James Milton
Show Bio
There are 8 group games in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday and they include some crucial matchups for clubs bidding to qualify from Groups A to D.
Bayern Munich is aiming to extend its perfect record in Group C with a win at struggling Barcelona, while Ajax takes on Liverpool in what should be another high-scoring contest in Group A.
We’ve picked out 4 of the best bets from Wednesday’s slate. You can also read this week’s soccer predictions, including the weekend’s EPL picks. Odds shown are available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Ajax vs Liverpool best bet: Over 3.5 goals (+115)
Liverpool has been involved in 3 tight EPL matches since its last Champions League game, beating Manchester City and West Ham 1-0 before a shock 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest. The Reds’ European fixtures this season have produced plenty of goals, however, and that trend should continue against Ajax in Amsterdam.
The Dutch champions’ last 5 matches in all competitions featured an astonishing total of 32 goals including 6-1 and 4-2 losses to Napoli in the Champions League. Liverpool hammered Rangers 7-1 at Ibrox on matchday 4 so backing over 3.5 goals looks the best bet at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen best bet: Atletico Madrid ML & Under 3.5 goals (+140)
Atletico Madrid is under pressure in Group B after 2-0 defeats at Bayer Leverkusen and Club Brugge and a 0-0 draw with the Belgians on matchday 4. However, Diego Simeone’s men have picked up some solid results in La Liga recently and they can edge a tight contest against injury-hit Leverkusen in Madrid.
Atletico is unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions, conceding only 3 goals during that run, and Leverkusen has failed to score in 5 of its last 6 Champions League away matches, including this season’s losses against Brugge and Porto.
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich best bet: Bayern Munich ML (+185)
Barcelona looks set to miss out on the Champions League knockout stages for the 2nd season in a row and the Catalan giants can expect no mercy from Bayern Munich. The German champions have won all 4 of their matches in Group C and boast a formidable record against Barca, winning their last 5 Champions League meetings 2-0, 3-0, 3-0, 8-2 and 3-2.
Both teams have been hit by injuries as Barcelona is missing key center-back Ronald Araujo and Bayern is without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and speedy forward Leroy Sane, but the visitors still have some frightening offensive options and can take the points.
Tottenham vs Sporting best bet: Sporting or tie double chance (+170)
Group D is finely poised with just 3 points separating the 4 clubs and Tottenham is worth opposing at home to a solid Sporting side in London. Sporting beat Spurs 2-0 in Portugal on matchday 2 and the visitors can frustrate Antonio Conte’s men, who have been poor in recent EPL defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle.
Tottenham has had to work hard for home wins over Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt, both of whom had a player sent off, and Sporting is capable of troubling Conte’s side in their last group game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Pickswise is the home of free Soccer Predictions, with soccer picks from the Premier League, MLS, Champions League and the Europa League, all season long.
