Champions League Predictions > Nov 1st & 2nd

[StevieDay1983]

The final round of group stage games in the Champions League brings this phase to a close this week. Napoli, Liverpool, Club Brugge, Porto, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, and Benfica. 12 spots in the knockout phase secured but 4 still up for grabs including both qualification berths in Group D where every team in that group is still in with a chance of qualifying for the last 16. Let's hear your predictions! 

[StefanBB]

Bayern Munich vs Inter

Bayern Munich will be hoping for a repeat of their last result, following a 6-2 Bundesliga success vs Mainz. They were also successful in the previous round of the Champions League, celebrating a 2-0 win in Barcelona. At least three goals per game have been seen in 5 of the last six fixtures in which Bayern Munich has been involved. Opposition teams scored six times in this period, whereas Bayern Munich amassed a tally of 25. The Bavarians want to pick up where they left off and celebrate the sixth victory in the competition. Regarding the selection issues, Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann will be grateful to have no fitness worries at all coming into this game owing to a fully injury-free squad available to select from.

Inter heads into the encounter following a 3-0 Serie A win against Sampdoria in their most recent fixture. The Nerazzurri have already secured the top-two finish by beating Viktoria Plzen 4-0 on the road last Wednesday. In their previous six clashes, Inter has bagged a total of 18 goals. Inter has also managed to score on each one of those occasions. During that period, they’ve had seven goals scored by their opponents. The visitors have improved their form recently, and they want to return home undefeated. With a fully healthy squad to pick from, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi does not have any fitness concerns to speak of ahead of this match.

Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction                                                                            

Both teams enter this game without much pressure, but they would like to continue with good displays. We think the home side is a slight favorite, and the points should remain at Allianz Arena.

Goals Market Prediction

Both sides have been involved in many high-scoring matches recently, and we expect them to keep up in the same fashion. The crowd should enjoy fireworks, and these two teams might produce at least four goals in total. 

Bayern Munich to Win @ 1.45

Over 3.5 FT @ 2.00

Correct score 3:1 @ 11.00

[StefanBB]

Liverpool vs Napoli

Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back here following the 2-1 Premier League defeat last time out to Leeds United. It was their second straight loss in the domestic championship, deepening the crisis of results at Anfield. Their most recent results highlight the fact that much solidity has been shown by the Liverpool backline. Liverpool has been mean at the back, with the tally of goals that have flown into the back of their net over the course of their previous six outings standing at 4. However, that wasn’t enough to bring good results to the Reds. Regarding the availability issues, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp will be thankful to have no fitness concerns whatsoever before this clash with a completely healthy group available to choose from.

Napoli goes into this match following a 4-0 Serie A win versus Sassuolo in their last game. They have been excellent so far in the season on all fronts. Napoli tops Serie A while booking all five wins in the Champions League so far. With their forward play coming to the fore of late, Napoli has racked up an avalanche of goals over their last six games (19, to be precise). That’s given them the ominous mean average of 3.17 goals scored per match over this time. The visitors hope to pick up where they left off and build their confidence further. Due to a fully injury-free squad to choose from, the Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti does not have any fitness worries whatsoever coming into this clash.

Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction                                                                            

Liverpool has been very inconsistent recently, and they lost two games against relegation-threatened teams in the Premier League. Therefore, we think Napoli is capable enough of remaining undefeated at Anfield.

Goals Market Prediction

The visitors have been lethal in front of the opponent’s goal lately, and we believe they can continue in the same fashion. The crowd should enjoy goals in both nets on Tuesday evening.  

Napoli AH +0.5 @ 2.15

BTTS Yes @ 1.55

Correct score 1:2 @ 13.00

[StevieDay1983]

Liverpool vs Napoli

The final round of Champions League group games are upon us and my word haven't they flown by! It's Liverpool versus Napoli in this Group A clash that will determine who finishes first and second. Both teams have already qualified before this 8pm GMT kick-off at Anfield on Tuesday night. The home team will need to overturn a 4-1 aggregate score if they're to move ahead of their opponents on head-to-head results. Is it mission impossible or are we set to witness a European classic?

Liverpool might have had a patchy season so far with the club down in 9th position in the Premier League and having suffered a humbling 4-1 loss away to Napoli earlier in this competition but Jurgen Klopp's men have still already secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League and could yet still top the group. It is the Reds worst start after 12 matches in the top flight of English football since the German took the reigns back in 2015 but they have now won 4 games in a row in this competition. There are suggestions that Klopp is using this game to give fringe players game time with both Calvin Ramsey and Ibrahima Konate tipped to start. It is 2 losses from the last 3 games for Liverpool though and those losses have come against the lower-placed opposition of Nottingham Forest and Leeds. The latter of those defeats coming at home on the weekend. However, the Merseysiders have won both of their home games in this group so far scoring two goals in each of those contests.

