As the UEFA Champions League continues, October 2 brings a packed schedule with some exciting matchups. From top teams looking to maintain their momentum to underdogs aiming for surprise results, here’s a breakdown of the most important games and the key predictions for the day.
Girona FC vs Feyenoord
At Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, Girona will host Feyenoord in what could be a tight contest. Girona has struggled recently, failing to win their last five matches, and to make things worse, they’ll be without the important midfielder Oriol Romeu due to injury. However, they’ll still have the support of their home fans, which could provide a slight edge.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, comes into this match after a 1-1 draw with Nijmegen. They’ve also had a slow start to the season and have key players like Santiago Gimenez, Bart Nieuwkoop, and Calvin Stengs out injured. Given both teams’ current form and challenges, this game is expected to be low-scoring.
Prediction: Under 3.5 goals
Odds: 1.49
FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta BC
Shakhtar Donetsk will look to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Veres-Rivne. They’ll face Atalanta at Veltins Arena in what should be a competitive game. Shakhtar has been solid but not spectacular, sharing the points with Bologna in their Champions League opener. A return to form is needed, and they’ll welcome the return of forward Oleksandr Zubkov to the starting lineup.
Atalanta, too, has been struggling, failing to win their last three matches. However, with both teams needing a win to get back on track, this could be an open game with chances for both sides. Atalanta will also be without key players Rafael Toloi, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giorgio Scalvini, which could leave gaps at the back.
Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.74
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich
Villa Park will host a high-profile encounter as Aston Villa takes on Bayern Munich. Villa comes into this game after a solid 3-0 win over Young Boys in their opener, but they’ll be up against a Bayern side that’s always dangerous in Europe. With players like Ollie Watkins leading Villa’s attack, they’ll aim to make things difficult for Bayern.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, was held to a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend. With star striker Harry Kane expected to return, Bayern will be looking for a more clinical performance. Given both teams’ attacking firepower, this match has the potential for plenty of goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.49
Benfica vs Atletico Madrid
In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, Benfica faces Atletico Madrid at Estadio da Luz. Benfica has slowly been finding their rhythm after a shaky start to the season and will likely adopt an aggressive, attacking style in front of their home fans. Summer signing Vangelis Pavlidis will be key for them in this encounter.
Atletico Madrid, fresh off a hard-fought draw in El Madrileno, will look to continue their solid run of form. With Diego Simeone’s tactical approach, Atletico will likely be happy with a draw here, especially considering Benfica’s strong home form.
Prediction: Draw or Atletico Madrid
Odds: 1.40
RB Leipzig vs Juventus FC
Red Bull Arena will be buzzing as RB Leipzig hosts Juventus in what could be one of the most thrilling matchups of the day. Leipzig has been in excellent form, demolishing Augsburg 4-0 in their last Bundesliga match. With key players like Xabi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Louis Openda fit and firing, Leipzig looks set to cause problems for the Italian side.
Juventus, meanwhile, secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Genoa in their last Serie A game but will face a tougher challenge in Germany. With injuries to key players like Arkadiusz Milik and Timothy Weah, Juventus will need to dig deep to secure a result. However, Leipzig’s home form makes them slight favorites.
Prediction: Leipzig win
Odds: 2.32
Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge
Sturm Graz takes on Club Brugge at Merkur-Arena after a narrow 2-1 loss to Brest in their opener. The Austrian side bounced back with a 2-1 victory over BW Linz at the weekend, but they’ll be missing key defensive players like Gregory Wuthrich and Dimitri Lavalee, making it difficult to keep a clean sheet.
Club Brugge will be aiming to recover from their 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The Belgian side has quality in attack and will look to exploit the weakened Sturm defense. With both teams likely to push forward, this could be an open and entertaining game.
Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.63
Liverpool FC vs Bologna FC
Liverpool returns to Anfield to face Bologna after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolverhampton. Arne Slot’s men have been in strong form, and with the return of Darwin Nunez, Liverpool will be confident heading into this match. The Reds have turned Anfield into a fortress, and their European performances rarely disappoint.
Bologna, while unbeaten in their last five matches, will have a tough time overcoming Liverpool on their home turf. With several key players out through injury, it’s hard to see Bologna pulling off an upset in this one.
Prediction: Liverpool win
Odds: 1.21
GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs AS Monaco
Dinamo Zagreb will look to recover from their heavy 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their opener as they face Monaco. Despite their domestic form, with a 5-1 win over Lokomotiva, this match will be much tougher for the Croatian side. Bruno Petkovic, who has been in excellent form, will need to be at his best if they hope to get a result.
Monaco, fresh from a win over Barcelona, will be confident of getting at least a point from this encounter. With both teams capable of scoring, this could be a lively game in Zagreb.
Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.70
LOSC Lille vs Real Madrid
The last match of the day sees LOSC Lille taking on Real Madrid at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Lille is looking to break a five-game winless streak, but with several key players missing, including Angel Gomes due to suspension, they face a tough task against the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid, despite some injury concerns of their own, remains the stronger side. With players like Kylian Mbappe and Dani Ceballos out, Los Blancos will still field a star-studded lineup that should be too much for Lille to handle.
Prediction: Real Madrid win
Odds: 1.53
There are tips for all these exciting matchups, and you can combine them into your betting slips. However, it’s recommended not to put all the games on a single ticket to avoid overexposure to risk.
