Let’s kick things off with RB Leipzig v Monaco. Leipzig had a wonderful season last time out and the additions they made to the squad filled out their ranks a little. At the same time they held on to their best player, for now at least, and the unknowns in this squad can test themselves at Champions League level.
Monaco may have lost some of the players that did so well for them last season but they are still a decent side and this should be a good game. My early bet is on Both Teams To Score, the odds are very low at 1.62 but this should be an entertaining match with a few goals in it.
Real Madrid face up against Apoel Nicosia in what is the closest thing to a “gimme” in this group. 3 points will be predicted, expected and demanded. I honestly can’t see any other outcome. Unfortunately, neither can the bookies. There is nothing I would want to put my money on for this game so I won’t advise you do either.
NK Maribor and Spartak Moscow have never met in the Champions League before but you have to feel the Slovenians aren’t going to get anything from this. Having seen neither side (yet) this season, I can’t say which way this one will go.
Napoli are on a strong run of 5 consecutive wins and a trip to Shakhtar Donetsk gives them a chance to test their mettle in Europe. I love the odds for the away side in this one and will be taking the 2.15 that Pinnacle kindly have on offer.
Tottenham vs. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund struggled at the weekend but I think the wide open spaces of the Wembley pitch will suit their style nicely. Dortmund took Spurs apart the last time these two met in the Champions League and the scoreline should have been bigger than a 2-1 away victory. Dembele might have left but it was the movement in the side that unhinged Spurs last time out. I’m not sure that Spurs can do much, even with the new signings if the game goes that way again. I’m biased (as a Spurs fan) so I’m staying out of this one but there is a notch of dread in my stomach.
Manchester City were excellent at the weekend and a similar result will see them take all 3 points from their meeting with Feyenoord. If there was any value in it then I would be betting on a City win but the bookies have this one sewn up tight.
Liverpool v Sevilla is a repeat of the 2016 Europa League Final. Now the stakes are higher and Liverpool are smarting from their loss at the weekend. Klopp’s a smart guy and I can see them doing better in this one than we saw at the weekend. Sevilla are canny campaigners though and I think each side will go away with a point each. Take the 4.2 with BetVictor.
Finally, we have Porto v Besiktas. This is another game I’ve found it difficult to identify anything I’m happy to put my own money on so I’m giving this one a swerve as well.
I’ll be watching the Spurs game but keeping a close eye on results elsewhere for any trading opportunities. Enjoy the evening.
Calculators
