It is time for Week 5 of a Champions League campaign that has been far from predictable so far. There are plenty of teams out there needing a win this week to enhance their chances of reaching the European knockout stages, no matter what competition they will fall into.
Here is a look at the Tuesday slate of matches:
Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
A win by Lokomotiv Moscow in the early evening game in Group A would really put the pressure on an Atletic side that is a full seven points behind Bayern in pool play. The status of Luis Suarez remains up in the air pending Covid-19 testing, but Hector Herrera is expected to be available. Bayern are four from four in group play, but they will be weakened without Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich. It will be really interesting to see how Atletico approach this, but don’t be shocked to see the hosts play for – and get – a draw that would pay 2.77 with BetXChange.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Real Madrid
Real should cruise here as they face a Shakhtar team that has not been at the races in the Champions League this season. The game being in Ukraine does make it more tricky, but they conceded 10 goals to Monchengladbach in their last two matches in Group B. Real lost 2-1 to Alaves at the weekend, but this feels like a game where they will be free to play the football we know they can. Missing Sergio Ramos and the perpetually injured Eden Hazard is touch, but an acca with Real as part of it at 0.44 is a decent bet.
Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Inter Milan
Monchengladbach is in outstanding form and should be confident here at home even without Jonas Hofmann and Ramy Bensebaini. They won 4-1 against Shalke on Saturday with four different players scoring as they once again showed they have goals in all areas of the team. Inter are bottom of the group with just two points from their four games and they would need to win here to have any shot at progression. This isn’t the Inter team we are used to and they will fall in Germany as Monchengladbach win at 1.91.
Porto vs. Manchester City
City have qualified through already and have four wins from four in the group. Pep Guardiola’s men will know a win here will guarantee them top of the group – and theoretically a more favorable draw in the next round – and they were merciless against Burnley at the weekend. They are also surprisingly healthy and have the luxury of a full squad to pick from. THey will have too much for their hosts here.
Liverpool vs. Ajax
Jurgen Klopp would love to be in Guardiola’s shoes as he is fighting against injuries to even fill out a matchday squad here. The injury list is lengthy and it was extended with the dependable and versatile James Milner going down in the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the weekend. Ajax have no major absentees save for Mohammed Kudus and their ability to pick from a fully fit squad – and Liverpool’s inability to do the same – gives this one all the hallmarks of a draw. Take that at 3.39 with BetXChange.
