This week sees the second batch of Champions League games take place, kicking off with both Manchester clubs in action out of English teams.
Under-fire Manchester United welcome Valencia to Old Trafford for a pivotal showdown as Jose Mourinho’s future hangs in balance, whilst Man City visit Hoffenheim in Group F.
Group E
AEK Athens vs Benfica
Bayern Munich vs Ajax
I can see Benfica getting a quiet but comfortable win in Athens but Bayern Munich vs Ajax could be interesting.
Both teams took confident victories a fortnight ago so this could be a difficult game to predict.
Bayern will dominate as they so tend to do against smaller teams but Ajax are a solid defence with just eight goals conceded all season so could be a real threat on the counter.
As fantastic as it would be for Ajax to get a point here, I have a feeling that Bayern might just have the edge at home.
Predictions:
AEK Athens 0-2 Benfica
Bayern Munich 2-1 Ajax
Group F
Hoffenheim vs Manchester City (5:55pm)
Lyon vs Shakhtar Donetsk
After a disappointing defeat to Lyon a fortnight ago, Man City will be aiming to continue their upturn in fortunes as they visit Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim however are struggling at home this season with one win, and with City unbeaten in last five Champions League games against German teams, I can see a nice comfortable wins for the Citizens coming.
Over in France, Lyon vs Shakhtar could be a pivotal match to decide who could join City in progressing from this group.
Lyon meanwhile are unbeaten in last five matches and have a strong selection available in attack to use, which I can see overwhelming Shakhtar if they aren’t on form.
Predictions:
Hoffenheim 0-2 Manchester City
Lyon 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Group G
CSKA Moscow vs Real Madrid
Roma vs Viktoria Plzen
For me, CSKA Moscow shouldn’t pose much of a threat to Real Madrid despite having one defeat in seven latest meetings against Spanish opposition.
Last time out, Real were in superb form to thrash Roma 3-0 and if can put Saturday’s performance behind them, there’s no reason for them to not win here.
Roma meanwhile should also win because Viktoria Plzen doesn’t really offer anything which could stop this Italian side at home.
Predictions:
CSKA Moscow 0-2 Real Madrid
Roma 2-0 Viktoria Plzen
Group H
Juventus vs Young Boys (5:55pm)
Manchester United vs Valencia
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is a must win for Manchester United as fears grow surrounding Jose Mourinho’s future.
Against West Ham on Saturday, United seemed exposed down the middle on quite a few occasions. That needs to change here because this is European competition and Valencia have a strong attacking player in Denis Cheryshev who could be problematic here.
Los Che however seem to be draw specialists this season with five draws from eight matches across all competitions. That is just one more draw then the total managed against United in this competition from six meetings and given the Red Devils’ woes, a draw here wouldn’t be a surprise.
Juventus meanwhile should comfortably ease past Young Boys if produce the same sort of performance that United dished out last time out.
Predictions:
Juventus 3-0 Young Boys
Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
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