It’s back! The Champions League returns tonight with a number of high profile clashes for punters to mull over when picking their bets, so we’ve had a look ourselves, picking out five tips for Tuesday’s ties.
Manchester United vs FC Basel - match preview
While many will no doubt have this down as a home banker, reflected in odds of just 1.22 on a United win, the hosts may not have it all their own way. The Red Devils not only have real problems at the back, with both Bailly and Jones suspended, but have struggled against Basel in the past. Not only have the Manchester giants failed to beat the Swiss champions in their last three meetings, but Mourinho has also faced tonight’s opponents twice and lost on both occasions.
It’s the absences that could prove more costly though, up against a Basel side that has lost some key players in recent years, but a narrow win could be on the cards and odds of 3.75 on a one-goal winning margin for United are tempting.
Celtic vs PSG - match preview
Poor Celtic are rarely handed a favourable Champions League draw and this season is certainly no different. Along with the prospect of Bayern, they host PSG’s fearsome attack on Tuesday and will really need to be on their mettle to keep their visitors at bay. The triumvirate of Neymar, Cavani and Mbappe lined up together for the first time at the weekend, with all three on the scoresheet in a 5-1 win over Metz. Indeed, it’s 5 games, 5 wins and a plus 16 goal difference for the Parisians thus far this season.
Celtic have been less prolific by comparison, scoring 12 goals in their 5 league games and drawing at home against St. Johnstone. The Parkhead crowd will no doubt be in full voice but the away sides are rightly heavy favourites and a win by two or more goals is at 1.87 with bet365.
Barcelona vs Juventus - match preview
A repeat of the 2015 final and quarter-finals last year, Juventus got their revenge for the former by dumping out Barcelona last season, and in convincing fashion to boot. The blaugrana were in fine form at the weekend and have made a strong start despite criticism over the summer, but there’s no doubt that The Old Lady are once again being underestimated in the odds. Allegri’s men have nine points and ten goals from their first three league games, with Paulo Dybala bagging five.
It was reported that Barca turned down the chance to sign the Argentine in the transfer window, and they may come to regret that decision. The forward scored twice at Camp Nou last season and could be the catalyst once more, with odds of 2.40 on Juventus to win or draw surely too high.
Chelsea vs Qarabag FK - match preview
The mere presence of Qarabag in the Champions League is a remarkable achievement, but the Azerbaijan champions will have a real baptism of fire on their debut at this level. A trip to Stamford Bridge will be as daunting as it is exciting and while Conte is tipped to rest some players tonight, the Blues line-up will be strong regardless.
After a shock opening day defeat the Premier League winners have tightened up defensively and come through a potentially tricky trio of matches with nine points. They should keep back-to-back clean sheets at home, coupled with at least three goals, with odds of 2.62 on over 2.5 without both teams scoring.
Roma vs Atletico Madrid - match preview
When it comes to the Champions League, Atletico only seem to lose to their local rivals and know full well how to negotiate the group stages, despite a tough draw this time around. As such they’re narrow favourites to come away from the Italian capital with all three points but most will have this down as a tight affair in a group that may well be unforgiving.
A stalemate is certainly not out of the question, but for a safer bet the draw at half-time at 2.00 represents good value at the Olimpico.
