The UEFA Champions League returns Wednesday with one other batch of high-stakes video games – and an equally high-profile sequence of redemption arcs ready to be crafted.
Bayern Munich’s journey to Barcelona on Wednesday headlines the motion on Matchday 3, a narrative-heavy matchup that features a likelihood for Barcelona’s Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski to face their former membership. These groups, although, are two of a number of European heavyweights which have already dropped factors within the competitors, an inventory that features the likes of Actual Madrid, who flirted with one other loss Tuesday, taking place two objectives earlier than downing Dortmund 5-2, Paris Saint-Germain who dropped factors to PSV and Arsenal who gained narrowly at dwelling.
The precedence for Europe’s elites this week will seemingly be getting again on observe and whereas the fixture checklist favors some, others could not have it as straightforward.
Earlier than the motion begins, this is a take a look at knowledgeable picks and predictions from the CBSSports.com staff.
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Listed here are our knowledgeable picks for this matchday:
Wednesday
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich
Participant to observe: Raphinha — Top-of-the-line gamers in Europe to date this season, nobody in La Liga comes near matching the Brazilian’s 36 probabilities created (second finest Alex Baena has 27). Lining up as a quantity 10 towards a Bayern Munich aspect who aren’t actually utilizing their most defensive midfielder? This could possibly be enjoyable. — James Benge
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal — Hansi Flick’s staff is in good spirits after a stable win towards Sevilla over the weekend, the place midfielder Gavi additionally made his comeback after harm. In opposition to the previous aspect of the Blaugrana coach, we count on Lamine Yamal to shine and drive his teammates to the win towards the German giants. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Bayern — Each of those sides have already misplaced as soon as and can wish to keep away from a second defeat in three video games which is fairly extraordinary for the Bavarians. Hansi Flick will know Bayern effectively however the Germans may also know what to anticipate from his aspect. The Catalan giants have been prolific because the begin of the season however not enjoying at Camp Nou is a drawback for this form of recreation. An entertaining rating draw feels about proper right here. — Jonathan Johnson
Greatest wager: Robert Lewandowski to attain (+113) — This is not a revenge recreation issue as a result of these aren’t actual, however as an alternative it is a realization that every part for Barcelona goes by way of the previous Bayern Munich man. He was excited for all times below Hansi Flick due to how assault minded the Barcelona supervisor is and it has paid dividends with 14 objectives in 12 video games in all competitions to start the season. Bayern Munich’s assault could also be nice, however their protection is inclined which is the place Barcelona will make them pay. — Chuck Sales space
RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool
Participant to observe: Benjamin Sesko — One suspects this would possibly not be the final time that Premier League followers see Sesko in motion. The Slovenian has made a shiny begin to 12 months two with RB Leipzig and appears a specific handful within the Champions League, the place he has scored half of his six objectives. He additionally – and this can be a purpose to observe him carefully – kicks a soccer ostentatiously exhausting. — James Benge
Man of the match: Mo Salah — The Liverpool winger is having a fantastic begin of the season as he scored 5 objectives in eight Premier League video games and has one help within the two Champions League matches performed to date. The sport towards RB Leipzig is the right recreation to attain one other one and to drive his staff to a different European win. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-2 Liverpool — The Reds are one in all seven sides with two wins from two whereas the Germans are literally among the slowest starters with zero factors from two video games. Liverpool are in for a difficult recreation, however Arne Slot’s males ought to have sufficient firepower to get the objectives they want for victory in Germany. A draw wouldn’t be too shocking however the Premier League giants ought to edge this one. — Jonathan Johnson
Greatest wager: Liverpool to win (-120): It does not matter the competitors, if Liverpool to win is a snug quantity, it is one value taking. The Reds have handed their hardest check of the season to date below Arne Slot and RB Leipzig are unable to regulate video games. With Liverpool’s consistency and the presence of Mohamed Salah, all of the Reds have to do is take the possibilities that they will be given and this must be a complete victory.