CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – GAMEWEEK 2
Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic
Borussia Dortmund will face Celtic in the UEFA Champions League at the Westfalenstadion, looking to secure their second win in the group stage. Dortmund come in off a 4-2 comeback victory over VfL Bochum, but defensive concerns loom as they've conceded nine goals in their last three Bundesliga games. While they have attacking threats like Serhou Guirassy, who has scored four times in the last three games, and in-form players Jamie Gittens and Karim Adeyemi, the defence remains shaky. On the other hand, Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, are in strong form, having won all their games this season, including a dominant 6-0 win over St. Johnstone. With an impressive attacking lineup featuring Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, Celtic could pose a real challenge. However, they will really miss key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Given Dortmund’s recent defensive struggles and Celtic's attacking potential, both teams are likely to score, but Dortmund's home advantage and firepower in attack make them slight favs. Check our Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic markets here.
Prediction: BTTS & Dortmund @ 2.64
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso anticipates a tough and tactical game against AC Milan when they meet in the Champions League. Despite Milan's rocky start to the season, which included three winless games and a Champions League loss to Liverpool, the Italian side has bounced back domestically with three straight victories. Alonso emphasized Milan's ability to be dangerous without dominating possession, highlighting their adaptability and patience in both defence and attack. With seven European titles, Milan’s rich history in the competition adds weight to the matchup, and Alonso, who has personal memories of facing Milan in past Champions League finals, is excited about the challenge. Leverkusen, fresh from a 4-0 win at Feyenoord, are eager to continue their strong start in their first home game of the competition.
Leverkusen's strong form and home advantage make them a solid pick, but Milan’s resilience suggests it could be a tight contest. Check our Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan markets here.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen & U2.5 @ 4.85
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich
Aston Villa and Bayern Munich meet in the Champions League for the first time since their historic 1982 European Cup final, with both teams coming off impressive opening victories in the competition. Villa, who triumphed 3-0 against Young Boys, are relishing their return to Europe's top competition at home for the first time since 1983. Despite a slip-up in their recent Premier League draw against Ipswich, Villa, under Unai Emery, have been strong domestically and in Europe, with the manager having previous success against Bayern. However, the German giants are in formidable form, having crushed Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in their first group match, led by four goals from Harry Kane. Bayern’s dominance in the Champions League group stages is well-documented, with an unbeaten streak of 41 matches and an attacking force that has netted 30 goals in seven games this season. While Villa's resurgence is impressive, Bayern’s firepower and European pedigree make them clear favs. View our Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich markets here.
Prediction: Bayern -0.75 @ 1.97
RB Leipzig vs Juventus
RB Leipzig will be eager to bounce back from their narrow 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on the opening matchday of the Champions League when they host unbeaten Juventus on Wednesday. Leipzig, currently third in the Bundesliga after a 4-0 win over Augsburg, are looking to take advantage of their home form in a tough group that also includes Inter Milan and Liverpool. Benjamin Sesko, who scored in both their Champions League opener and last weekend's league win, will lead Leipzig's attack alongside Lois Openda. Juventus, under new coach Thiago Motta, returned to Europe's top competition with a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven and have yet to lose this season. Dusan Vlahovic, fresh off a brace against Genoa, will be key for Juve, as they seek to end a poor recent away record in the Champions League, having lost their last three away games. Both sides have shown good form domestically, but with Leipzig's strong home record and Juve's struggles on the road in Europe, this could be a closely contested match. View our RB Leipzig vs Juventus markets here.
Prediction: Draw @ 3.35
