WOES

In Liverpool’s case, it is less simple with their form deteriorating as the season progresses.

To compound matters, long-time star player Mo Salah has thrown the cat among the pigeons with an explosive interview in which he alluded to a fractured relationship with head coach Arne Slot.

A win is important for Slot’s side, not only for their knockout prospects, but the team also needs to dispel the notion that their Dutch mentor has lost the dressing room.

Whether they can do so with Salah left out of the traveling squad to Milan remains to be seen …