UEFA Champions League
Champions League Matchweek Four Preview: Newcastle looking to shake up standings
The 2023/34 UEFA Champions League returns for gameweek number four, with some more big ties across the eight groups on offer.
We preview two of the standout games below.
Newcastle v Dortmund – Tuesday 17:45
Newcastle will be gearing up to shake up the Group F standings when they travel to Dortmund on Tuesday. Eddie Howe’s men will be determined to outshine their previous encounter, where Dortmund clinched a narrow 1-0 win at St. James Park.
This Champions League stint marks Newcastle’s return after nearly two decades, and they’ve already made waves with a scintillating 4-1 triumph over PSG. They will be looking to repeat this success against Dortmund, potentially securing the top spot in the group if AC Milan prevail over PSG in the 20:00 game.
Newcastle are no stranger to controversial upsets, exemplified by their recent Premier League win against last season’s runners-up, Arsenal. Despite a contentious VAR decision, they managed a 1-0 victory inside a raucous St. James’ Park, which will certainly boost their confidence ahead of their remaining three Champions League ties. However, overcoming Dortmund, especially on the European stage, presents a formidable challenge.
Dortmund, on the other hand, are grappling with a lack of confidence and form following their 4-0 battering in ‘Der Klassiker’ against Bayern Munich on Saturday, where Harry Kane’s third hat-trick of the season stole the spotlight. Currently second in Group F behind PSG, Dortmund are determined to bounce back from their recent setback and will likely come out guns blazing against Newcastle on their home turf. The upcoming match promises to be evenly matched, with both teams priced at 6/4 by William Hill to win in 90 minutes.
Leading the charge for Newcastle’s goal-scoring endeavours is Callum Wilson, a top contender in the anytime goalscorer market at 11/8. Behind him, Sebastien Haller (21/10) and the 18-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko (11/5) are likewise eager to make their mark on the scoresheet.
Manchester United v Copenhagen – Wednesday 20:00
This is an opportunity for both Manchester United and Copenhagen to rectify their lacklustre starts in their respective European campaigns.
United have recently faced scrutiny due to subpar performances in the Premier League and an early exit from the Carabao Cup, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle at Old Trafford. United’s previous encounter with Copenhagen saw a standout performance from United keeper Andre Onana, including a crucial penalty save in the 97th minute.
United’s spirits received a boost following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Fulham in the Premier League, secured by a late goal from captain Bruno Fernandes. This win could inject some much-needed confidence into the team as they prepare to face their tenacious Danish opposition. Erik ten Hag, facing doubts about his future at the club, will aim to regain fan confidence and silence his critics with a strong performance on Wednesday. The Red Devils are priced at 4/5 to overcome the pressure at the Parken Stadium and pick up a priceless three points.
Copenhagen, with just one point from their first three games in Group A, have an opportunity to draw level with Galatasaray on points should they defeat United, assuming Bayern Munich make lightwork of the Turkish champions. Sitting comfortably atop the Superliga table with a four-point lead, Copenhagen are accustomed to winning games and will aim to exploit United’s current fragilities. They are priced at 29/10 to do so in Wednesday night’s game.
In terms of individual markets provided by William Hill, Rasmus Hojlund, set to face his brother Emil in Wednesday’s game, leads the betting for the anytime goalscorer market at 13/8. Additionally, Anthony Martial (7/4) and Marcus Rashford (9/5) are favourites to find the net for United. For Copenhagen, Rooney Bardghji (12/5) and Diogo Goncalves (13/5), both ranking among the top 10 goalscorers in the Superliga this season, are determined to outmanoeuvre the Manchester United defence and secure a midweek victory for Byens Hold.
