The UEFA Champions League continues on October 1, 2024, with several exciting matchups that promise thrilling football action. With teams from across Europe’s elite leagues battling it out, we’ve gathered top picks and predictions for these fixtures. Let’s dive into some key games and the best betting tips for the day.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Brest
Salzburg enters this match with high confidence after their 2-0 victory over Austria Vienna in the Bundesliga. They will be eager to bounce back in the Champions League after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Sparta Prague in their opening match. With several players like Fernando and Kawamura still recovering from injuries, Salzburg’s squad depth will be tested, but they should still have enough to overcome a struggling Brest side.
Brest’s form has been concerning, especially after a 3-0 loss to Auxerre, and their defense has looked shaky. With key players like Pierre Lees-Melou and Bradley Locko sidelined, Brest will find it difficult to handle Salzburg’s home advantage. Given Brest’s poor away form, Salzburg should take all three points in this one.
Prediction: Salzburg Win
Odds: 1.77
VfB Stuttgart vs AC Sparta Prague
Stuttgart will be looking to build momentum after a strong domestic performance and will relish this Champions League encounter at home. They have shown solid form in the Bundesliga, and playing at home gives them a significant advantage. Sparta Prague, on the other hand, has had mixed fortunes, but their defense has been inconsistent in European fixtures, as evidenced by their 3-0 loss to Salzburg. Stuttgart’s attacking prowess should be too much for the Czech side to handle.
Prediction: Stuttgart Win
Odds: 1.44
Barcelona vs Young Boys
Barcelona will be eager to recover from a surprising 4-2 loss to Osasuna as they host Young Boys in this Champions League clash. With stars like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal back in the starting XI, Barcelona is likely to come out aggressively, aiming for a comfortable home win. Despite a few key injuries in the squad, the Catalan giants remain heavy favorites.
Young Boys, meanwhile, have struggled defensively, especially in their recent 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Given their shaky form, it’s hard to see them troubling Barcelona, who are likely to dominate both halves.
Prediction: Barcelona to Win First Half and Full Match
Odds: 1.30
Inter Milan vs Crvena Zvezda
Inter Milan hosts Crvena Zvezda at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, aiming to build on their solid domestic form. After bouncing back from a defeat to AC Milan with a win over Udinese, Inter will be confident going into this game. Lautaro Martinez is in great form, and with Inter’s strong home record, they are expected to dominate.
Crvena Zvezda, on the other hand, did not impress in their 2-1 loss to Benfica. With a few key players injured and the daunting challenge of facing Inter in Milan, it’s hard to see the Serbian side pulling off an upset. A comfortable win for Inter seems likely.
Prediction: Inter Win Handicap -1.75
Odds: 1.56
PSV Eindhoven vs Sporting CP
PSV Eindhoven and Sporting CP are set for an exciting clash at Philips Stadion. While PSV has been strong in the Eredivisie, their 3-1 loss to Juventus in their Champions League opener showed vulnerabilities. Despite these concerns, they should benefit from a home crowd advantage.
Sporting CP, however, comes into this game on an impressive eight-game winning streak in all competitions. With Viktor Gyokeres leading the attack, the Portuguese side is more than capable of finding the back of the net. Given both teams’ attacking potential, this game has the potential for goals on both ends.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.50
SK Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City
Slovan Bratislava faces a monumental challenge as they take on Manchester City at Tehelne Pole. While the Slovaks are on a three-game winning streak, they’ll be facing a significantly stronger opponent in the Premier League champions. Injuries have been minimal for Slovan, but that won’t be enough to bridge the gap in quality.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will be determined to bounce back after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. With players like Erling Haaland likely leading the attack, the Citizens are expected to take control from the start and cruise to a victory.
Prediction: Manchester City to Win First Half and Full Match
Odds: 1.23
Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic
Signal Iduna Park will be buzzing as Borussia Dortmund hosts Celtic. Dortmund comes into this game in high spirits after a comeback win over Bochum in the Bundesliga, with Serhou Guirassy in excellent form. The German side’s attacking options should prove too strong for the Scottish champions.
Celtic, however, have also been in excellent goal-scoring form, having demolished St. Johnstone 6-0 in their recent Premiership fixture. While Celtic will pose some attacking threats, Borussia Dortmund’s overall quality, especially at home, should see them secure the win.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund Win
Odds: 1.50
Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Arsenal takes on PSG in a highly anticipated clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners showed resilience in their 4-2 win over Leicester City and will be eager to claim their first Champions League win of the campaign. Despite injuries to key players, Arsenal’s attacking options should trouble the PSG defense.
PSG, coming off a 3-1 win over Reims, will also be confident, especially with their attacking depth. However, defensive vulnerabilities mean that both teams are likely to find the back of the net in what could be a thrilling encounter.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.70
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan
Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to bounce back from a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich as they host AC Milan at BayArena. After a dominant 4-0 win over Feyenoord in their first Champions League game, Leverkusen is expected to come out strong against a Milan side that has been inconsistent on the road.
Milan may have cruised to a 3-0 win over Lecce in their domestic league, but their form away from home raises concerns. With Alvaro Morata likely out for this game, Milan’s attacking threat may be limited.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 1.54
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.
