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.
Kiev v Bayern – Over 0.5 FHG
Bayern are in a bit of a tumultuous period at the club with five unvaccinated players (including Gnabry and Kimmich) being out of the squad. They lost 2-1 to Augsburg last Friday and even though they beat Kiev 5-0 in the reverse fixture, I’d rather focus on goals here. Bayern’s games always have FHGs, over 2.5 goals are also an option.
Villarreal v Man Utd – Over 1.5 goals
It will be Manchester United’s first game without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and we often see that teams completely explode after a manager was sacked. Villarreal’s form in LaLiga has been somewhat poor this campaign but they do average two goals per match. Meanwhile, United have conceded 20 goals in their last eight matches. There is an added bonus here – the team that wins will qualify for the knockouts.
Chelsea v Juventus – Chelsea/draw under 4.5 goals
Juventus have won are unbeaten in their last four matches against Chelsea, but the Blues have looked very strong domestically. Juve won their reverse clash 1-0 and still have a 100% record, which means Chelsea need to win this match to have a chance to top the group. It should be a tactical battle and Chelsea’s form should see them get a draw at least.
Malmo v Zenit – Zenit win/draw
Malmo have been horrible in the Champions League so far, losing all four games without scoring and conceding 12. They lost the reverse fixture at Zenit 4-0 and the Russia side are in goal scoring form, having netted 18 times in their last five games. Even BTTS – now looks like a great option.
Barcelona v Benfica – Over 1.5 goals
This game will basically decide who will finish second in the group behind Bayern. Benfica won the reverse fixture with relative ease 3-0 but have since lost 4-0 and 5-2 to Bayern, while Barca collected two 1-0 wins against Kiev. It’s Barca’s second game under new coach Xavi and he will want a positive result.
Lille v Salzburg – Over 1.5 goals
Lille collected a shock win at Sevilla last time around, while Salzburg lost to Wolfsburg. The winner of this match will have great chances to reach the knockout round and both teams have seen goals in most of their games this season.
Young Boys v Atalanta – Atalanta either half
Young Boys are playing an average campaign but their games average three goals per match. Atalanta have somewhat found their stride, winning the last three in Serie A. They have gone 5/5 with over 2.5 goals. They will be keen to get a win here before facing Villarreal in their final match.
Inter v Shakhtar – Inter win/draw over 1.5 goals
Inter are in great form and have won 5/7 games, only drawing with Milan and Juventus. They collected two wins over Sheriff to move into second in their group and another win over Shakhtar could secure the knockouts. Shakhtar have looked good domestically but struggled in the UCL, collecting just one point so far.
Besiktas v Ajax – Ajax win
Besiktas are in horrible form, losing 8/10 and conceding 22 goals over this run. They also collected two heavy defeats to Sporting in their last two UCL games, while Ajax beat Dortmund twice and still have a 100% record. Be wary that the first leg only had two goals and Ajax played two goalless draws in their last four matches.
Sheriff v Real Madrid – Madrid to win
The hosts celebrated a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu in the reverse fixture, giving Los Blancos a reason for revenge. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won 6/7 in all competitions and their three group fixtures since the defeat to Sheriff, while the latter lost to Inter twice. Anything else but a Real win would be another massive upset.
Sporting v Dortmund – Over 1.5 goals
Sporting are in super form, having won 9/9 games, including twice comfortably against Besiktas. Dortmund, meanwhile, are missing Erling Haaland and lost their last two UCL games. They did beat Sporting 1-0 at home in the reverse fixture and are ahead of them on the log based on that result. Dortmund’s games promise one thing, goals…
Liverpool v Porto – Liverpool to win either half
Liverpool are in such great form this season and beat Porto 5-1 in Porto. The odds for a home win (1.86) seem such great value, but I’ve tried to make it a bit safer. The Reds have won 5/6 games vs Porto, scoring 20 goals.
Atletico v Milan – Atletico win/draw
Atletico need a result if they want to move above Porto before the two teams meet on the final matchday. Milan meanwhile, have only collected one point so far and might shift their focus to the league. Atletico have only lost one home match since February.