It is time for Week 5 of a Champions League campaign that has been far from predictable so far. Tuesday threw up a number of shocking results – perhaps none bigger than Shakhtar Donetsk beating Real Madrid 2-0 in Ukraine – so what will Wednesday serve up for our viewing pleasure.
Here is a look at the Wednesday slate of matches:
Sevilla vs. Chelsea
This should be a fun one. It feels like Frank Lampard is close to finding his best side at Chelsea – even with their 0-0 draw against Spurs at the weekend taken into account. Sevilla are within striking distance of the top of La Liga and they won 1-0 at the weekend. This one finished 0-0 the first time they played on Matchday 2 at Stamford Bridge and a draw feels like a possible result here. The winner – though – does finish top of the group, so watch for Chelsea to counter with the pace of Timo Werner up top.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lazio
Can anyone stop Dortmund’s Erling Haaland in Europe: The striker has six in four games and they are on top of Group F at this point. They will be without Marcel Schmeltzer and Reinier, however, and their 2-1 defeat against Cologne at the weekend was a shock. Lazio are mired in mediocrity in Serie A – sitting ninth in the table – but they have been doing better in Europe and can pass Dortmund for the top spot with a win here. It won’t happen and the Germans will win on home soil at 0.61 with BetXChange.
Ferencvaros vs. Barcelona
Barca might have found some form. They are riding on back-to-back 4-0 wins and they will want to keep that momentum even though they have already qualified through to the next round. There are issues at the back with Gerard Pique in the middle of a lengthy injury layoff and with both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti as doubts. Even without those players – and with any that coach Ronald Koeman chooses to rotate in – Barca will be too much here.
Juventus vs. Dynamo Kyiv
Cristiano Ronaldo – rested for the 1-1 win in domestic action at the weekend – will be looking for his 750th career goal here on the big stage of the Champions League. Merih Demiral and Georgia Chiellini are both likely to miss the visit of the Ukrainians. Kyiv have been fighting a losing battle with Covid-19 for the past few weeks so they have a few players that will be game-time decisions. Their form in the Ukrainian Premier League (top) is in sharp contrast to Europe, where they have just one point from four games. That won’t change here so look for the home side to win with Ronaldo on the scoresheet.
Manchester United vs. PSG
The banner game of the day sees Manchester United take on PSG in a battle of heavyweight European names. United needed to come back from 2-0 down to beat Southampton at the weekend, with PSG legend Edinson Cavani scoring twice off of the bench. Alex Telles and David de Gea are injury doubts. PSG are on a poor run of form that has seen them win just two of their last five contests. The likes of Julian Draxler and Mauro Icardi will be missing here and there is a weird level of disorganization in the PSG ranks. The home team – despite their wildly inconsistent form – will be too good here so take United at 1.89 with BetXChange.
