Champions League Matchday 6
The Champions League group stages are ending with matchday 6 this week. Some teams are safe, while others have left it to the last minute to ensure Champions League survival. Here`s what we expect to deliver enthralling action this week!
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
The pressure is on Man United – a win against Bayern will not be enough to progress as they also need a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray. The Red Devils go into the game on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford – a turf they`ve been shaky on this season. Nevertheless, United have been effective in attack in the Champions League, as they`ve scored 14 goals in their 5 games, although their defence has dropped the ball. Considering they`ve scored 3 past Bayern in the reverse fixture and with the high stakes on the line, it would not be a surprise if United show up on Tuesday night.
Bayern have already secured qualification for the knockout stages, and it wouldn`t be a surprise if Tuchel rest some of his key players on Tuesday. The Bavarians share the weekend spoils with United, having taken a 5-1 beating against Frankfurt. Bayern are yet to lose an away game in this season`s Champions League, although they have conceded 1 goal in each of the 2 games and considering both sides` vulnerability in defence we expect to see goals this time. Man United usually seem to show up in important games, as we saw with Chelsea, so it would not be a surprise if they pull their socks up on Tuesday. Considering the previous result, we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Sitting at the top of Group F, Dortmund have already secured their spot in the Champions League knockout stages, although an ‘easier’ Round of 16 match would be preferred. Unfortunately, BVB go into the game in poor form, having failed to win a game in their last 3 across all competitions, with the most recent 3-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Dortmund are yet to lose a Champions League at the Signal Iduna Park this season, although their poor form suggests that PSG might just repeat their 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Anything less than a win for PSG will leave their knockout fate in the hands of the Newcastle vs Milan result. Although PSG are in 2nd, they are only 2 points above Newcastle and Milan who are on 5 points. The Parisians go to Dortmund in good form, having played 5 games without a defeat in all competitions, and will fancy their chances to go to the knockouts considering Dortmund`s form. The Parisians have already got the best of PSG in the reverse fixture, and although they lost 2-0 the last time they visited Signal Iduna Park, they are playing in far better form than the hosts. We do anticipate a close game; therefore, we expect under 2.5 goals, and PSG to win.
Newcastle`s knockout fate lies not just in their hands, but also in the result in the other Group F fixture. Newcastle sit in 3rd place, sharing the points with Milan. They go into the game on the back of 2 consecutive defeats in the Premier League, having conceded a whopping 7 goals and scored just 1. One of the defeats includes the recent 4-1 defeat to Tottenham over the weekend, further adding to their inconsistent form. The Magpies prospects of beating AC Milan at home are also hampered by their recent 1-0 defeat to Dortmund at St. James` Park, and Eddie Howe will have a lot of work to do if his team is to put on a better show.
AC Milan are not playing in their best form either, as they need to dust themselves off from a 3-2 defeat against Atalanta over the weekend and are also struggling to find consistency this season. Their recent UCL game ended in an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Dortmund – a surprising result after an inspiring 2-1 victory over PSG. Overall, there`s very little to separate the 2 sides as they`ve both been inconsistent in recent weeks, with neither of the sides showing the definite edge. Although it is hard to pick a winner, we do expect over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.
We hope you have a great betting week!