Paul Hart has LEFT Portsmouth but who will succeed him? Alan Curbishley is, as ever, among the front-runners – see the full next Portsmouth manager betting here.

Group A – Kick-off 19:45 (BST)

While admitting he was delighted to have qualified for the last 16, Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has told his players to make the most of their opportunity to finish top of Group A by beating Juventus.

“Finishing first will improve our chances in the last 16, we saw that with Lyon last year,” said Blanc. “It is very important because you have the benefit of being at home in the second leg.

“We are preparing as usual. This is a very interesting game and I will not have to motivate my players. Juventus have changed their system and have players who were not here for the first leg [a 1-1 draw on Matchday 1]. But I think the best player from that game is still here: Gianluigi Buffon.

“I am not thinking about the very busy month of December – we are playing Juventus at home. We are through to the last 16. It’s a great thing and a great pleasure, but the biggest pleasure for a footballer is to win. We can finish first in the group, this is a great chance.”

Blanc’s opposite number – and former Napoli team-mate – Ciro Ferrara also has his eye on top spot as Juve go in search of the win that would guarantee they join Bordeaux in the knockout phase with a game to spare.

“We are not through yet,” he said. “We need points, but Bordeaux will fight to defend top spot. It will be a very tight game and we will play to win. We still have our destiny in our own hands.

“We had a very difficult game against Udinese [on Sunday, a 1-0 win]. They defended well and we were unable to express ourselves. We tend to produce more in the Champions League. I might make some changes.

“Bordeaux are missing Gourcuff, but that makes no difference to me. We shouldn’t pay too much attention to injured players, we know Bordeaux will always be dangerous.

“I know Laurent Blanc very well. He is a very successful coach. I remember his determination when we played together – he hasn’t changed, but I hope I’ll prove we are stronger. Juventus will always try to finish first. We know it is difficult, but that is what we’re striving for.”

Paul Hart has LEFT Portsmouth but who will succeed him? Alan Curbishley is, as ever, among the front-runners – see the full next Portsmouth manager betting here.

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