The UEFA Champions League is back this week in a new look format, with many of Europe’s top sides coming up against each other from the off in this season’s league stage.
We spoke to Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba ahead of the first set of fixtures for his predictions and previews.
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Tuesday 17 September
Real Madrid vs Stuttgart
Real Madrid are currently the best side in world football, and with Kylian Mbappé already leading their attack, they look unstoppable. Add in the creativity and pace of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, and you’ve got a team that can tear apart any opposition. Stuttgart are a decent side, but they lack the quality and depth to challenge Madrid, especially at the Santiago Bernabéu. This will be a comfortable win for Madrid. My prediction: 3-0 to Real Madrid.
Milan vs Liverpool
This fixture will always remind us of that incredible 2005 Champions League Final, but Milan are not the force they used to be. Despite being a big name in European football, their squad lacks the firepower they once had. Liverpool, on the other hand, come into this with a dynamic attack featuring Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz. They may have suffered a setback with a loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, but their European pedigree remains intact. Milan will put up a fight, but I expect Liverpool to come away with a hard-fought 0-1 win.
Wednesday 18 September
Manchester City vs Inter Milan
This is the biggest game of the week, a repeat the Champions League Final of 2023. Inter gave City a tough time in that game, but City’s form this season has been incredible. Erling Haaland has already scored nine goals in four league games, and he’ll be leading the charge once again. Pep Guardiola is unlikely to rotate his squad, as it’s too early in the season, and they’ll want to keep momentum going into their weekend clash with Arsenal. Inter are strong, but I think City will be too much for them this time. I’m going for a 3-1 win for Manchester City.
PSG vs Girona
Girona were one of the surprise packages last season, but it’s always tricky in the second season to maintain that level. PSG, despite a summer of changes, still have top-level talent, and their squad depth is impressive. With players like Ousmane Dembélé now in the mix, PSG should have no trouble handling Girona. It may not be a blowout, but I’m predicting a comfortable 2-0 win for the Parisians.
Thursday 19 September
Atalanta vs Arsenal
Arsenal have been solid this season, and their attack is one of the most exciting in Europe, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, and new signing Raheem Sterling adding experience and flair to their setup. Sterling, having worked with Mikel Arteta at Manchester City, is already making an impact and could be crucial in this game. Atalanta, with Ademola Lookman as a key player, will be dangerous, but Arsenal’s solid defence and attacking options should see them through. I predict a 2-1 win for Arsenal.
Monaco vs Barcelona
Monaco have been a strong side under Adi Hutter, who has now been in charge for over a year. Their start to the season has been exceptional, and they’re unbeaten so far. Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, have also started the season with five straight wins. Both teams are in form, but my connection with Monaco makes me lean toward them in this encounter. It’s going to be a tight game, but I’m going for a 1-0 victory for Monaco.
