This week sees the return of the Champions League once again and we have reached the point in the Group Stage where we are now at a crucial point in proceedings. Over the next two matchdays, two teams in each group will face each other home and away, with six points up for grabs in what is often the two pivotal games for teams seeking to qualify for the next phase of the competition, or earn that Europe League knockout phase spot for third.
While some teams, like Manchester City, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Paris St. Germain are seeking to continue their perfect start to the group stage, other teams will know that picking up four, or ideally six, points from these next two games could give them a fantastic chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the games across Tuesday and Wednesday night and give you our quick tips for each.
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All odds shown are correct with bet365 Sport as of 12.20 pm on Monday 21st October. All Kick off times are 8pm unless otherwise stated.
Champions League Tips – Tuesday 22nd October
- Atletico Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen (5.55pm)
Leverkusen have lost both their games in this competition so far and I can’t see things improving away from home against a proven side like Atletico Madrid. The Spaniards held Juventus at home last time out, and I think they will pick up the three points here. Atletico Madrid to win – 8/13.
- Shakhtar Donetsk v Dinamo Zagreb (5.55pm)
Donetsk bounced back from losing to Man City at home to beat Atalanta easily on the road last time out and they now face a crunch game against a Zagreb side that also have three points. I was tempted by the draw here but I just feel Donetsk’s extra experience will be key. Donetsk to win – 8/11.
- Club Brugge v Paris St Germain
Club Brugge earned a brilliant draw away to Real Madrid last time out and with the Spaniards struggling in this tournament, they may feel they could cause a huge upset. However PSG are the quality team in this group so far and I am backing the French side to land a narrow win here. PSG to win – 4/7.
- Galatasaray v Real Madrid
Real Madrid have struggled in this tournament so far this season and so far have just one point. Galatasaray will be tough opponents and although the atmosphere will be hot, I do expect Real Madrid to get back to winning ways here. Real Madrid to win – 8/13.
- Juventus v Lokomotiv Moscow
Juventus earned a solid point away to Atletico Madrid and beat Bayer Leverkusen at home in the group so far and I expect them to make it another three points here against a Lokomotive Moscow side who have just three points so far. Juventus to win – 1/5.
- Manchester City v Atalanta
Manchester City have started this season’s Champions League in fine form and I expect them to continue that here at home against an Atalanta side that have been well-beaten in both their games so far. This should be a very comfortable evening for Manchester City fans. Man City to win – 1/5.
- Olympiakos v Bayern Munich
Olympiakos are a tough team to beat at home as Spurs have found out, but I think Bayern Munich are a class above Spurs at the moment and the Germans experience and knowhow will be enough for them to claim their third win in the group here. Bayern Munich to win – 2/5.
- Tottenham v Red Star Belgrade
After a 2-2 draw with Olympiacos and a humiliating 7-2 loss at home to Bayern Munich, Spurs must win this game against second placed Red Star Belgrade. The Serbian side are not the best travellers in Europe and they’ll fancy their chances in the next game between the teams. Tottenham to win – 1/4.
Champions League Tips – Wednesday 23rd October
- Ajax v Chelsea (5.55pm)
Ajax are the top team in this group with two 3-0 victories under their belts and after a slow start Chelsea earned a fine 2-1 win over Lille in France last time out. The Dutch are the favourites here, but I do fancy the young Chelsea team to perform well and perhaps snatch something from this game, even if it is only a share of the points. Draw – 5/2.
- Red Bull Leipzig v Zenit St Petersburg (5.55pm)
Two teams that will feel that they have a real chance of winning this group clash in Germany on Wednesday. Zenit have started the best in the group, but I feel their unbeaten record could come to an end here against a Leipzig side who have some talented players. Leipzig to win – 4/7.
- Benfica v Lyon
After two defeats, Benfica have nothing to aim for other than a win in this game. Lyon are second in the group and know that a point away from home here would be a solid result for them and in truth, I can see the French team getting that given how poor Benfica have been this season in Europe. Draw – 27/10.
- Red Bull Salzburg v Napoli
Napoli lead this group but Salzburg have shown real attacking quality against Genk and Liverpool and I think the Austrian side, who beat Lazio last season, could earn a surprise victory here against a team who only managed a draw last time out against Genk. Red Bull Salzburg to win – 8/5.
- Genk v Liverpool
After a win against Salzburg last time out, Liverpool need to back that up with six points against the weakest team in the group in Genk. The Reds were held at Old Trafford on Sunday but I think will bounce back to winning ways here. Liverpool to win – 2/7.
- Inter Milan v Borussia Dortmund
For me, this is the crunch game in this group. A win for Inter puts them back in with a real shout. A win for Dortmund means I see Dortmund and Barcelona qualifying with ease. However, I feel that the most likely outcome here is going to be a share of the points. Draw – 12/5.
- Lille v Valencia
A defeat for Lille here would leave it almost impossible for them to qualify from the group, but a win would put them right back in contention. Valencia struggled against Ajax last time out but were excellent away to Chelsea and I see them performing similarly here to claim a share of the points. Draw – 23/10.
- Slavia Prague v Barcelona
Slavia Prague have already earned a point against Inter so they will be no pushovers for Barcelona here. Barcelona’s form has been a little patchy this season but with Messi getting back to full fitness, I expect them to earn the victory here. Barcelona to win – 4/9.
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