The UEFA Champions League group stage matchday 2 begins today as Europe’s top clubs are back in action on the biggest stages. Here is your look at how all the action should go down including Tottenham vs Barcelona.
Group E
Benfica at AEK Athens
Underdogs AEK were crushed by Ajax in their opening Champions League fixture, playing at home they must secure at least a point from this fixture to have hope of advancing to the knockout stages. Portuguese giants Benfica lost on matchday 1 to the favored side Bayern Munich and drew their last domestic fixture, suggesting their form could make them vulnerable. With Pizzi and some other talents Benfica has the better side, but Athens is tough for the visitors so I’ll back a draw with both sides sharing the spoils. 1-1 draw
Ajax at Bayern Munich
Two of Europe’s most decorated clubs, Ajax won their first Champions League outing, and despite a domestic loss to PSV they have otherwise been in good form, and positive spirits. Bayern has gained just a point from their last two domestic outings as manager Niko Kovac is already facing the pressure of leading the German champions. Ajax has some talented players like De Ligt and Ziyech but at home I expect Bayern to figure things out and secure the three points. 2-1 Bayern Munich
Group F
Manchester City at Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim drew their first fixture but they have struggled this season. Manchester City was surprised by Lyon on match day 1, but this is still a very talented side that has the pieces to achieve great things in Europe. I don’t see Hoffenheim having the class to stop Leroy Sane and City. 3-1 Manchester City
Shakhtar Donetsk at Lyon
Memphis Depay, Nabil Fekir, and Lyon have a great shot to be the surprise of the Champions League this season, but first they have to beat Shakhtar at home. The Ukrainian giants are stacked with Brazilians who live for Champions League, and this game should be a close contest, but I’ll back Lyon to continue their luck. 3-2 Lyon
Group G
Plzen at Roma
Roma’s shaky form and Plzen’s surprising matchday 1 draw makes this a more interesting matchup than it otherwise would be. Rome’s top side have struggled to adjust and click with a new look lineup that includes Steve Nzonzi in the midfield. That said, on paper this Roma side is far better than Plzen and they are at home. I’ll back Roma to survive. 1-0 Roma
Real Madrid at CSKA Moscow
Real Madrid has a tough trip to Moscow and they aren’t in great form, but they are still a far more talented side than an Alan Dzagoev led CSKA. I’ll back the Spanish favorites even without Gareth Bale in this one. 4-1 Real Madrid
Group H
Young Boys at Juventus
Even with Ronaldo getting a rest, the Italian champions are not going to be troubled by Young Boys, one of the weakest sides in the CL this year. This is an opportunity for Juve to pad their goal difference in front of home fans. 5-0 Juventus
Valencia at Manchester United
A struggling Manchester United hosts Spanish underdogs Valencia in a game that has upset written all over it, except for Valencia’s average to mediocre form. Manchester United hasn’t won their last three outings and I expect both Marcus Rashford and Kevin Gameiro to score for their respective sides in a game that will end in a draw. 2-2 draw
Group A
Monaco at Dortmund
On paper this game could be fun but Dortmund is at home and are in great form, while Monaco is really struggling. Paco Alcacer should help pace Dortmund to a routine win. 3-0 Dortmund
Club Brugge at Atletico Madrid
Madrid hosts minnows Club Brugge in a game where they will be heavily favored. Brugge would love to take points here but I’m not convinced they’ll score. 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Group B
Inter Milan at PSV
PSV hosts Inter in a game they need to win to keep pace in this group. Lozano and PSV have talent but Mauro Icardi should outshine everyone on the pitch. Look for Inter to keep their form and snap an in-form PSV side’s point streak. 2-1 Inter Milan
Barcelona at Tottenham
The contest of the matchday, Harry Kane and Spurs play host to Lionel Messi and Barcelona. On paper this should be a clash of the titans, but Barcelona is probably better equipped for Europe even while not being in amazing form. A result would help Tottenham but I’ll back Barcelona here. 3-1 Barcelona
Group C
Red Star Belgrade at PSG
Red Star shouldn’t be much of a threat away from home, Neymar and PSG will look to add to their goal differential with a relatively easy outing by Champions League standards. 4-0 PSG
Liverpool at Napoli
Liverpool look to have the pieces they need to get beyond the final and lift the trophy this year. Napoli is at home and they aren’t a bad side, but Mo Salah and co. should put together a strong effort to secure 3 points. 3-2 Liverpool
Group D
Schalke at Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Schalke finally won a game in their domestic competition but I’ll still back the home Russian side that features Germany’s Howedes in the backline. Moscow will earn a key three points and defeat struggling Schalke. 2-0 Lokomotiv
Galatasaray at Porto
A tough game to predict, both mid level sides would love a win, but points would also satisfy, and I expect them to share the spoils. 1-1 draw
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