UEFA Champions League
Champions League Matchweek 3 preview: Manchester City to continue perfect start
With two rounds of fixtures completed, the Champions League returns as the four English teams in the competition face off against their last remaining group stage opponents before the reverse fixtures are played.
It has been a mixed bag of results for the English sides, and we take a look at what this week’s fixtures have in store for them.
Manchester United v Copenhagen, Tuesday 20:00
Manchester United’s start to this season’s Champions League has been far from ideal, with the Red Devils currently bottom of Group A with zero points from their first two games.
They kicked off their campaign with a tough away match against Bayern Munich which they lost by four goals to three, but it was their last match against Galatasaray which really turned heads. The Turkish side arrived at Old Trafford as major underdogs but, with the help of former Red Devil Wilfred Zaha, they defeated United 3-2.
Erik ten Hag’s side need to put some points on the board sooner rather than later if they are to qualify for the knockout stages as they are just third favouirtes to qualify from Group A at 6/4.
On paper this game is their best opportunity to secure all three points as they are clear favourites at 1/3. Copenhagen on the other hand are just 15/2 to pick up a victory at Old Trafford and present even better value in the handicap market at 7/10 to win the game with a +2 goal handicap.
Sevilla v Arsenal, Tuesday 20:00
Arsenal looked to have settled into life back in the Champions League with no issues after they beat PSV 4-0 in their opening match in Group B, but things were not so easy next time out.
The Gunners travelled to Lens as clear favourites in their second fixture, but were reminded of why this is considered the hardest competition in Europe as they fell to a 2-1 loss.
Despite sitting second in Group B, Arsenal are just one point from the top and that is reflected in their odds of 1/6 to qualify for the knockout stages, as well as their status as favourites to win the group at 8/13.
As 4/5 favourites Arsenal will expect to bring back three points from Seville, but the seven-time Europa League champions know how to get the job done in Europe. Having drawn both matches so far, Sevilla will be keen to get their first win and their odds of 16/5 present decent value.
One man synonymous with the Champions League is Sergio Ramos. He will no doubt be fired up for the occassion and after altercations in their league match with Barcelona, we wouldn’t be surprised if Ramos find himself in the referee’s book at 2/1 to be carded on Tuesday night.
Newcastle v Borussia Dortmund, Wednesday 20:00
Wednesday night has a treat in store as St James’ Park is sure to be rocking for yet another mammoth matchup in Newcastle’s Champions League adventure.
Having emphatically defeated PSG last time out, the Newcastle faithful won’t see any team as unbeatable and the Geordie’s certainly have the wind in their sails at the moment.
Eddie Howe’s side are without defeat in their last eight, including convincing wins over PSG and most recently a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace. At 7/10 to continue their flying start against Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle look good value for the win.
No strangers to big European nights, Dortmund will give themselves every chance to win the game as the 17/5 underdogs.
Both sides play entertaining, free flowing football and if Newcastle’s last match is anything to go by then there will surely be goals. Value can be found in a Build #YourOdds selection combining Both Teams To Score and Newcastle to either win or draw at odds of 21/10.
Young Boys v Manchester City, Wednesday 20:00
Manchester City have kicked of their Champions League title defence in a similar manner to how most people thought they would, securing back-to-back victories to put themselves top of Group G.
Having already overcome RB Leipzig and Crvena Zvezda, the tests don’t look to be getting any sterner for City as they head into their next game against Young Boys as 1/6 favourites.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be keen so get through the game without complications and they are never a side to shy away from putting a few goals past their opponents. Having won both group games 3-1, we can see them racking up the goals once again, winning the game with a -2 handicap at 6/4.
Young Boys will at least want to give their fans something to cheer about and with nothing to lose they will simply be hoping to get on the scoresheet. City have conceded in both group games so far and at 21/20 there is value to be found with Both Teams To Score.
