We say: Bayern Munich 3-1 Manchester United
Although Bayern experienced a minor wobble last weekend, the prospect of an under-pressure Man United side claiming a victory on Wednesday in their current predicament seems a tall order.
The Bavarians boast a frighting frontline, including a clinical goalscorer in Kane and several pacey attackers, who should have plenty of joy against a leaky Red Devils backline enroute to picking up maximum points in their opening Group A fixture.
We say: Sevilla 1-0 Lens
An inspired Oukidja was the main reason for Lens’ failure to make the net ripple at the weekend, but the Openda-less visitors have struggled for attacking inspiration all season long and are unlikely to turn their fortunes around against a Ramos-marshalled Sevilla backline.
While Mendilibar’s side have flattered to deceive on the domestic front too, morale will be higher in the hosts’ camp thanks to their belated opening victory, and the Europa League winners’ greater continental nous should also help them on their way to a narrow win in Group B.
We say: Benfica 3-1 Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg do have the tools to cause any side problems, but we see a trip to the Estadio da Luz being a step too far and anticipate Benfica making their superior quality and experience count for a victory in their group curtain-raiser.
We say: Braga 1-1 Napoli
Napoli will be the favourites on Wednesday night, but Braga are a very talented side, and this will not be a straightforward match for the Italians, who have dropped points in their last two league matches. It would not be a surprise to see an away win, but we are backing the points to be shared in this contest.
We say: Arsenal 2-1 PSV Eindhoven
PSV may have dominated Arsenal during their most recent showdown 11 months ago, but with no Xavi Simons or Ibrahim Sangare running the show, even the most goal-happy of Rood-witten crops should have their work cut out in North London given the increase in opposition calibre.
Arsenal’s continued defensive shortcomings means that Arteta’s men may still have to fight fire with fire, but the Gunners should rise to the occasion and begin Group B with a maximum haul, especially with an array of talent ready to make a difference off the bench.
We say: Real Madrid 3-1 Union Berlin
This has the potential to be a very entertaining match, as Union Berlin will look to make their mark on Wednesday evening. We are backing the visitors to score but are fully expecting Real Madrid’s vast experience in the competition to help them navigate their way to all three points in the Spanish capital.
We say: Galatasaray 2-0 Copenhagen
Galatasaray are flying high at present and will fancy their chances of picking up all three points in their opening group fixture in front of a raucous atmosphere at RAMS Park.
Both teams will view this fixture as a must-win game if they are to cause an upset in Group A and secure a top-two finish, but we believe the hosts boast a greater threat in attack that should help fire them to victory on Wednesday.
We say: Real Sociedad 1-2 Inter Milan
Wednesday’s game should certainly be close and intriguing, and Real Sociedad will be keen to mark their return to the Champions League with a positive home result, but the visitors do possess more quality and experience on the continental stage and we fancy them to take all three points in the opener.