Napoli are fast becoming the trending team of this year's Champions League. Luciano Spalletti's team are unbeaten in all competitions so far. Gli Azzurri are top of Serie A with 10 wins and 2 draws. The team also boast a 100% record in this competition sitting proudly on top of the group. 21-year old Georgian international Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a breakthrough star this season with the performances from Victor Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski, and Kim Min-jae also earning high praise. It is incredible to note that Napoli have scored a staggering 20 goals in their 5 group games so far having scored at least 3 goals in each of their group games so far. They have also scored an average of 4.5 goals per away game in this group. It's now 13 games won in a row across all competitions so it's hard to find an argument against backing them to win any match right now. That sort of fire power is frightening at this level.

The times they are a-changing as the old saying goes and that could certainly be evident here again. Liverpool are suffering from inconsistency this season but Napoli feel like they are entering a new dawn. It's slightly come out of nowhere for the Italian side who exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage last season and finished 3rd in Serie A but some way off the title pace. Spalletti has turned them into a real force this season and they're now even being spoken about in the Champions League winners conversation. Is there a team in better form than Napoli in European football right now? You'd have to say no. They may well be underdogs to win this game but that makes them great value given their recent performances.

Napoli Draw No Bet @ 9/5 with Sporting Index

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 8/15 with BetVictor

[StevieDay1983]

Marseille vs Tottenham

The drama reaches a tense climax in Group D of the Champions League as Marseille host Tottenham in what is effectively a winner-takes-all clash to see who will qualify for the last 16. Kick-off is 8pm GMT from the Stade Velodrome on Tuesday evening. The home team must earn a victory if they want to reach the next phase but the visiting side are able to settle for a draw in order to progress.

Marseille are undergoing a period of transition with head coach Igor Tudor taking charge of the team for this season after the departure of former gaffer Jorge Sampaoli in the summer. The French Ligue 1 side are experiencing an inconsistent start to Tudor's reign. The club are in 5th position in the top flight of French football but already 11 points off the title pace. Their Champions League form has seen them win 2 and lose 3 leaving them bottom of the group but they remain just 2 points off the top spot and 1 point outside the qualification places. The Phocaeans are without a win in their last 4 matches in all competitions so morale isn't at its highest right now. The team also possess an awful record against English opposition having lost 7 of their last 9 fixtures against Premier League clubs. It's interesting to see a couple of former Gunners players potentially lining up for the French side here. Do you fancy betting on Alexis Sanchez or Matteo Guendouzi to score anytime against Spurs?

Tottenham come into this game with Antonio Conte enduring a touchline ban after being sent off in their 1-1 draw with Sporting CP in their most recent Champions League outing. Spurs currently top the group so know a draw will be enough to qualify for the last 16 but a win will guarantee a seeding place in the knockout phase. It's just 1 win from the last 4 games across all competitions for Tottenham so this is far from a done deal. The London club have also not only failed to win both of their away matches in this group so far but they've not even managed to score a goal in those two games. There's no doubting the spirit and fight of this Tottenham team after they came from 2-0 down away to Bournemouth in league action on the weekend to win 3-2. It's a shame that it looks like Richarlison will be unavailable after his brace against Marseille earlier in the group so Rodrigo Bentancur could be an alternative leftfield pick for anytime scorer having bagged a goal in each of their last two games played.

Well, isn't this what the Champions League is all about. Entering the final round of group games and any two teams could qualify from Group D. It's not ideal for Tottenham that Conte has a touchline ban but Marseille don't seem overly convincing right now under Tudor. The away team should have enough about them to get the draw at least but with the home side having to push to try and get the win I can see them getting picked apart on the counter attack by Tottenham.

Tottenham to Win @ 11/8 with Paddy Power

Anytime Scorer: Rodrigo Bentancur @ 14/1 with Betfair

Bet £10 and get £20 in free bets plus Tottenham to win and Son Heung-min to score @ 4/1 with Boylesports here

 

[malabgd]

Real Madrid vs Celtic FC

2022-11-02T18:45+01:00

 

Real Madrid

Doubtful: Benzema (7/5 f, top scorer, probably out), Tchouameni (10/0 m)

Out (injuries/other): -

Suspended: -

 

Celtic FC

Doubtful: Stephen Welsh (4/1 d), Carl Starfelt (3/2 d)

Out (injuries/other): Cameron Carter-Vickers (10/0 d), Callum McGregor (8/0 m, captain)

