This week sees the third round of matches in the Group Stage of the
Champions League. The 32 teams competing have already played their opening two games and it has been something of a mixed bag of results for the top teams, with some playing well and winning both their matches (Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Dortmund, Inter Milan and Juventus to name a few), while for others it has been a mixed affair.
The next two matchday’s in the tournament are essentially home and away games against the same opponents and this double header at the midway stage of the tournament is when the groups really start to take shape.
We are going to go through the games this week and give you our tips for each in the hope that they may well land you a little extra spending cash for the weekend, or to perhaps put towards the onrushing Christmas period.
We’ll organise the fixtures chronologically, so that it is easy to see when each game will be played if you fancy putting a few pounds on any of the selections. Odds provided are courtesy of bet365 Sport and are correct as of 2pm on Thursday 11th October 2018.
[featured_offer id=”1750″]Champions League Fixtures
Matchday 3
All kick offs are 8pm unless otherwise stated.
Tuesday 23rd October
- AEK Athens v Bayern Munich (5.55pm)
Bayern Munich haven’t started the season well by their own high standards but even so, they should have more than enough to get the win over an AEK Athens side that are struggling somewhat at this level. (Bayern to win – 2/9)
- Young Boys v Valencia (5.55pm)
Young Boys have found life hard at this level, despite dominating domestically in Switzerland and I think Valencia could end their Champions League goal drought here. If they do then I fancy them to keep a clean sheet and claim what could be a huge win in the context of this group. (Valencia to win – Evens)
- Ajax v Benfica
I have been impressed with Ajax so far in this Champions League campaign, any team that can go to Bayern Munich and come away with a deserved draw, is one that should be respected. Benfica are a hard-working side, but I think this has the hallmarks of a home win. (Ajax to win – 19/20)
- Manchester United v Juventus
Juventus have made a fabulous start to their Champions League campaign and I think they are the form team of the two. Home advantage gives United a chance, but with Cristiano Ronaldo back in the team I think United may well be reminded of just how much quality their former striker possesses. (Juventus to win – 5/4)
- Real Madrid v Viktoria Plzen
Plzen were crushed by Roma last time out and I think the Czech side may be in for another long night here against a Real side who are struggling a little for form both domestically and in Europe. This however should be a straightforward opportunity for them to put things right. (Real Madrid to win – 1/12)
- Roma v CSKA Moscow
After thumping five past Plzen last time out, and CSKA earning a superb 1-0 win over Real Madrid in Russia,this may be closer than some are expecting, however I think Roma at home are a huge threat and in truth, I can’t see anything other than a strong home win here. (Roma to win – 1/3)
- Shakhtar Donetsk v Man City
Man City lost to Donetsk at this stage of the competition last year, but I think they will put that right on Tuesday. The home side have been shipping lots of goals in this tournament, as well as scoring a few and while I can see them scoring on Tuesday, I feel City will score enough to secure a win. (City to win – 2/5)
- Hoffenheim v Lyon
Two free-scoring sides meet in Germany with both still needing points, Hoffeinheim moreso than Lyon. The French team are a real threat on the counter, and Hoffenheim like to attack so I can see a game with goals here and I think a high scoring draw may well be the best option. (Draw 12/5)
Wednesday 24th October
- Club Brugge v AS Monaco (5.55pm)
Both these teams have struggled in the competition thus far and Monaco’s woes extend to Ligue One at the moment. That lack of confidence is a real blow for this team and I think Brugge can capitalise. Remember you heard it here first but I am backing Brugge to land a famous win (Brugge to win – 11/10)
- PSV Eindhoven v Tottenham (5.55pm)
After two defeats in their opening two games, neither PSV or Spurs can afford another loss here so this is a crucial game for both teams. As such, I am expecting an open encounter and if that happens, I think Spurs will benefit as they are strong on the counter attack, however they sorely miss Christian Eriksen. If he returns, then Spurs could just steal this one. (Tottenham win – 10/11)
- Barcelona v Inter Milan
Two sides with 100% records, so something must go when the two clash at the Nou Camp. Inter’s wins have been hard fought, Barcelona’s on the back of some brilliance from Lionel Messi. Inter will try to stifle the Argentinean but they’ll fail and I think Barcelona will record a confident win as a result (Barcelona to win – 2/7)
- Borussia Dortmund v Atletico Madrid
These are the two real quality teams in Group A and I expect both will qualify easily from this group. This should be an interesting encounter where Dortmund’s young and pacy attack test their mettle against the best defensive team in European football for the past four years. This will be close but I think Atletico will just about sneak the win. (Atletico to win – 17/10)
- Galatasaray v Schalke 04
I don’t feel either of these teams would get too far in the tournament even if they made it out of this stage of the competition. Schalke won in Moscow last time out but I think Istanbul is an even tougher place to go and as a result I predict a decent home win for Galatasaray here. (Galatasaray to win – 8/5)
- Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
The Reds were disappointed to lose to Napoli in the last minute last time out, but they have a chance to put it right at Anfield against a Red Star Belgrade team that lost 6-1 away to PSG last time out. The Reds need to find their scoring power and pace again to kick start their season. A good win here may just give them that confidence boost. (Liverpool win – 1/25)
- Lokomotiv Moscow v FC Porto
I’m not convinced either of these teams are particularly strong, though I do expect FC Porto to make it out of the group. Lokomotiv look dangerous at times, but there is little consistency or quality to their play and as such, I think this has the hallmarks of a tight edgy game that finishes in a draw. (Draw – 23/10)
- Paris St Germain v Napoli
Napoli top Group C at the moment, but they now face a real test with an away trip to Paris St Germain, who are scoring goals for fun at the moment. Napoli are strong defensively, but they are not the best on the road and I can see PSG taking the win here which would really open up Group C nicely. (PSG to win 9/20)
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