The pause for the UEFA Champions League has concluded. On Tuesday, January 20, competitions in the most prestigious club tournament in Europe will begin. Teams have two games left to complete the League Phase. There is no time for reflection: it is necessary to achieve results here and now. Even if someone had unsuccessful results throughout the fall and December, all of this can be corrected in 180 minutes in January. What to bet on Tuesday? The TipsGG team of analysts has prepared for you the traditional digest with bets and predictions for the main matches of the day.
Kairat Almaty – Brugge
On “Astana Arena,” Kairat, which has essentially lost its chances to continue its historic fairy tale in the Champions League, will host Brugge. The “black-and-blues” still retain a faint hope to cling to the top-24 and advance to the playoffs.
Since the Kazakhstan championship is held under the “spring-fall” system, Kairat is currently deprived of official game practice and maintains form through friendly matches (such as the recent 0:0 draw with Croatian Varazdin). The lack of game tone is the main enemy of the Almaty team. The team’s results in the Champions League so far do not give reasons for high expectations: 5 losses and 1 draw, and the only point was earned in the match against Pafos, where the opponent played most of the game with a man down.
Brugge started the new 2026 year extremely unsuccessfully: Ivan Leko’s charges have already managed to be eliminated from the Belgian Cup by “Charleroi” (0:2) and sensationally lose to the elite newcomer RAAL La Louviere (2:3) in the championship. To advance to the Champions League playoffs, the “black-and-blues” need to win in the last two rounds and hope for slip-ups from competitors.
There is no pressure on Kairat for the result, as the mere fact of reaching the main round of the CL is already a huge success. For Brugge, this match is a moment of truth. The unusual artificial pitch of “Astana Arena” and the exhausting flight may level the class difference, which will allow the hosts to finally score. However, the pressure on the Kazakhstani goal will be enormous, so goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, who in this CL already averages 6 saves per game, will have to demonstrate miracles of reaction again.
Bet on the match: both teams to score – yes (odds 1.70)
Alternative Bet on the match: individual number of saves for Kairat over 4.5 (odds 1.65)
Bodo/Glimt – Manchester City
On “Aspmyra” stadium, the combative Bodo/Glimt will host one of the favorites of the tournament in recent years – Manchester City.
In their historic Champions League season, the “yellows” have already managed to demonstrate remarkable character on home soil. The brightest memory remains the draw with Tottenham (2:2), where the Norwegians led 2:0. Kjetil Knutsen’s charges traditionally play bright football and do not recognize authorities. The “yellows” failed to score only against Monaco in 6 played rounds.
City will visit Norway after a painful and deserved defeat in the derby against Manchester United (0:2) last Saturday. For the “Citizens,” this was a real blow: Michael Carrick’s team (United’s new coach) completely outplayed Guardiola’s charges. In addition to psychological pressure, Pep has serious personnel problems – the infirmary is overflowing: Dias, Gvardiol, Stones, Kovacic, and others, which forces the coach to experiment with the lineup. And in four days, “City” awaits a tough meeting with Wolverhampton, which is desperately fighting for survival.
After the failure in the derby, teams of Manchester City’s level are obliged to show a reaction, but the meeting at “Aspmyra” will definitely not be an easy walk for the guests. Considering the vulnerability of the “Citizens'” defense due to injuries and Bodo/Glimt’s attacking style, we expect a high-scoring match, where the hosts have every chance to surprise Europe again.
Bet on the match: Both teams to score and total over 3.5 (odds 2.22)
Real Madrid – Monaco
Difficult times have come in Madrid. Even the victory over “Levante” in the 20th round of La Liga could not dispel the oppressive atmosphere around the club. The “whites” have not heard whistles directed at them from the stands of “Santiago Bernabeu” for a long time, but such are the realities of today. The most demanding audience in the world is not ready to put up with two consecutive failures in cup tournaments and objectively unimpressive play by the team. The fans demand the resignation of Florentino Perez and the return of the club’s identity, which a priori has no right to make mistakes. Currently, the “blancos” are burning with desire to rehabilitate themselves in front of their home stands, and the key task in the final rounds of the Champions League group stage remains finishing in the top eight to avoid the exhausting additional playoff round.
