The UEFA Champions League returned this week and with just four games remaining in the league stage, pressure is on for several teams to perform as the race for the top eight places heats up.
Liverpool are the last team with a perfect record, although they could face their biggest test yet on Wednesday when they face defending champions Real Madrid, who could use a big result after an up-and-down start to the European season. Bayern Munich were in a similar position with just six points from their top 12, but defeated a Paris Saint-Germain team who are now further out chasing a top 24 spot with just four points from their top five. games.
Here are our expert picks for this day:
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Wednesday
Liverpool against Real Madrid
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé – In the absence of Vinicius Junior, he will return to his favorite position on the left wing and Mbappé will be well aware that the eyes of the world will be on him in what is probably the most important clash of the league phase. We know how the Frenchman usually behaves under the spotlight. It could be really good. –James Benge
Man of the match: Mo Salah – Despite the words said after last weekend, when the striker stated that he has not received any new contract proposal from his team, all eyes will be on the Egyptian player who is having another great season in the Liverpool. So far, he has scored one goal in the first four Champions League games but also 10 in the 12 Premier League games he has played so far. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Real — It has been a difficult start to the season for Real, while Liverpool looks strong both on the European and national scene, with first place in the Premier League but also in the Champions League. Los Blancos need to be better than they have been, with Kylian Mbappé still struggling to reach his best form. Expect a narrow victory for the Reds on another big occasion at Anfield.
The best bet: Over 3.5 goals (+132) – When Real Madrid is out of a match it is when they are at their best, but with these two teams facing each other, goals are on the menu. Mohamed Salah cannot be stopped and Liverpool’s defense has also conceded more chances of late. Not having Vinicius Junior will be a huge blow for Los Blancos, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have enough attacking power to handle. — chuck cabin
Aston Villa vs. Juventus
Player to watch: Teun Koopmeiners – Seeing almost anyone dressed in black and white this season has been a discouraging experience and this doesn’t seem like the game the neutrals should switch to on Wednesday night. Still, if anyone can leave an impression on the Villa Park faithful, it should be Koopmeiners, who should see this match as an opportunity to control a midfield that looks offside without the ball. — James Benge
Man of the match: Kenan Yildiz – The Turkish talent has been one of Juventus’ best players this season and the Bianconeri need a victory against the team coached by Unai Emery who is not experiencing its best moment since he took charge of the English team. Yildiz needs to demonstrate his skills outside of Italy and the game at Villa Park could be the right place to do so. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Villa 1-1 Juve — It’s been a good start to Villa’s return to the Champions League, although things are slowing down at the moment after a loss to Club Brugge. Big European nights at Villa Park have already seen Bayern defeated and it should get Unai Emery’s team here again. Juve are outside of the main contenders in the UCL, as they are also in Serie A. With this in mind, a draw sounds good. — jonathan johnson
Best bet: Draw (+220) – Two teams that can paralyze any football match will meet in the Midlands and a draw seems to be the most likely result. Both Villa and Juventus have been able to score opportunistic goals, but one of the side effects of the new League Phase is that it encourages not to lose as long as you discredit the teams you need to beat. — chuck cabin