Suspended: -

 

Daily updated injuries and suspensions information from more than 100 football leagues and competitions worldwide at: www.injuriesandsuspensions.com

 

Shakhtar Donetsk vs RB Leipzig

2022-11-02T18:45+01:00

 

Shakhtar Donetsk

Doubtful: Ocheretko (3/1 m), Zubkov (7/2 f, probably out)

Out (injuries/other): Shved (3/1 f), Konoplya (6/1 d), Korniyenko (1/0 d)

Suspended:-

 

RB Leipzig

Doubtful: Simakan (9/0 d), Blaswich (5/0 2nd goalkeeper)

Out (injuries/other): Gulácsi (6/0 first goalkeeper), Klostermann (1/0 d), Laimer (4/0 m)

Suspended: -

[StefanBB]

Manchester City vs Sevilla

Manchester City is hoping to win again after their last result, a 1-0 Premier League triumph against Leicester City. The Citizens keep chasing Arsenal thanks to that victory, and they want to finish the UCL group stage undefeated. A recurring aspect of more recent Manchester City games is the high number of scores with nil in them. From their previous six clashes leading up to this one, in as many as 5 of them, a wager on both teams scoring would've been a losing one. However, the hosts need to stabilize their form to remain competitive on all fronts. The Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be happy not to have any fitness concerns at all coming into this match with a completely healthy group available to choose from.

Following on from suffering a loss in their previous game against Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga competition, Sevilla and their fans will hope to get a better result this time. The visitors cannot be happy with their form this season since they sit in the bottom half of the Spanish top flight. Also, they will continue their continental journey in the Europa League. Throughout their six previous matches, Jorge Sampaoli's Sevilla has turned their attacks into goals a total of 7 times, thus earning them the goals scored per game average of 1.17. Sevilla needs to improve its game to improve its chances of playing continental football next season. Owing to a completely injury-free group available for selection, the Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli has zero fitness concerns to speak of before this game.

Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction                                                                            

Although Manchester City hasn’t been very convincing recently, they are in much better form than Sevilla. Therefore, we think the hosts will secure all three points and take the lead already at halftime.

Goals Market Prediction

Their head-to-head clashes have been pretty efficient so far, and all three went over a 2.5 margin. Therefore, we believe these two sides will produce at least three goals in total.

Manchester City HT-FT @ 1.70

Over 2.5 FT @ 1.40

Correct score 4:1 @ 15.00

[StefanBB]

Juventus vs PSG

Following on from their previous result, Juventus will be hoping for more of the same after the 1-0 Serie A triumph against Lecce. However, Massimiliano Allegri’s side cannot be happy with its results this season. They are far from the Serie A title race, while they picked only three points in the UCL. A recurring feature of more recent Juventus games is seeing a zero in the scoreline. From their previous six clashes leading up to this one, in 5 of them, a bet on BTTS would've been a losing one. The Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri will be grateful not to have any fitness worries to speak of ahead of this clash with a fully healthy squad to pick from.

PSG comes into this clash following a 4-3 Ligue 1 win to defeat ESTAC Troyes in their previous outing. The Parisiens lead the title race in the French top flight, while they want to enter the UCL knockout stage from the pole position. Proving their bias toward productive matches, we’ve had goals 22 times in the previous six games in which Paris Saint-Germain has taken to the pitch, making it a mean average of 3.67 goals per fixture. Their opponents have got six from this total. Due to a completely healthy squad available to choose from, the PSG boss Christophe Galtier does not have any fitness worries whatsoever before this clash.

Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction                                                                            

Juventus has been very inconsistent so far, and we don’t think they are capable of stunning PSG. Therefore, we believe PSG will return home with all three points from this encounter.

Goals Market Prediction

PSG has been very productive lately, scoring 11 goals on the previous two occasions. On the other hand, their defense has also been pretty leaky, and we expect to see at least three goals in total at Allianz Stadium.

PSG to Win @ 1.70

Over 2.5 FT @ 1.65

Correct score 1:2 @ 8.50                                                  

[ALEXXXXXXXX]

Real Madrid vs Celtic FC

There's no doubt that The Hoops are disappointed with this year's edition of the UCL, but that's simply football. This match in Madrid has no competitive significance for Celtic, except to play for honor and reputation.

Real Madrid simply have to beat Celtic if they want to keep their leading position in Group F, as RB Leipzig is breathing down their necks. I believe that the Real Madrid team will adopt an offensive approach from the first minute and I expect them to prove their worth on the field again and get back to winning ways in a convincing way.