“Monaco” also does not impress. Their already habitual fight for the highest steps in Ligue 1 has collided with harsh reality: personnel losses and the rapid growth of the overall level of the championship. 9th place in the French football elite, four consecutive losses, and a negative goal difference (-5) speak for themselves. The main hope for the Monegasques remains a successful performance in European cups. For this, Sebastien Pocognoli’s charges critically need to gain points, but doing so away against “Real” will be extremely difficult, even despite the hosts’ crisis. Likely, the French will place their main bet on the home match against “Juventus” on January 28.
It is currently very difficult for the Madridians to create chances, especially in games against a low defensive block. Obviously, this is the tactic that the guests’ coaching staff will choose to preserve chances for a favorable result in this meeting.
Bet on the match: “Real Madrid” Double Chance (1X) and total under 4.5 (odds 1.51).
Villarreal – Ajax
“Villarreal” is relatively stable only in one of the three tournaments. We are talking about the Spanish championship, where the “yellow submarine” feels comfortable in the Champions League zone and even in case of several slip-ups will retain the vacant spot. At the same time, Marcelino’s team has already been eliminated from the Copa del Rey by “Racing” (1:2), and in the Champions League, there is nothing left to hope for.
“Ajax,” compared to their next opponent, is not strong in any of the tournaments. The gap from the leader in the Eredivisie is already incredibly large, the elimination from the Dutch Cup was too resounding (loss to AZ 0:6), and three points earned in the prestigious European cup after six played rounds only allow dreaming of the playoffs.
In Marcelino’s place, considering the situation in the Champions League, it would be good to rest the leaders before the home match with Madrid’s “Real,” points gained in which would allow further strengthening their position in La Liga. “Ajax,” on the contrary, needs to somehow rehabilitate for the disappointing results, so a high-scoring game is quite expected.
Bet on the match: Total shots over 25.5 (odds 1.87)
Sporting – PSG
The Portuguese grand’s infirmary is overflowing like never before, which, however, does not prevent “Sporting” from fighting worthily on three fronts. The dramatic elimination in the League Cup semi-final, where the team conceded two goals in added time, was somewhat compensated by a confident victory in the championship, where Rui Borges’ charges continue a fierce race with “Porto” for the gold medals. The “lions” in the current Champions League season consistently score against opponents, and their productivity (on average 2 goals per game) is impressive. In the Portuguese Primeira, the “green-and-whites” have scored a stunning 50 goals in 18 rounds, being by far the best attacking force in the league.
Last year’s Champions League triumphants aspire to win a second title in a row. Despite a rather difficult draw, PSG confidently occupies the third spot in the table, ahead of competitors on additional indicators. At this time, the Parisians are the most productive team in the tournament – 19 goals in 6 rounds. Interestingly, the top scorer is Vitinha, with 4 goals and 1 assist to his name. The recent elimination from the Coupe de France by neighbors – FC “Paris” – somewhat frees up Luis Enrique’s charges. Having gotten rid of extra load, they can now fully concentrate on the main European tournament, although last season’s treble is definitely out of reach.
This is a confrontation between two attacking teams that will meet in the heated atmosphere of “Estadio Jose Alvalade.” PSG’s defense has long not looked impeccable, and considering that both teams masterfully convert their chances in attack, I believe we are in for a high-scoring game.
Bet on the match: Total goals over 2.5 (odds 1.63).
Inter – Arsenal
The teams have not lost for almost a month and a half. Although “Inter” had a defeat in the country’s Super Cup, this can be bracketed out because they lost to “Bologna” on penalties. After that meeting, the Italians consolidated first place in Serie A, gaining 16 points out of 18 possible. But it is indicative that the slip-up happened in an important battle with “Napoli.” Under Kivu, “Inter” has a problem with big matches, and solving it still doesn’t work.
“Arsenal” visited “Inter” in last season’s Champions League, then they suffered a defeat. Now the Londoners remain the only team that has not lost a single point up to the seventh round of the European cup. Moreover, “Arsenal” hardly concedes and is among the leaders in the number of goals scored.
