Europe Champions League - Round 1

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Milan vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Milan:
Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Reijnders, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez

Milan and Liverpool will renew their rivalry when they face at San Siro on Tuesday. This is the derby of the first round. Milan are seven-time European champions and they will try to complete another successful season under the guidance of Portuguese tactician Paulo Fonseca. The 'warm up' was just perfect, winning 4:0 against Venezia on Saturday evening. Four goals were scored by four different players - Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. The fans are satisfy, as well as coach Fonseca, who became only the second Portuguese coach to lead Italian club in the Champions League, after Jose Mourinho. But Fonseca has some injury worries ahead of this match - Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi and Marco Sportiello are out injured, while defender Malick Thiaw is doubtful as he is nursing an ankle sprain. Finally, Davide Calabria, who missed the Venezia thumping with a leg injury, is also rated as doubtful.

Liverpool have started the season with three victories and three clean sheets. However, the winning series came to their end last weekend. Nobody was expecting Nottingham to get something from Anfield, but they shocked Liverpool fans. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a fantastic goal in the finish of the match leaving the Reds faithful deeply frustrated. The atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence isn't like previous. Slot has some additional issues as some players are struggling with injury. Harvey Elliott is definitely out due to his foot fracture, while the current situation with Federico Chiesa isn't clear too. The Italian did not make the squad for the last game with Nottingham, maybe because Slot is careful with his fitness. Most probably Chiesa will not travel to his homeland. On the other side, the Dutch coach must make some changes, especially in the attack. Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez should start from the first minute.

Milan vs Liverpool Prediction:

Milan evidently benefited from the international break much more than Liverpool did, based on their results last weekend. While Milan won 4:0 against Venezia, Liverpool suffered a painful home defeat from relegation candidates Nottingham. Not only they lost, but Slot's men were poor. The key players looked confused, while Slot wasn't prepared for such scenario. Without "Plan B", he missed an excellent opportunity to maintain his perfect record. He feels pressure at the moment and it won't be easy at San Siro. I expect a close encounter and I think Milan won't lose at home.

Milan vs Liverpool Pick: Milan +0.5 AH @ 1.93 with Pinnacle

 

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Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Paris Saint-Germain:
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Ruiz, Neves; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola

Girona:
Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Tsygankov, Ruiz, Danjuma

Paris Saint-Germain will start the Champions League campaign as huge favorites against tournament debutantes Girona at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. The hosts are favorites, the quality is on their side, but Girona should not be underestimated. Paris Saint-Germain have started the season very good, they have won all four matches, scoring at least three goals in each game. As usual, PSG are dominant in France, but the Arab owners are no more satisfied with domestic titles and they want Champions League trophy. The World best players, like Messi, Neymar and Mbappe were brought in the past years, but the Champions League trophy is still out of their hands. The actual season is another opportunity for PSG. Coach Luis Enrique has six injury issues. Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez remain long-term injury absentees, while first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is also sidelined. The Italian international picked up a thigh injury in the win over Brest, so summer signing Matvey Safonov is in line to make his debut for the club. Midfield duo Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha are both rated as doubtful.

Girona become the most pleasant surprise last season in Primera Division. They were leaders on the table for a significant period, but couldn't handle the pressure in the finish. Nevertheless, the fans are happy with the fact Girona will play in UEFA Champions League. The expectations are always big, particularly knowing the last three Spanish debutantes have advanced to the knockout stage -Villarreal in 2005/06, Sevilla in 2007/08 and Malaga 2012/13. But Girona aren't that strong as some of the best players left the club during the summer, including the top goalscorer Dovbyk. The club officials brought Macedonian international Bojan Miovski from Aberdeen, but he need time for acclimatization. The Blanquivermells were outplayed on Sunday and lost 4:1 to Catalan rivals Barcelona. It was the heaviest home defeat for coach Michel since his arrival as head boss in 2021. Michel has three injury issues ahead of the trip to the French Capital - Ricard Artero and Jastin are definitely sidelined, while Yangel Herrera is doubtful with an adductor problem.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona Prediction:

Paris Saint-Germain will start the Champions League campaign as huge favorites against Girona. The quality is on their side, as well as the home advantage. However, Girona should not be underestimated. Lot of Spanish teams were beaten last season, like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid etc. But they aren't that strong now as some of the best players left the club during the summer. PSG should win with at least two-goal difference.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona Pick: Paris Saint-Germain -1.5 AH @ 2.08 with Pinnacle

 

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Atalanta vs Arsenal Preview:

Atalanta:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui

Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Sterling; Havertz

Atalanta will welcome the Premier League heavyweight Arsenal to the newly renovated Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo in the opening match of their Champions League campaign. Last season was very successful for La Dea, they lifted the Europa League trophy, beating the German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the final in Dublin. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is doing a fantastic job and the fans are pleased with the results. However, the start of the season wasn't ideal. Atalanta lost the UEFA Super Cup to Real Madrid, but also lost two of their opening four Serie A matches. One of the defeats was very painful as they lost 4:0 to Inter at Meazza. On Sunday, though, they twice fought back from behind to beat Fiorentina 3:2, with Lookman scoring the winner. According to me, there are two reasons for the mixed results. First, the departure of some players during the summer, and second, the injuries of Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. The duo will miss the group stage of the Champions League, including this match. In addition, defenders Rafael Toloi and Ben Godfrey are rated as doubtful.

Arsenal have started the season very good. They dropped two points against Brighton at the Emirats, but won the remaining three fixtures, including the North London derby with Tottenham last weekend. It was a tough match, while one goal made the difference. Once again it was goal from corner. Gabriel's match-winning header against Tottenham was the 23rd time they have scored from a set piece since the start of last season. Once again Arteta paid tribute to the set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, for injecting his players with belief. Nevertheless, the strong defense is the base for success - the Gunners have conceded only one goal so far. But the next match will be a genuine test as Arsenal travel to the Etihad for a high-stakes clash with title rivals Manchester City. Arteta has some injury issues ahead of the trip to Lombardy. Captain Martin Odegaard is sidelined by an ankle injury sustained on international duty and that's a big handicap. Riccardo Calafiori is also out injured after playing for the national team. Mikel Merino has not played since damaging his shoulder during his first training session, while winger Bukayo Saka is rated as doubtful following his withdrawal from the North London derby. Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko are sidelined too. On the positive note, Arteta can welcome back Declan Rice, who was suspended on Sunday.

Atalanta vs Arsenal Prediction:

Atalanta should not be underestimated, they play at home, but I think Arsenal will win. First of all, La Dea are weaker than last season after the departure of some players during the summer. But that's not all, the severe injuries of two key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini is also a reason for the mixed results. The duo will miss the majority of the season and that's a huge handicap. Gasperini heavily depends on Lookman's inspiration, however, he has never found the net in four career appearances against the Gunners. Arsenal also have some injury issues, but they have long roster. Playing away from home seems not to be a problem for Arteta's men - they have won six straight away games.

Atalanta vs Arsenal Pick: Arsenal to win @ 1.88 with Pinnacle