This week sees the UEFA Champions League group stage reach its halfway point as teams prepare to play their third game of the group.
This could prove to be a vital week for some of the sides taking part as this game could help solidify their position at the top of their group, or be a turning point in their fortunes as they push to reach the top two and advance to the knockouts.
With all of these things going on during the games, we’ve picked out our top talking points ahead of this weeks fixtures.
Here’s what to look out for on Matchday three:
Manchester United need a win
Man Utd have had a dreadful start to their season, and their Champions League start has been no different. Having lost both of their first two games, with the most recent seeing them disappointingly lose their lead twice to Galatasaray before conceding a late winner from Mauro Icardi.
If Manchester United want any chance of qualifying through the group to the knockout rounds, then a win on Tuesday night against FC Copenhagen is vital. With the game taking place at Old Trafford, Man Utd will surely back themselves to win this one and get their first points on the board. If they are to win then Rasmus Hojlund will likely be involved in the scoring once again, with the new signing currently being the top scorer in the competition. You can get odds of Hojlund to score anytime of 2.00 with Bet9ja.
Man Utd win: 1.33. Bet here
Newcastle United look to stay top
Not many people gave Newcastle Utd much chance of qualifying out of the group when they were drawn alongside some of Europe’s best sides in PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund in Group F. However, Newcastle have so far proved that they are more than ready to compete with the best as they sit top of the group with four points. Their last game was the biggest example of this yet, as they battered Kylian Mbappe’s PSG 4-1 in the first Champions League game back at St James’ park since March 2003.
With this start, Newcastle will be looking to take another three points in their coming game against Dortmund and stay top of the group for yet another matchday. Newcastle will surely be confident going into this game too, with Dortmund yet to score in their opening two matches.
Newcastle win: 1.70. Bet here
Arsenal to bounce back?
Arsenal announced their return to the Champions League after not playing in the competition since 2016/17 in style as they smashed PSV Eindhoven 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. But the dream return was ruined in matchday two as RC Lens spoiled the party and stole all three points with a 2-1 victory, despite a dominant performance by the Gunners.
Arsenal will certainly be looking to put this right in their next game against Sevilla, who have struggled this season with them sitting 13th in La Liga. A win could see Arsenal reclaim top spot, depending on the result of the other game in Group B, and get back on track for winning the group.
Arsenal win: 1.80. Bet here
