The Champions League returns to screens this week, with the best clubs across Europe battling it out for the ultimate silverware.
Champions’ League Group Stage – 1st Round
Tuesday 15th September: Man City vs Juventus – KO 19:45
Top pick of the games for this week has to be on Tuesday with Manchester City vs Juventus. City have had fantastic start to the season, winning all four of their games. Last year’s runner-up Juventus have had a shocking start picking up only 1 point from 3 games. The loss of Tevez, Llorente to Spanish side Saville and Vidal Bayern Munich look to have taken it toll. [quote_right]Given the high-profile of both clubs, expect to see a cagey start to the campaign but with City just edging ahead.[/quote_right]
PSV vs Man Utd – KO 19:45
Manchester United are back in the Champions League after a 2 year absence. Summer signings of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial look to have made an impact with United having a great start to their Premier league campaign. United have ruled out Wayne Rooney for the match Van Gaal will hope is last-minute transfer window signing (Martial) will have a similar impact as he made on his debut on the weekend beating rivals Liverpool with a late goal to secure 3-points.
Given the depth and strength of both teams I wouldn’t be surprised to see a draw with this one.
Wednesday 16th September: Chelsea vs Tel Aviv – KO 19:45
Chelsea will hope they can put the woes of their current league form to one side as they host Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Under normal conditions it would be fair to say that this will be a walk in the park for Chelsea. But we’re current in uncharted territory for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea who have lost more games in the first month than they lost for all of last season. With a lack luster performance on the weekend against a dynamic Everton side, it will be interesting to see if they can scrape a win.
Other notable fixtures for Wednesday include:
Dynamo Kiev V FC Porto
Roma V Barcelona
Olympiakos V Bayern Munich
If you want to take an early punt on who the winner will be, come June 16, there’s some great odds on at the moment with William Hill. Here’s their latest offerings:
Champions League Winner Odds:
| Barcelona | 11/4 |
| Bayern Munich | 4/1 |
| Real Madrid | 11/2 |
| Chelsea | 11/1 |
| Man City | 12/1 |
| PSG | 14/1 |
Given the way Man City have started the season and the pure strength and depth of their squad, add to this that Pelegrini has now been in the job for 3 seasons now, their current odds of 12/1 seem pretty reasonable and certainly worth an early wager!