Champions League Matchday 5 Preview
Things are heating up in the Champions League group stages as sides fight for a spot in the Round of 16, while others fight for survival. Here are the games we`ve picked to watch this week!
The Ligue 1 leaders can`t afford another defeat in the Champions League as they sit within 3 points of both progression and a UCL exit. The Parisians` 5-game winning across all competitions came to an abrupt end in a 2-1 defeat to AC Milan last time out in the UCL, however, they bounced back with 2 consecutive Ligue 1 victories, scoring 8 goals across the 2 games. PSG will be looking to claim revenge against Newcastle; however, they have lost 6 of their last 8 meetings against English clubs, including the embarrassing 4-1 defeat at St. James` Park. Although the Parisians are in high spirits, a game against Newcastle is unlikely to be an easy one.
An injury-ridden Newcastle side found their form in a 4-1 victory over Chelsea, following 2 consecutive defeats in all competitions. Similar to PSG, the Magpies are under immense pressure having dropped 6 points against Dortmund, and now find themselves at the bottom of Group F, but online 3 points from the top. A repeat of the reverse fixture will shoot Newcastle in a promotion spot, depending on other results. With the stakes high, it`s hard to pick a winner. Both sides are relentless in front of goals, and we anticipate a highly entertaining clash. Therefore, we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Galatasaray vs Manchester United
Galatasaray find themselves in a tough position, sharing points with Copenhagen and just 1 point separating them from Man United in 4th. Unsurprisingly, the Turkish outfit lost 2-1 against Bayern Munich in their last UCL fixture and followed up with a 2-1 defeat to Hatayspor. They did however manage to bag 4 past Alanyaspor in a 4-0 victory before heading off to mid-week UCL. Although Galatasaray beat a 10-men Man United at Old Trafford, they go into the reverse fixture in a shaky form – having lost 3 of their last 6 games in all competitions and have not yet won a single home game in Group A, giving a glimpse of hope for a desperate Man United side.
Laps of focus mixed with unfortunate luck have put Man United at the bottom of Group A, although just 1 point separates them from 2nd and 3rd. The Red Devils go into the game on the back of 2 consecutive Premier League victories, after crushing Everton 3-0 on Sunday. Regardless of their standing in Group A, the Red Devils have been a headache for home sides in the UCL this season, having scored 3 goals in both of their away games so far. Considering they`ve tightened up defensively over the last 2 games, it wouldn`t be unreasonable to back the Manchester side here – they know how to score on the road and have been unfortunate playing 2 games with 10 men. Therefore, we expect over 2.5 goals in another high-scoring affair, and for Manchester United to win.
With a Round of 16 spot secured, the Madridistas will focus on securing a definite summit spot in Group C. Real Madrid go into the game on the back of a 13-game unbeaten run and having scored at least 3 goals in their last 3 games in all competitions. Furthermore, the Spanish capital side has not lost a single game in either La Liga or the Champions League this season and considering they`ve beaten Napoli 3-2 at the Diego Maradona Stadium, it is difficult to see Ancelotti`s side leaving this fixture with anything less than 3 points.
A loss for Napoli will not be the end of the world if Union Berlin manages to take all 3 against Braga. However, the Italian side is not one to leave it in fate`s hands. Napoli have been clinical on the road this season and are yet to lose a single away game in both the Serie A and Champions League. Unfortunately, they go to Madrid in shaky form, having won just 2 of their last 5 games in all competitions. Although Napoli`s away form can play to their advantage and they certainly are not unfamiliar with finding the back of the net, considering the reverse fixture ended 3-2 against Madrid, we can`t see them walking away with any points from Santiago Bernabeu. Therefore, we expect both teams to score, and Real Madrid to win.
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We hope you have a great betting week!