Over 3.5  @2.03
Real Madrid -1.5/-2  @1.90

[StevieDay1983]

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb

The final round of group stage games in the Champions League draws to a close on Wednesday night. Premier League club Chelsea play Hrvatska nogometna liga team Dinamo Zagreb in an 8pm GMT kick-off at Stamford Bridge in Group E. The home side have already booked their place in the last 16 as seeded group winners but the away team still have a chance to qualify for the Europa League if they win and RB Salzburg lose away to AC Milan.

Chelsea come into this game with contrasting emotions. The Blues are without a win in their last 3 Premier League games including suffering an embarrassing 4-1 loss away to Brighton on the weekend. However, the London club are undefeated in their last 4 Champions League matches including winning their previous 3 fixtures in this competition. It's 7 matches unbeaten at home across all competitions for Graham Potter's team so far this season which consists of 4 wins and 3 draws. Home form in the Champions League has also been impressive for Chelsea over the past couple of seasons with the club now without a loss in their last 10 home games played in this competition. The big news for Chelsea is that in-form keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been ruled out with an injury so Eduoard Mendy will deputise. We all know how much keeper changes to a team can impact defensive stability.

Dinamo Zagreb will be confident heading into this fixture having put Chelsea to the sword in the opening group game in a 1-0 win at home that effectively saw former Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel lose his job. Head coach Ante Cacic is continuing to impress in his role with the Croatian team. The fact they are still in with a shout of progressing through to the Europa League going into the final group game is exceeding expectations. The club are sitting 4 points clear at the team of the Croatian top flight with a league game in hand as well so it's all good on the domestic front too. The team have shown they are not to be under-estimated in this group having scored in 3 of their 5 group games. Striker Mislav Orsic was the goal scorer in the previous meeting with Chelsea and he could be worth an anytime scorer bet at the price he's available. 

There will certainly be a feeling amongst the Dinamo Zagreb team and supporters that they've gotten one over on Chelsea already and with the hosts having already sealed their last 16 berth and being in a dodgy patch of form they could be there for the taking. There's no doubt that the English side are still overwhelming favourites but there is always that element of unpredictability when teams have already qualified for the next phase and might rotate against teams still playing for something. I wouldn't be surprised if Dinamo score but I still think Chelsea should win.

Chelsea to Win & BTTS @ 21/10 with Bet365

Anytime Scorer: Mislav Orsic @ 5/1 with Bet365

[StevieDay1983]

Manchester City vs Sevilla

The final preview of the 2022/23 Champions League group stage games is here and we're taking a look at the Group G clash between confirmed group winners Manchester City and a Sevilla team that have already been consigned to the Europa League knockout phase in an 8pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday evening from the Etihad Stadium. Neither team has anything to play for except pride now so this fixture certainly has the feeling of a dead rubber about it.

Manchester City might not have been as dominant in this group as it looked like they could be early on but Pep Guardiola's side have still secured qualification for the last 16 as a seeded group winner with a game to spare. The Citizens have won 3 and drawn 2 of their 5 group games thus far and have only conceded 1 goal during that period. Home form has been irresistible for City recently having won their last 13 matches across all competitions and scoring 54 goals during the process. Riyad Mahrez could be the player to back as an anytime scorer in the likely absence of Erling Haaland. The Algerian forward has scored in 2 of his last 3 home appearances and looks decent value. Guardiola is hinted that a number of fringe and youth players such as Julian Alvarez, Cole Palmer, and Rico Lewis will be given a chance to show what they can do.

Sevilla will be disappointed that they have dropped down into the Europa League with Borussia Dortmund securing the second place berth and a spot in the Champions League last 16 but it could've been worse. FC Copenhagen are only 3 points behind the Spaniards but Sevilla's superior head-to-head record means they will continue in European competition. Head coach Jorge Sampaoli has only been in the job for a month but he's already helped the team pick up 4 points from two group games in this competition and pick up points in La Liga to move the club up to 18th place. The back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid away and Rayo Vallecano at home have dented progress though. Los Nervionenses have scored in 8 of their last 9 matches but they are without a victory in their previous 6 away games played in the Champions League.

These types of games are always so tough to predict. Both teams know what their destiny holds in Europe and with fixture congestion before the break for the 2022 World Cup it's likely we'll see rotation by both teams. It seems that away performances are still a niggling problem for Sevilla but Manchester City will be fielding a severe lack of experience. I still think there's enough talent within the City ranks to get the win though. Sampaoli is clearly still figuring out his best system and players with his team and there'll be some bumps in the road until he does.

Manchester City to Win & BTTS @ 9/5 with 10Bet

Manchester City HT/FT @ 4/5 with Betfred