2017-18 UEFA Champions League Group Stage 3 – Wednesday

After a goals galore Tuesday, attention now switches to groups A-D featuring Manchester United, Chelsea and Celtic.

Whilst Man U and Chelsea can continue their unbeaten start to groups A & C, Celtic face a tough trip to Bayern Munich in group B.

 

Benfica vs Manchester United 

Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof faces a reunion with his former club since joining this summer as Benfica look to get their first win of this campaign. 

 

Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof, http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11085757/victor-lindelof-tipped-to-make-manchester-united-impact-by-old-boss-rui-vitoria

 

United come into this game still yet to lose any match, despite drawing their first blank on Saturday at Anfield.

They have also scored seven goals so far in the Champions League, conceding one in the process to leave them in a good position goal difference wise on +6.

Benfica on the other hand have just beaten the Red Devils once in nine meetings. That victory of course came at home in 2005-06 CL group stage, so can they repeat that win here?

Ultimately, if the Portuguese side don’t deliver then I can see United cruising to another win. 

Prediction: Benfica 0-2 Manchester United

Result: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United

 

Chelsea vs AS Roma

Antonio Conte will want a response to Saturday’s embarrassment at Crystal Palace by beating a tough AS Roma side.

Álvaro Morata is back from injury for this clash but faces a tough test against Edin Dzeko, who has scored five goals in his last six matches.

Both teams have met before with each winning their home game, so could be a positive omen for the Blues. 

Any positivity gained from that stat for Conte will be boosted by Roma’s issues on English soil with a W1 D5 L9 record. 

With both teams unbeaten from their opening two group games, a draw would be decent for either team and I think that will be the result.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 AS Roma

Result: Chelsea 3-3 AS Roma

 

Bayern Munich vs Celtic

Jupp Heynckes makes his Champions League return in only his second match of a fourth stint at Bayern Munich. 

Despite Saturday’s 5-0 crushing of SC Freiburg, the players will still be getting used to Heynckes’ style of play. 

That makes this a tough test because Celtic will be tougher competition than Freiburg were. 

Both teams are sitting 2nd and 3rd in group B and victory would put the winners in pole position to qualify for the last 16, alongside PSG.

Both clubs have contrasting records of note. 

Bayern are unbeaten at the Allianz Arena against Scottish clubs (W5 D3), winning the last four clashes as well.

Celtic on the other hand have never beaten a Bundesliga club. They also are currently on a seven match winless streak against all German clubs to boot. 

With this and the home leg in a fortnight’s time potentially deciding who will progress, I expect both teams to fight hard here. The Hoops have a defensive crisis but that won’t stop them pushing for at least a point.

Ultimately, I can see Bayern just edging this.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Celtic

Result: Bayern Munich 3-0 Celtic

 

 

 

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