UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 Wednesday Predictions Digest

Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League promises to be no less eventful than Tuesday. The icing on the cake is definitely the grand duel between Barcelona and PSG. But even without this match, there will be something to watch: How will Monaco perform against Man City? Can Olympiacos surprise Arsenal? Will Union Saint-Gilloise win its second consecutive Champions League game? Let’s find out together with our traditional digest.

Royal Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle

After winning their first championship in 90 years, Royal Union earned a spot in the Champions League. Due to their home stadium not meeting tournament requirements, they’ll play at Lotto Park, just 4 kilometers away, so it’s hardly a neutral venue. A similar situation occurred last year in the Europa League, when they played at King Baudouin Stadium. Coach Pokognoli’s side is accustomed to performing away from their true home. Last season in the Europa League, the Belgians lost only once, in the Round of 16 against Ajax (0:2).

The “Magpies” return to the Champions League after a year’s absence, now in the competition’s new format. In their opener, they put up a respectable fight but lost at home to Barcelona (1:2). In the Premier League, however, Newcastle’s form is poor: just one win, against Wolverhampton (1:0). Their latest match against Arsenal was disappointing—leading for most of the game, Eddie Howe’s side collapsed in the final ten minutes, not only losing their lead but the match itself.

Bayer Leverkusen vs PSV

Under new manager Kasper Hjulmand, Bayer are unbeaten in their last four matches (two wins, two draws). In all these games, both Leverkusen and their opponents scored. In their Champions League opener, they snatched a dramatic draw (2:2) in stoppage time, reminiscent of Xabi Alonso’s title-winning season. Their upcoming opponent is one they must beat to seriously contend for group stage progression, as tougher challenges lie ahead, and an away trip to Olympiacos, a slightly less formidable side, will still be tricky.

Peter Bosz returns to the BayArena as PSV’s manager, the reigning Eredivisie champions. PSV kept clean sheets in just two of their nine matches this season and lost twice, one of those defeats coming at home in the Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao

Niko Kovač’s side secured their Champions League spot with a late-season run of five consecutive wins. In the new campaign, Dortmund remain unbeaten in seven matches, conceding in only two. However, their Champions League clash against Juventus was a tough one, though it doesn’t diminish their achievements.

Athletic Bilbao started with three wins but slumped after the international break, managing just one goal and one point in five matches. Their sole point came against Girona, currently bottom of La Liga. Often, the Basques have simply lacked luck.

Barcelona vs PSG

One of the tournament’s fiercest rivalries arrives early in Matchday 2. PSG fans will never forget 2017, constantly craving revenge for that humiliation (a 0:4 home loss followed by a 1:6 exit in Barcelona). For Barça fans, it’s a memory of drama but also pain due to Neymar’s subsequent transfer to Paris.

With Hansi Flick, Barcelona have become far more cohesive. In his first year, he won everything in Spain, but the Champions League remains elusive. This season, the “Blaugranas” aim for a successful European campaign.

Barcelona’s weekend win over Real Sociedad, coupled with Real Madrid’s derby loss, propelled them to the top of La Liga, aided by Lamine Yamal’s return from injury. Despite numerous injuries, Hans-Dieter Flick is unlikely to abandon his combinational style, so fans can expect a spectacle akin to past Barça-PSG clashes.

PSG won the Champions League last year, but defending a title is tougher than winning it. Luis Enrique’s side is dominant in Ligue 1, despite a loss to Marseille, and started the Champions League strongly, thrashing Atalanta and continuing their winning streak from last season’s final against Inter. However, PSG are without several key attackers, and Marquinhos’ absence is keenly felt.

Monaco vs Manchester City

Monaco are in an inconsistent patch, with defensive issues heavily impacting results. This is especially evident away, where they often lose: in their last five matches, Monaco conceded an average of two goals per 90 minutes, including three at Lorient and two at home to Metz. At home, Monaco’s attack can surprise, especially with good preparation, and this match against City is unlikely to be an exception.

Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t flawless and can falter away, but their defensive lapses are far fewer than Monaco’s. Compared to the hosts, City play with organization, showing stability and confidence, which is crucial at this stage. Monaco, despite their strong attacking metrics, often stumble due to their defensive frailties.

Arsenal vs Olympiacos

Olympiacos head to London with fond memories, having won their last three matches against Arsenal. However, four years have passed since their last meeting, and the gap in resources, already notable then, has only widened. The visitors are unbeaten but followed three convincing wins over weaker sides with four lackluster performances. In the Champions League opener, they couldn’t break down debutants Paphos even at home.

Arsenal can’t afford slip-ups in such matchups, especially with a tougher schedule ahead. Mikel Arteta’s side is cruising through the season, solid in defense, and reliably collecting points. Their opener wasn’t perfect, but at home, the “Gunners” can avoid late drama.

Villarreal vs Juventus

Villarreal have turned things around with three consecutive wins. The “Yellow Submarine” is now finishing off opponents, scoring late winners in each of their last three matches. At home, they’re formidable: unbeaten in ten matches since April, winning eight of their last nine. However, key attackers Moreno and Pérez are unlikely to start, which could pose problems.

Juventus started the season well but have slowed since beating Inter, drawing their last three matches. Their main issue is failing to maintain high intensity for 90 minutes. Defensively, they’ve been shaky, allowing an average of 13.5 shots per game in their last four matches, conceding chances worth 5.28 xG.

More useful links for football fans

• • Best UEFA Champions League Betting Sites
  • Football Teams Rankings
  • Football Matches Today
  • Current football tournaments