“Inter” is also among the most reliable clubs in the Champions League. I think this time we will see cautious play from both teams, so it is worth expecting a match with a small number of goals. At the same time, with such organized defense, the duel may be rich in corners.
Bet on the match: Corners total over 9.5 (odds 1.97)
Tottenham – Borussia Dortmund
The terrible results of “Tottenham” in the EPL so far do not affect their performances in European cups in any way. The Londoners consistently gain points where necessary and confidently hold in the upper part of the table, having the same number of points as “Borussia.” The current Europa League holders do not abandon hopes of breaking into the top-8, and the draw fully favors this. However, a serious problem for the “spurs” remains personnel changes: the departure of iconic players of the last decade – Harry Kane and Son Heung-min – could not pass without a trace. Enough time has passed to state: no equal replacement for the leaders has been found.
The “bumblebees” demonstrate stability in the Bundesliga. They are unlikely to impose a fight on “Bayern” for the “silver salad bowl,” but the Dortmunders are the main contenders for the second spot. Somewhat unexpected was the elimination from the German Cup by Leverkusen’s “Bayer,” as on paper it was “Borussia” considered the favorite. The last opponent in the Champions League group stage for Niko Kovac’s charges will be “Inter.” The Milanese, who suffered a crushing defeat in last season’s final, will be maximally charged for the result to prove the seriousness of their claims for the trophy in the current draw.
In this confrontation, the Dortmunders look like a slight favorite. The team is in excellent form and has not lost in 7 matches in a row, unlike the hosts, who have not tasted victory in the last five games.
Bet on the match: “Borussia Dortmund” Double Chance (X2) (odds 1.52).
Olympiacos – Bayer
The most important match for both teams, who in the two remaining rounds of the general stage intend to show themselves to the fullest. “Olympiacos” is in a difficult situation, as it is still outside even the playoff zone. The gap is not too large, but it is important not to lose points and believe that the main competitors will stumble at least once more. “Bayer,” in turn, has secured the needed position, preserving chances even for a direct ticket to the playoffs.
The “red-and-whites” interrupted their unbeaten streak, overall the hosts’ recent results rarely disappointed. They do not have many squad problems and at home they will fight to the end. “Bayer” although excellent away in the Champions League, where it has not lost yet, is currently experiencing serious difficulties – started with two defeats.
I expect an even fight – “Olympiacos” should not lose, but the guests will not leave empty-handed.
Bet on the match: Both to score (odds 1.59)
Copenhagen – Napoli
On “Parken” stadium, a meeting of the current champions of their countries and neighbors in the League Stage table will take place. Currently, both teams have the same number of points, and only due to a better goal difference (by just one goal) the Neapolitans are one spot higher than their opponent.
The Danish Superliga is still on winter break, so until the resumption of the domestic championship, Copenhagen is focused exclusively on European cups. To preserve playoff chances, the “lions” need to defeat “Napoli” right now. The calendar leaves no choice, as in the final round the team awaits an away trip to Barcelona, where counting on at least a draw will be extremely difficult. At home, with the support of the frenzied “Parken” stands, Copenhagen traditionally plays much bolder and more productively.
For Napoli, the end of January will be a period of real trials. Antonio Conte’s team is significantly weakened by injuries, and ahead are decisive matches in the Champions League and extremely difficult games in Serie A against Juventus and Fiorentina. The Neapolitans’ statistics in away Champions League matches this season are simply catastrophic: 3 losses in 3 matches with an overall score of 2:10. Which, along with Kairat, Brugge, and Villarreal, makes Napoli the worst away team in the tournament for away play.
This game is a moment of truth for both sides. Considering Copenhagen’s powerful home play and the guests’ personnel problems, in addition to not the best results away from home stadium, it is worth expecting uncompromising fight with goal exchanges. Also, do not expect gentlemanly behavior – the number of yellow cards should be at the appropriate level.
Bet on the match: Both teams to score – Yes (odds 1.85)
Alternative Bet on the match: Total yellow cards over 3.5 (odds 1.90)