We’ve teamed up with , who is well-known in South Africa’s punting streets and he will give us his best for the week. Europe’s elite club competition is back and it usually promises two things: goals and favourites to win. Let’s have a look at this week’s fixtures.
Brugge v Man City – Man City to win
Man City started the campaign with a 6-3 over Leipzig and a defeat to PSG, while Brugge collected a draw against the French giants and beat Leipzig. City can’t afford to drop points vs the Belgium champions after their defeat to PSG and have a much better squad, too.
PSG v Leipzig – Over 1.5 goals
Both teams are struggling defensively this season, while their attacks usually do the business for them. Leipzig only won one game of their last nine games in all competitions, while PSG have kept just two clean sheets in seven matches, this game promises goals.
Inter v Sheriff – Inter win/draw over 1.5 goals
Sheriff are the surprise package of the Champions League so far, but Inter can’t afford to drop any more points. 5/6 of Inter’s games had over 2.5 goals, 4/5 of Sheriff’s had over 2.5 goals.
Atletico v Liverpool – Liverpool win/draw
Liverpool look in superb form this season while Atletico have stuttered through most of their games. The Reds are still unbeaten this season, but Atletico have beaten them in their last three clashes.
Porto v Milan – Over 1.5 goals
Both teams are unbeaten domestically, but Milan lost to both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in the UCL, while Porto drew with Atletico before getting hammered by Liverpool. Both sides had only one game this season with less than 1.5 goals.
Shakthar v Real – Over 1.5 goals
Both teams are somewhat under pressure after losing to Sheriff. Real enter the game on a three-match unbeaten run, while Shakthar are unbeaten in six, winning four and drawing two. It should be a more open game that promises goals.
Barca v Kyiv – Barca win
FC Barcelona started their campaign with two defeats and another one here might be the end of Koeman. However, they have some reason to be optimistic after Ansu Fati returned to full fitness. Kyiv lost 5-0 to Bayern last time around and Barca should be too strong for them – at least on paper.
Benfica v Bayern – Bayern over 1.5 goals
Bayern are probably the most in-form team in Europe at the moment. They’ve won 10/11 last games, scoring 50 goals. Benfica started well domestically but stuttered a bit lately. They conceded in 4 in 5 games.
Young Boys v Villarreal – Over 1.5 goals
It’s not been a great campaign for Villarreal so far and they were beaten by a last-minute goal against Manchester United in the last round, while Young Boys lost 1-0 to Atalanta. Young Boys’ games promise goals, with 6/8 having over 2.5.
Man Utd v Atalanta – Over 1.5 goals
In England, they think this is an easy game for Man Utd, but Atalanta are no pushovers and could very well hurt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even more. Both teams’ defences have not been too stable, with United having BTTS in 6/8 and Atalanta in 4/5.
Chelsea v Malmo – Over 0.5 FHG
Chelsea enter the game as clear favourites, while Malmo lost 4-0 to Kyiv and 3-0 to Juventus so far. This should be an equal one-sided affair, which should have goals in the first half.
Zenit v Juventus – Juve to score over 0.5
Zenit conceded in 11/14 games this season and lost their last two, while Juventus have overcome their early-season dip, collecting five wins on the trot. Given Zenit’s shaky defence, Juve should at least score, if not win.