Matchday three of the UEFA Champions League promises to be just as great as the opening two sets of matches, with some blockbuster clashes to feast our eyes on. Since the draw was first conducted, the matchup between Manchester United and Juventus was always going to be an intriguing one. Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo will face their former employers, the neutrals will be hoping to see the key battle between Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal and Inter Milan’s Radja Nainggolan. With all the quality on showcase in Europe’s elite competition, let’s hope we can enjoy the football, while making some extra money in the process.
Tuesday 23 October
Group E
AEK 9/1
Draw 47/10
Bayern Munich 1/4
(18:55)
AEK are still in the hunt for their first points on the board when they welcome Bayern Munich to Athens. The hosts lost their opening two games, conceding three times in each encounter. Bayern have had their struggles this season, especially domestically, but in the Champions League, they should kick on from the four points they achieved in their opening two matches. The Bavarians have also never lost in Greece, winning three of the four times they visited the country in the Balkans. Over 2.5 Goals seems the best bet here at 5/10.
Ajax 19/20
Draw 5/2
Benfica 26/10
(21:00)
Ajax have defied all odds so far in their Champions League campaign, spearheading Group E, ahead of Bayern Munich on goal difference. Benfica scraped past AEK in their previous fixture, but that could only guide them to third spot in the group. The Eagles have been flying high in Portugal, but so far, have failed to replicate their form into this year’s Champions League showpiece. Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic have been in superb form for Ajax this term, with the latter already notching up two assists so far. The home win looks too good to pass up here at 19/20.
Group F
Shakhtar Donetsk 52/10
Draw 4/1
Manchester City 4/10
(21:00)
Shakhtar and Manchester City square off for the second successive season in the Champions League when they do battle this coming Tuesday. The Ukrainian giants have a brilliant record at home to English opposition, winning five of the seven games played, including that memorable 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men last year. City’s record in Ukraine also leaves a lot to be desired, losing two of their three games played. The English champions have had their troubles in Europe this season and despite their recent dominance in England, I’m expecting the Citizens to struggle here. Back Shakhtar on the Double Chance here at 33/20.
Hoffenheim 13/10
Draw 26/10
Lyon 18/10
(21:00)
Despite some excellent performances in the Champions League, Hoffenheim sit bottom of the pile in Group F on just one point, losing out to Manchester City in the dying stages of the game on Matchday Two. Lyon, on the other hand, are unbeaten at the top of the standings with one win and one draw from their opening two encounters. On paper, the French giants could argue that they’ve already been through their toughest tests, but Hoffenheim will surely prove to be no pushovers. Get on Over 2.5 Goals at 5/10!
Group G
Real Madrid 1/16
Draw 19/2
Viktoria Plzen 25/1
(21:00)
It’s redemption time in the Champions League as Real Madrid prepare to host Viktoria Plzen after disappointingly losing at CSKA Moscow last time out. Los Blancos are unbeaten in all five games against Czech opposition at home, winning four times. The visitors, on the other hand, have suffered defeat in all three UEFA trips to Spain. Real Madrid need to win here, and I’m expecting them to do just that. Back the Champions League holders to Score In Both Halves for more value at 7/20.
Roma 7/20
Draw 4/1
CSKA Moscow 15/2
(21:00)
Roma will by no means have it easy when they welcome CSKA Moscow to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Italians bounced back strongly on Matchday Two, claiming an emphatic 5-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen. CSKA top Group G, having gone unbeaten in their opening two matches, whilst also edging past Real Madrid in one of the biggest upsets this Champions League has seen yet. Despite their recent delight, CSKA have surely ridden their luck out and should go down in Rome. Edin Dzeko is second of the scoring charts with three goals, so perhaps the Bosnian as an Anytime Goalscorer could also be worth taking. For safety measure, just back Roma to win the match at 7/20.
Group H
Young Boys 26/10
Draw 24/10
Valencia 1/1
(18:55)
It’s an evening battle between the so-called minnows of Group H when Young Boys host Valencia in the early kick-off. Both clubs are yet to register their first win of the campaign, which makes this tie a massive six-pointer if either side are to stay in a European competition. The Swiss champions lost both of their encounters, losing 3-0 in both games, while Valencia managed to grind out a point at Old Trafford against Manchester United in what was a boring and goalless stalemate. Take the visitors here at even money.
Manchester United 22/10
Draw 22/10
Juventus 5/4
(21:00)
In what is undoubtedly the pick of the round, Manchester United and Juventus go head to head this Tuesday with fireworks expected at the Theatre of Dreams. Juve lead the standings in Group H, winning both of their matches played so far, keeping consecutive clean sheets. United have had no shortage of problems in their camp this season, even with former Juve superstar, Paul Pogba. Their defence has been all over the place and defending against one of football’s greatest players ever in Cristiano Ronaldo might be too big of a task. Ronaldo loves showing how great he really is in the big games, and what bigger stage than against the team you made your name for in the Champions League. My money is on the away win here!
Tuesday TREBLE @ 11/2
AEK vs Bayern Over 2.5 Goals 5/10
Ajax Win 19/20
Juventus Win 5/4
Written by Jesse Nagel
