The Champions League is truly the epitome of club football in Europe. Its three weeks in but the excitement is unmatched, you cannot possibly know what’s going to happen next and we are truly here for it!
Here’s to another round of football which just keeps giving us unbridled joy! Read on to see how I feel it will all play out!
Tuesday 19 October
Besiktas 2/1
Draw 24/10
Sporting 5/4
(18:45)
This should be a rather zippy affair. Besiktas are always a side who can turn it on and create an uncomfortable environment both on and off the field. They are a traditional side; in that they will do whatever they need to in front of goal and then just try make life as physical as possible for their opponents on defence.
I think Sporting are worthy favourites – even if just by the edge – but I think the draw is the bet. Get on at 24/10.
Club Brugge 8/1
Draw 46/10
Manchester City 2/7
(18:45)
Club Brugge at home can often be a handful, they will sit behind the ball and slow the game down to seemingly keep up. They were able to grind out a draw against the same PSG side that was able to play City off the park – but I’m not sure they get the same result here.
City is a banker, but you wouldn’t need to consult this (or any other) article to get there. However, what could prove quite shrewd is backing City to be winning at half-time. You can expect Pep Guardiola’s men to get off to a flyer and should they be leading at the break, you can collect your deserved money at a price of 7/10.
Shakhtar Donetsk 46/10
Draw 7/2
Real Madrid 5/10
(21:00)
I suspect the odd banana peel might be lying close by since Real Madrid have not been at their level best. Their domestic performances are largely in line with the team playing out of their training facility, and in Europe… well, they lost to a team most of the world have only heard of for the first-time last month.
Shakhtar were for the most part, the better team last time out against Inter. They played with discipline and a rather refreshing display of belief. If you ask me, they were unlucky to not go on and win it.
The home Win/Draw Double Chance is my tip at 27/20.
Paris Saint-Germain 4/10
Draw 4/1
RB Leipzig 54/10
(21:00)
I’m not going to unnecessarily complicate this one. PSG showed last week that they certainly possess the capacity to utterly dismantle any team in Europe. The pace, quality and finesse with which they manhandled Pep’s City was military like.
Leipzig don’t have the players to match PSG, so if the home side show up and want to win, they will – and do so at will. Really the bet here is which PSG arrive for the game. At 4/10 I might just go all in.
Atletico Madrid 2/1
Draw 24/10
Liverpool 13/10
(21:00)
This should be an absolute treat. Atletico will rely on their inherent ability to suffocate side’s and just grind their way to a result. Diego Simeone has made a career at Atletico on his defensive substance and resolve. Personally, I absolutely adore it.
And that is really the reason this will be such an exciting game. Arguably one of Europe’s best defensive side’s come up against one of the best attacks. If this game was at Anfield, I would suggest backing the Red’s with provident fund confidence…however, given that it is on the road I would rather have a punt on Liverpool with the Win/Draw Double Chance + Under 3.5 Goals. I just don’t see Jurgen Klopp’s side losing. Get on at 15/20.
Inter Milan 2/11
Draw 6/1
FC Sheriff Tiraspol 12/1
(21:00)
I cannot understand how Sheriff have been priced up at 12/1. They are at the summit of group D having already beaten Shakhtar and Real Madrid, scoring four in the process whilst only conceding one. Inter are yet to win a game and to be fair, yet to have a convincing performance.
I wouldn’t suggest putting this in the multiples, but as crazy as it sounds the visitors will come into the game with all the confidence in the world and look to have a real go at the San Siro. At 12/1 why not have a punt?
Ajax 5/4
Draw 28/10
Borussia Dortmund 37/20
(21:00)
This is definitely the clash of the two best sides in group C. Ajax have got off to a superb start this year both domestically and in Europe, the fact that they are able to compete year in and year out, even whilst selling their best players, is just yet a further respectful nod to the importance of culture in a football club.
Dortmund have also continued their fine display this year, but their defensive soundness is questionable. It’s for that reason I think Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals at 13/20 is a brilliant bet.
FC Porto 16/10
Draw 26/10
AC Milan 15/10
(21:00)
I wouldn’t give too much credence to Porto’s display against Liverpool – it’s almost as though the Portuguese side cannot help themselves but get thrashed. AC Milan have a seriously young side, but its bursting with talent. I thought they were unlucky against Atletico but their performance against Liverpool is what I cannot get over. At 15/10 I’m happy to take Porto on and get behind the away win.
Wednesday 20 October
Salzburg 12/10
Draw 26/10
Wolfsburg 2/1
(18:45)
Tough game to call, Wolfsburg have been excellent this year whilst Salzburg have been clinical. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two cancel each other out, but simultaneously I can’t see Wolfsburg losing.
For my money, Wolfsburg on the Win/Draw Double Chance + Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 14/10.
Barcelona 1/4
Draw 52/10
Dynamo Kyiv 9/1
(18:45)
Barcelona have been terrible so far this season and are on the brink of the unthinkable…getting relegated to the Europa League from the group stage of the Champions League!
Nevertheless, Dynamo Kyiv have not got the appetite to trouble the Catalan Giants. I mean surely this is a game Barcelona could use to make some sort of statement again. I wouldn’t add this to any bets but for heaven’s sake… Barcelona win.
Lille 49/20
Draw 23/10
Sevilla 11/10
(21:00)
Sevilla is a banker here. Lille just cannot keep a clean sheet; their defensive ability is non-existent and it’s not as though they are scoring for fun. Sevilla have been consistent and incredibly positive. 11/10 is a gift – get on.
Manchester United 17/20
Draw 29/10
Atalanta 29/10
(21:00)
Manchester United have been flat and unconvincing at times in the Champions League. They certainly have the individuals to win a game, but they aren’t exactly playing like a team which looks as though they could win anything.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Atalanta get a result here – but I must admit I hope I am wrong! Back the Away Win/Draw Double Chance at 17/20.
Zenit 26/10
Draw 43/20
Juventus 11/10
(21:00)
Juventus were able to make a much-needed point in their systematic dismantling of Chelsea last time out. The Old Lady – like many other big European clubs this year – have flattered to deceive.
Zenit will want to bully their visitors and be pushed into doing so by their fanatical fans…but this will be a mistake. Juventus at a very generous price of 11/10 is the tip.
Benfica 56/10
Draw 39/10
Bayern Munich 4/10
(21:00)
Benfica took full advantage of a lacklustre Barcelona and fair play to them. They were rightly on cloud 9, but I fear they will be promptly brought back down to earth here.
Bayern Munich is probably the best side in the world at the moment – they certainly aren’t without a blemish this year. At 4/10 they must be heavily backed!
Chelsea 1/10
Draw 8/1
Malmo 25/1
(21:00)
I said Malmo would be the whipping boys of the group, to be fair I’m sure many of you thought the same thing! Well, this has been proven correct.
Chelsea have been excellent, even after losing last time out in Turin. The Home Win To Nil at 9/20 is a banker – and for what it’s worth, rightly priced.
Young Boys 9/4
Draw 26/10
Villarreal 11/10
(21:00)
This should be an interesting game. Young boys will come into the game with all the confidence in the world, feeling right at home on their plastic pitch. Villarreal’s structure and system are of the highest class, Unai Emery is another coach who deserves the highest accolades in world football and his side will not be easy to break down.
I don’t think Young Boys score, let alone win. However, 11/10 is a price I am happy to punt, back the away victory.
TREBLE @ 5/1
Paris Saint-Germain Win 4/10
Wolfsburg/Draw + BTSS 14/10
Chelsea To Win To Nil 9/20
Bayern Munich Win 4/10
Written by Ryan Liberty