All four English clubs in this season’s Champions League are well placed after the first two group games and there are some tasty fixtures ahead this week. Spurs travel to the BayArena to take on Bayer Leverkusen, whilst Leicester and Arsenal host Copenhagen and Ludogorets respectively. But the tie of the week sees Pep Guardiola return to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona.
Here’s what we’re predicting with our betting odds.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Kick Off – 19:45, 18th October
This will be a tough test for Tottenham and they desperately need to leave Germany with at least a point. They dominated possession against WBA at the weekend, but were unable to leave with a win. Javier Hernandez will be a threat to Spurs and they won’t be helped by the absence of Toby Alderweireld.
Stats
– The two sides have only met once before, in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup group stages with Spurs winning 1-0.
– Leverkusen have lost 9 of their last 10 Champions League games against English opposition.
– Leverkusen haven’t kept a clean sheet in 16 Champions League games against English opposition.
– Spurs have lost six of their last eight games against Germany opposition.
Match Prediction and Odds
– 2-1 (NetBet odds 8/1)
– Javier Hernandez to score first (NetBet odds 15/4)
Leicester City vs. FC Copenhagen
Kick Off – 19:45, 18th October
Leicester were poor against Chelsea at the weekend, but they’ve turned it on in their two games in the Champions League so far. A win against second placed Copenhagen would see them close to qualification for the knockout stage and even closer to an easier tie as they’d be in pole position to win the group.
Stats
– This is the first competitive meetings between the two sides.
– Copenhagen have never beaten English opposition away from home.
– Leicester are one of four teams yet to concede a goal in their first two Champions League games this season.
– Riyad Mahrez has scored two and claimed an assist in Leicester’s Champions League campaign so far this season.
Match Prediction and Odds
– 3-0 (NetBet odds 14/1)
– Riyad Mahrez to score first (NetBet odds 6/1)
Arsenal vs. Ludogorets
Kick Off – 19:45, 19th October
Arsenal have been in fine form in the league and have one of their strongest squads in years. History has seen them struggle in Champions League fixtures against the weaker sides and this game will say a lot about how their season will turn out. They should win though, but it’s still too early to get overexcited about Arsenal.
Stats
– This is the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
– Liverpool are the only English club to have played Ludogorets. The Reds won 2-1 at Anfield and drew 2-2 in Sofia.
– Arsenal have lost just three of their last 39 home Champions League group games.
– Arsenal haven’t gone unbeaten in their first three Champions League group games since 2011/12.
Match Prediction and Odds
– 4-0 (NetBet odds 15/2)
– Theo Walcott to score anytime (NetBet odds 21/20)
Barcelona vs. Manchester City
Kick Off – 19:45, 19th October
This is the tie of the group stages and it’ll be a real test of City’s progress as they’ve been humbled by the Catalan giants in their previous encounters. Not everything is perfect in Barcelona as they’re currently sat fourth in La Liga, whilst City’s last three games have shown that Pep Guardiola’s side is still a work in progress, rather than the finished article.
Stats
– Barcelona have won all four previous encounters with Manchester City, all in the last 16 stage.
– Liverpool are the only English team to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League, back in February 2007.
– Barcelona have scored 52 goals in their last 17 home Champions League games, averaging over three per game.
– Sergio Aguero has scored six goals in his three European appearances this season. Both hat-tricks against Steaua Bucharest in the qualifying round.
Match Prediction and Odds
– Barcelona to win and both teams to score (NetBet odds 29/20)
– Sergio Aguero to score anytime (NetBet odds 8/5)