UEFA Champions League Fixtures: Matchday 1 Preview

Tuesday 19 September

 16/10 AC Milan | Draw 24/10 | Newcastle 17/10 (18:45)

What a brilliant opportunity for Newcastle! They are back in the big time, and I must admit, I’d love to see them remain competitive on Europe’s biggest stage. AC Milan won’t be a straightforward game, but they do look to be vulnerable at the back…they have conceded eight times in their last twelve games and both teams scoring in Milan looks to be the money at 13/20.

 

42/10 Young Boys | Draw 34/10 | RB Leipzig 6/10 (18:45)

Leipzig have gotten off to the perfect start in Germany. They have every opportunity to translate that class into the Champions League and I think they can remain competitive in this group.

Their Swiss opponents are experienced in the competition, but I don’t think they will match up here. Pile onto the away win.

 

15/20 PSG | Draw 34/10 | Dortmund 3/1 (21:00)

I suppose there always must be a ‘group of death’ and for all the marbles on the table – Group F seems to be it. These two sides will want to get off to a fast start, but it leaves PSG with it all to do playing in front of a sold-out Parc des Princes.

PSG are as consistent at the moment as Mbappe is committed, I wouldn’t look towards a result but rather a lively affair with goals galore. Over 2.5 at 7/20 goes into the midweek multiple for me.

 

37/10 Shakhtar Donetsk | Draw 3/1 | Porto 7/10 (21:00)

The home side are winless in their last eight home games, and I doubt that will change when they welcome a buoyant Porto to their pastures. The Portuguese side have won all three of their away domestic fixtures and will have the confidence necessary to claim all three points. I think the away win is the pick.

 

1/14 Manchester City | Draw 12/1 | Crvena Zvezda 28/1 (21:00)

I’m going to make a bold call here – have I got your attention yet?

Manchester City will win this game! They were unbeaten at home in the group stages last season and are absolutely unstoppable on all fronts. They have the complete squad and now with the addition of European pedigree, I can’t see how they can be stopped.

The only shrewd play I could find however, is they have the propensity to concede. They haven’t managed a clean sheet in their last three and City to win with both teams scoring is at a tasty 12/10.

 

19/10 Lazio | Draw 9/4 | Atletico 15/10 (21:00)

This isn’t exactly a game that is going to shoot the lights out of Tuesday evening, and I only say that due to the rather passive performances these two sides have registered so far this season.

Both Lazio and Atletico have looked vulnerable over the first part of their respective seasons, and I think it’s tough to separate them here. I’m not suggesting we get silly with it, but I think it’s a draw.

 

2/11 Barcelona | Draw 13/2 | Antwerp 13/1 (21:00)

This is also a bit of a mismatch fixture…Barcelona looks far superior, especially playing in Spain. They have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight competitive home fixtures and I think that angle might see us through on Tuesday evening.

I don’t think Antwerp can shut them out, but I suspect they will find themselves under a fair amount of pressure. Back Barca to win on the (-2) handicap at 11/10.

6/10 Feyenoord | Draw 34/10 | Celtic 42/10 (21:00)

The atmosphere in Rotterdam tonight should be unbelievable, the Dutch champions have won their last three Eredivisie matches, scoring a massive 17 goals in the process! I don’t think this conservative Celtic side will contain them and at 6/10 my money is on the home win.

Written by Ryan Liberty
@Mr_R_Liberty