| Time | Game | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:45pm | Sporting v. Tottenham | TOT ML | +120 |
| 12:45pm | Plzen v. Inter | Inter ML + o1.5 | -145 |
| 3:00pm | Bayern v. Barcelona | o3.5 | -105 |
| 3:00pm | Liverpool v. Ajax | LIV ML + o2.5 | +175 |
Sporting Lisbon v. Tottenham
Sporting have been on fire through their last 3, securing all 9 points while scoring 9 goals and conceding none. Unfortunately they are set to be without three of their most important players at the back with the absence of Juste and both Inacio and Neto doubts. Tottenham are undoubtedly the higher quality team and should be well-rested after the postponement of last weekend’s EPL matches. I expect Sporting to put up a good fight but I think Tottenham will be too much to handle and walk away with all 3 points.
Score prediction: Sporting 1 – 2 Tottenham
Viktoria Plzen v. Inter
Inter have seen a poor start to their season but enter today’s match as clear favorites. Plzen fell 5-0 to Barcelona last time out and will look to improve their UCL form at home after a 3-2 victory at the weekend. No major injuries for either side means a strong XI for both in a crucial match for Inter should they have any chance at advancing from the group stage.
Score prediction: Plzen 1 – 3 Inter
Bayer v. Barcelona
Today’s marquee matchup should be a real treat. Barcelona enter the match in arguably better form as Bayern have have won only 2 of their last 5 competitive matches, but they’ve also won their last 4 against the Catalan side. Lewandowski has been on fire and will be hungry to continue his form against his former side. Barcelona have shipped only 1 goal through 5 domestic matches, scoring 15 in that same stretch while Bayern hold an impressive 19-5 goal differential despite sitting in third place in the Bundesliga. I expect both teams will see their way out of the group stage but this match proves vital in setting the stage for who should come out on top.
Score prediction: Bayern 2 – 2 Barcelona
Liverpool v. Ajax
Liverpool have endured a torrid start to both their domestic and European seasons, taking just 9 points from their first 6 EPL matches and getting thrashed 4-1 Napoli in their first UCL match. Contrarily, Ajax are a perfect 7-0 through their 6 domestic and first UCL match, presenting a real test for Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon. Liverpool have yet to keep a clean sheet and I expect that trend to continue, though have yet to face any elite competition with their first UCL draw hosting Rangers. Liverpool will be hungry to return to form and know they need a result to keep their UCL group stage hopes alive, and I’m looking for a high-scoring affair against two squads with an elite front 3.
Score prediction: Liverpool 3 – 2 Ajax
