We say: AC Milan 2-1 Newcastle United
Milan may have only scraped into the group stage of the Champions League owing to Juventus’ 10-point deduction, but the Rossoneri are our slight favourites to open their European campaign with a maximum and spoil Newcastle’s San Siro party.
Blessed with much more continental nous than their English foes, Pioli’s side – who will welcome Tomori back to the first XI with open arms – ought to find their way past a Newcastle backline susceptible to defensive mishaps, although Howe’s men should still give a good account of themselves in Milan.
We say: Young Boys 1-3 RB Leipzig
Young Boys may have claimed stunning victories over Juventus (2018-19) and Manchester United (2021-22) in previous years, but Leipzig’s form and firepower should be pivotal to the Bundesliga outfit running out victors on Tuesday.
We say: Barcelona 3-0 Royal Antwerp
Barcelona were excellent on Saturday, and it is very difficult to imagine Antwerp picking up a positive result in this match. Whether the Belgian side are able to make an impression in the group will not depend on Tuesday’s game, which is their hardest in the section on paper, and we are expecting them to lose comfortably here.
We say: Lazio 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Both teams have suffered tough defeats following the international period, so confidence will not be sky-high in either camp. Lazio’s sluggish start to the new season has come as something of a surprise but their defensive instability could see Atletico sneak a valuable first-day away point.
We say: Manchester City 4-0 Red Star Belgrade
It is hard to see anything other than a straightforward victory for Guardiola’s men at the Etihad as they seek to start their Champions League defence with maximum points.
We say: Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Borussia Dortmund
The Parc des Princes may have lost its fear factor in 2023, but PSG have still managed at least two goals in each of their last three contests, and a fired-up Mbappe can always be relied on to terrorise opposing defences.
The anticipated returns of Ugarte and Marquinhos will also add a layer of steel to the Parisiens’ XI, but Dortmund’s in-form attackers should still have a glint in their eyes and can claim a point for their side in what promises to be a captivating clash
We say: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Porto
This is a really difficult match to call, especially as both sides have been in strong form this season. A draw would not be the worst result in the world for either team, and we are backing the points to be shared in Tuesday’s Group H clash.
