The Champions League will conclude the initial phase on Wednesday with plenty still to play for. Premier League sides could finish perfectly inside the top 8 if the results are favorable across clubs. We also have predictions for matches featuring Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool as all kick-off times on Wednesday are aligned.
Tottenham Hotspur at Eintracht Frankfurt
Despite shockingly poor play in the Premier League, Tottenham‘s European luck has extended from last season. At 4-2-1, they sit in the top 8 and have a solid chance to finish there with a draw or better. Frankfurt have the dreaded “elimination confirmed” tagged on their 1-1-5 UCL record. At home they play for pride, while going winless in six straight games.
Thomas Frank has an uncertain future, but a Champions League win and a top 8 finish would likely keep him in the job well into the spring. Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, on loan from Nottingham Forest will miss out for Frankfurt, along with former Premier League player Michy Batshuayi. Tottenham will miss Lucas Bergvall and a number of first-choice attackers including Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke will carry the weight up front. Frankfurt struggles defensively and Tottenham should be able to avoid conceding too much, setting them up for at least a point away from home.
Prediction: Tottenham 2 Frankfurt 1
Chelsea at Napoli
Antonio Conte hosts Chelsea in a game where Napoli need at least a point (but likely a win) to reach the playoff phase after a 2-2-3 record. Chelsea are just inside the top 8 presently (7-4-1) but likely ned a win to stay there given who is chasing them. Napoli were crushed by rivals Juventus on the weekend and they only managed to draw Copenhagen in their last European game.
Chelsea has won 4 in 5 under new management, confidence should be high while it’s rock bottom for the Serie A opposition. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku has a chance to participate in this game for Napoli, while Scott McTominay is the key man. Chelsea may miss Cole Palmer, but the likes of Moises Caicedo are still the focal points for the Blues. This matchup has weight, but it’s hard to see Napoli doing more better than a draw here.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Slavia Prague at Pafos
Slavia Prague’s poor campaign has triggered an elimination, Pafos has 1 win out of 7 games and must win to have any chance of advancing further. Playing at home, against a Prague side that has nothing to play for, Pafos would be favored, the trouble is they have lost four of their last six games.
David Luiz may miss out for Pafos, while Ivan Sunjic is a sure out. Tomas Holes and David Moses are outs for Prague, along with Alexandr Buzek. It may not be enough, but a Pafos win looks in the cards.
Prediction: Pafos 2 Prague 0
Inter Milan at Borussia Dortmund
Inter have booked participation in a later phase of the tournament, a win would push them towards a top 8 finish, while Dortmund with a solitary point would be clear into the later stages as well. Playing at home gives the German side an advantage, while Inter Milan leads the Serie A table, but has struggled lately in Europe.
Daniel Svensson, Niklas Sule and Marcel Sabitzer are outs for Dortmund, Inter misses the big names Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries, but beyond that both teams are healthy. Inter have a stronger squad, but Dortmund is at home and negates that advantage, a draw feels likely.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
FC Copenhagen at FC Barcelona
Given their strong performances in La Liga, Barcelona would expect to finish top 8 in the Champions League as well, but that’s not a given as a +5 goal difference isn’t enough to put them there on 13 points after 7 games. A draw could be useful, but a win at home would help much more. Copehagen needs a stunning win to reach the next phase, a draw helps in theory but is unikely to see them into the last 24.
Barcelona have some heavy absences, world-class midfield engine Pedri is out, Frenkie de Jong is suspended, and striker Ferran Torres is also missing, meaning Robert Lewandowski is the target man. Copenhagen misses Danish international Thomas Delaney due to a red card, along with Rodrigo Huescas and Magnus Mattsson. It’s easy to look up at the lineups and make Barcelona a heavy favorite, but at times, Hansi Flick’s men have looked tired lately and played down to the level of the opponent. Copenhagen will put up a fight and I don’t think this becomes a rout unless Barcelona are too rapid on attack.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2 FC Copenhagen 1
Kairat Almaty at Arsenal
The draw has produced a matchup between two teams that have locked their Champions League positions on the final matchday. Arsenal will be first if they avoid a heavy defeat, Kairat Almaty managed 1 point this campaign and will be last. Playing in London, this is likely the end of the road for their ability to get another point. Arsenal are an excellent team, but a loss to Manchester United on the weekend have put pressure on their Premier League dominance. Arsenal could miss Kai Havertz, while Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are among the other names set to miss this game. Viktor Gyokeres will return to his striker position, Kairat may not be able to call on the wonderkid Dastan Satpaev if he isn’t fit.
Kairat are a great team in their domestic league, but it would be a historic moment if they managed to get a point in North London.
Prediction: Arsenal 5 Kairat Almaty 0
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / Every Second Media
