The business end of the Champions League’s first phase is here with plenty business to take care of this week. Here's Wednesday's action!
31/20 Galatasaray | Draw 26/10 | Manchester United 15/10 (19:45)
It’s a massive game for United, and it certainly won’t be straightforward for them in Istanbul. United have some defensive concerns though, conceding eleven times in just four European games isn’t good enough. Now, when you consider their hosts have scored seven times across their matches – its makes for a tough encounter.
Nevertheless, I have my United tie on today and we will walk in the light of faith! Back both teams to score here.
16/10 Sevilla | Draw 24/10 | PSV 31/20 (19:45)
This is a tricky game to call, PSV are absolutely blistering in front of goal, but they are another side who struggle to keep it clean at the back. Sevilla is rock bottom of their group and with only two games to go, this is crucial.
I can’t split them; I’m going for the draw – but I wouldn’t add it to any slip unnecessarily.
2/9 Bayern Munich | Draw 56/10 | Copenhagen 10/1 (22:00)
It all comes down the team selection for Bayern Munich. They have earned qualification; they are flying domestically and in Europe – so do they give players a rest?
I don’t think so. Backing them to win though won’t earn me any respect but adding over 3.5 goals to the mix might.
17/20 Real Madrid | Draw 11/4 | Napoli 28/10 (22:00)
The hosts continue their charge to a perfect group stage campaign, and in Napoli they face another old European foe. In their previous meeting’s the hosts have won three on the bounce and scored freely. However, at 17/20 I think a straight win is good enough.
5/10 Real Sociedad | Draw 33/10 | RB Salzburg 52/10 (22:00)
I must be honest and say that Sociedad have been mightily impressive during this season. They are unbeaten in the Champions league, but possibly more impressive is the fact that they have conceded the fewest goals in the competition so far. I can’t see past the home win – get on!
21/20 Braga | Draw 5/2 | Union Berlin 9/4 (22:00)
Braga come into the game with a far superior record and possibly even more confidence. They have won three of their last four games and have shown a desire to be competitive in this competition. Yes, they lost their first two but have stayed loyal to their attacking brand and against a lackluster Berlin side (who are yet to win from their last 15 games), I think the home win is on the cards.
7/20 Arsenal | Draw 39/10 | Lens 13/2 (22:00)
Arsenal will know that a win here confirms top spot in group B. Lest we forget that Lens claimed a massive victory over the Gunners in the reverse fixture, but at the Emirates it should be a very different environment.
Admittedly, I am not too confident on the home win. They were lucky at times against Brentford and if they are made to face the same sort of pressure here, the Emirates might become a seriously heated pressure-cooker.
Lens have failed to score on the road in their last four games though, so I doubt that changes here…for that reason back the home win.
31/20 Benfica | Draw 47/20 | Inter 33/20 (22:00)
This should be relatively simple. Inter face a Benfica side yet to win a single game in Europe this season. I can’t see past an Inter win, they have superior players in vital areas and given the confidence of winning eight from their last ten, I think they win this.
