Another epic UEFA Champions league matchday awaits, with the new format throwing up outstanding fixtures every single week.
We spoke to Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba for his previews and predictions ahead of what promises to be a sensational week of football.
You can bet on all of the UEFA Champions League fixtures here at Bet9ja!
Victor Ikpeba: I’ll be honest – I wasn’t initially a big fan of this season’s new Champions League format. But as a former player, I know you have to go all out in every game because the competition is so fierce. You can’t take a single match off, and there’s no room to just settle for a point. I think it’s interesting, but I feel for the players. Look at Rodri – injuries are bound to happen with the workload they have these days. Anyway, let’s dive into the match previews for this week.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Preview
Arsenal are coming into this game after a really disappointing weekend against Bournemouth. They were down to 10 men and played with a bit of naivety, trying to express themselves offensively against a solid Bournemouth side. For a team of Arsenal’s calibre, that’s not the approach you want with a weakened squad. Discipline is becoming a real issue for them – they’re aggressive, which is great, but sometimes a little too aggressive. It’s costing them.
Shakhtar, on the other hand, are not the same team they were a few years ago, largely due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Still, I think Arsenal will have too much quality for them. I’m predicting a comfortable 3-0 win for the Gunners.
Prediction: 3-0 to Arsenal. – Bet Here!
Aston Villa vs Bologna Preview
Villa have been one of the surprise packages this season. That win over Bayern Munich was incredible, and Emery has really got them playing as a unit. They don’t have the big stars, but they function so well as a team, which can take you far in Europe. Bologna, like most Italian sides, will be tough to break down and could hit Villa on the counter if they’re not careful. But I’m backing Villa to edge it.
Prediction: 2-1 to Aston Villa. – Bet Here!
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Preview
Dortmund have gone through a lot of changes. With Niclas Füllkrug gone and a new young manager in charge, they’re still finding their feet. Real Madrid, on the other hand, haven’t quite clicked this season either. They’ve got so much talent, but it feels like they’re missing that chemistry right now.
This match-up reminds me of the final between these two teams earlier this year. Dortmund will probably do most of the playing, but Madrid will do most of the scoring. I can see Los Blancos taking this one, 2-1.
Prediction: 2-1 to Real Madrid. – Bet Here!
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool Preview
Liverpool are flying high in the Premier League, and it’s great to see Salah back to his best. With Diaz and Van Dijk in form and the team playing with confidence, they’re a tough side to beat. Alisson’s injury is a blow, but Kelleher is a quality backup. I think Liverpool have what it takes to get past a strong RB Leipzig side. Leipzig are no pushovers, but Slot’s side has enough firepower to come out on top.
Prediction: 1-3 to Liverpool. – Bet Here!
Manchester City vs Sparta Prague Preview
It’s hard to see anything but a City win here, unless something truly catastrophic happens. Yes, City have been conceding goals early in games and haven’t been as tight at the back as we’re used to seeing, but they’ve got more than enough quality to deal with Sparta Prague. I expect it to be relatively comfortable, and Haaland is bound to score.
Prediction: 4-1 to City. – Bet Here!
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Preview
This is going to be a fascinating matchup. Barcelona are flying under Hansi Flick, and they’re sitting pretty at the top of La Liga. Bayern, though, have struggled a bit with their away form, and we saw that in their game against Aston Villa. Both of these teams are leading their respective leagues, but I’m giving the edge to Barca, especially with Bayern’s struggles on the road. I think it’ll be tight, but Barcelona should come out on top.
Prediction: 2-1 to Barcelona. – Bet Here!
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1 Comment
by Samson
Is a good game I like it