Champions League Preview 11/5/24

PSV Eindhoven vs. Girona

In the more noteworthy of the 2 early slated matchups, PSV play host to Girona. Both teams have struggled early in their European campaigns and are looking to secure points in this new Champions League format. This will be the first encounter in history for the 2 sides which could lead to a slower start as each side try to figure one another out. PSV are favorited in this with brilliant form at home this season and picking up a big point away at PSG on the last matchday. I think both teams managed to get on the scoresheet but either side can take all 3 points today.

Both Teams to Score No Draw +120

Slovan Bratislava vs. Dinamo Zagreb

Slovak side Slovan Bratislava are seeking their first points in the campaign as they host Dinamo Zagreb. They have not had the easiest run of games having to play Man City, Girona, and Celtic and will look to gain some traction at home. The visitors faced a devastatin defeat on Matchday 1 falling 9-2 to Bayern Munich. However, they bounced back and now find themself ahead of the German giants in the table. The Croatian side is favorited in this one but I see both teams finding the back of the net.

Bologna vs. Monaco

Monaco travel to Italy to take on Bologna. Monaco have put together a great run of games in the Champions League so far taking down Barcelona and Red Star Belgrade. Bologna have not had such luck earning just 1 point from the first 3 fixtures. Looking to work their up the table, I think Bologna, with the help of their fans, can make something out of this game. I think both teams score and draw or Bologna to win.

Dortmund vs. Sturm Graz

After an embarrassing second half against Real Madrid, Dortmund will be eager for 3 points against the Austrian Side at home. With Dortmund’s 8 game unbeaten run at home and Sturm Graz’s defensive struggles as of late I expect Dortmund to score early and often and get a statement win. I like Dortmund to win and Over 3.5 goals.

Celtic vs. RB Leipzig

Another matchup of 2 big European names sees Red Bull Leipzig travel to Glasgow to take on Celtic. Neither team has cemented their place in the next round of competition should see both sides going all out for 3 points. Historically, the German side have been victorious in the fixture but they are catching Celtic in the midst of a 7 game unbeaten run. Having faced a difficult schedule early on I think RB Leipzig leave with one with at least a point and possibly win outright.

Lille vs. Juventus

Lille have been giant-slayers this Champions League Campaign taking all 3 points from both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. They host Italian-side Juventus who sit 1 place above them in the table right now. Juventus will need a big performance from Vlahovic and the Americans in the midfield to compete agains this in-form Lille side. I like both teams to score but not sure either team comes out on top.

Liverpool vs. Leverkusen

The Premier League leaders play host to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. Liverpool have been in excellent form all season and their defense has been rock solid. Expect a tactical masterclass from both sides but I think Liverpool secure a win in this one so long as they can control the battle in the midfield.

Liverpool ML -115

Real Madrid vs. AC Milan

Christian Pulisic and AC Milan travel to the Spanish capital to take on Mbappé and Real Madrid. AC Milan have not had the start to their season they would have hoped for and unfortunately I do not think that changes here today. Despite Pulisic’s incredible form and Real Madrid’s recent set backs, I do not think this is a place that AC Milan will get right. Real Madrid will come out looking for blood and I think they take this one handedly.

Sporting CP vs. Man City

The marquee game on this matchday holding the most storyline is Portuguese side Sporting CP hosting Man City. Sporting manager, Ruben Amorin, has recently been appointed to manager of City’s rival Manchester United. With the help of perhaps the most prolific striker in European football right now, Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting will look for a statement performance against a struggling Manchester City team. Manchester United fans will likely be watching with intense intrigue for good things to come. I think both teams score but either can come out of this on top in this one.

Both Teams to Score No Draw