We say: Royal Antwerp 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Even Antwerp’s recent streak of impressive defensive displays should count for little against a Shakhtar side who always find a way through the opposition’s defence, even if they come out on the wrong end of the scoreline, as was the case a fortnight ago.
However, with several key players set to return to the XI against a Reds side lacking attacking inspiration, Shakhtar need only prolong their prolific streak in front of goal to emerge victorious and leave Antwerp still searching for their first group-stage point.
We say: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Feyenoord
As Atletico Madrid have won just one of their last 11 home matches in the Champions League – drawing on no less than seven occasions – something must change soon or they risk a second straight group exit. With fearless Feyenoord lacking their star striker due to suspension, a window of opportunity now presents itself, so Simeone’s men can edge to victory by the odd goal in three.
We say: Celtic 2-1 Lazio
Winless in their last 11 meetings with British sides in UEFA competition – a run dating back to March 2000 – Lazio should extend that drought with a loss in Glasgow today. Given the fact that the Biancocelesti are struggling to replicate last season’s form, although Celtic have been unconvincing in Europe for some time now and have some key defensive absentees but will secure a narrow.
We say: Borussia Dortmund 1-0 AC Milan
Unbeaten on home soil since August 2022, Dortmund can prolong their hot streak at Signal Iduna Park against a depleted Milan team, whose midfield options are severely limited at the minute.
The Rossoneri already struggle for prolific attacking displays in the Champions League, and while making the net ripple domestically is never normally an issue for Pioli’s team, their powers should wane against a Dortmund side who possess plenty of defensive wherewithal in front of the home crowd.
We say: Newcastle United 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain
Both Newcastle and PSG have displayed admirable defensive resilience over the past few weeks, but the Magpies in particular should fear no foe after seeing off Man City – albeit a weakened Man City – in front of their own fans just a week ago.
The boisterous St James’ Park atmosphere will also play its part in intimidating the French champions, but despite the visitors’ stretch of inconsistent form, keeping Mbappe and co quiet might be a step too far for an injury-ravaged Magpies team but all in all they will settle for a draw.
We say: Porto 1-3 Barcelona
Porto’s stellar home feats coupled with Barcelona’s struggles for Champions League successes away from their Catalan headquarters could make Wednesday’s affair a trickier one than it would appear on paper for Xavi’s side, but the visitors’ attacking qualities should soon come to the fore.
Alongside their injury-hit defence, Porto’s morale would have taken a hit with their painful loss to Benfica at the weekend, and we have faith in Barcelona to make it two wins from two in Group H.
We say: RB Leipzig 1-2 Manchester City
Man City may have breezed to victory in their last meeting with Leipzig, but a much closer affair is set to be in store on Wednesday considering the contrasting form of the two teams.
Leipzig will fancy their chances of breaching City’s backline, but the return of Rodri is a huge boost for the visitors, who we believe will bounce back from their recent setbacks to claim maximum points, especially if Haaland laces up his shooting boots.
We say: Red Star Belgrade 2-1 Young Boys
Red Star, who have won one of their three home games in both of their previous two Champions League group appearances, will view Wednesday’s fixture as their best opportunity to open their account in Group G.
The same can be said for Young Boys, though, and with little to separate these two teams, a closely-fought score win for the home team could be played out in Serbia.
