Europe Champions League - Round 3

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Newcastle United vs Benfica Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy

Benfica:
Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis

Newcastle United will welcome Benfica to St James Park in one of the most interesting Champions League fixtures on Tuesday. The Magpies didn't start the European campaign according to fans expectations and lost the opening match to Barcelona. However, the second match was quite different and Newcastle beat 4:0 Union Royale from Belgium. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Newcastle were given a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot just before half-time when Elanga was brought down by Leysen inside the Union box. Up stepped Gordon, who sent Scherpen the wrong way. The Belgian champions didn't give up, they created several good opportunities, but Pope was brilliant. Newcastle were awarded another penalty midway through the second half and Gordon made it 3:0, before substitute Harvey Barnes added a fourth late on. The atmosphere in the team is much better now, but manager Edie Howe has big injury issues. He remain without key players in the full-back positions, with Tino Livramento expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks due to a knee injury, while Lewis Hall still out with a hamstring problem. Yoane Wissa, who came from Brentford in the summer, continues to nurse a knee problem. Joelinton is rated as doubtful due to fitness concerns.

Jose Mourinho is probably going through the most challenging period of his career. He was sacked at Fenerbahce, Roma, Tottenham and Manchester United in the last few years. But his way crossed with Benfica, after the first round of the Champions League group stage have produced one of the biggest surprises in competition history. Benfica had a 2:0 lead against Qarabag after 18 minutes and even the Azerbaijani fans gave up. But not the players, they managed to score three goals, registering their first victory in the group. Coach Bruno Lage was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho. The Special One promised "Milk and Honey", but the start wasn't the best. Benfica lost 1:0 at Stamford Bridge and remain at the bottom of the table without a single point. This is a "Do or Die" match for Benfica and Mourinho is well aware of that fact. He has three injury worries ahead of the trip to England. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah remain out with knee injuries, while Bruma will be out for a longer period with a ruptured Achilles. The attack will be lead by Greek forward Pavlidis.

Newcastle United vs Benfica Prediction:

Newcastle demolished the Belgian champions Union Royale in the previous round, winning 4:0 at Lotto Park. Gordon was double scorer, although both from the penalty spot. I think the players confidence is high, despite the narrow defeat to Brighton in domestic Premier League. On the other side this is a "Do or Die" match for Benfica and Mourinho. The Portuguese Giants lost both games in Europe and they must react. Pavlidis has netted four goals in his last four appearances for Benfica, and the Greek forward will aim to continue his fine scoring run. The fact that Newcastle are without both regular full-backs could be a chance for Benfica. I expect both teams to score here.

Newcastle United vs Benfica Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.79 with Pinnacle

 

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Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen:
Flekken; Andrich, Bade, Belocian; Arthur, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Poku; Kofane

Paris Saint-Germain:
Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Kang-in, Vitinha, Doue; Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Barcola

Both teams are undefeated after the opening two rounds, though PSG have six points, while Bayer only two. The Bundesliga outfit drew both games and this match is very important. First they played 2:2 with FC Copenhagen in Denmark. Considering the fact they were guests, I rate the draw as solid result. Nevertheless, the match against PSV could not be included in that category. A goal from Ismael Saibari canceled out the opener from Christian Kofane to ensure that the final score was 1:1. Playing at home is a huge advantage for Bayer as they have lost just one of their previous 17 group fixtures in UEFA competitions. Furthermore, they won all four league phase matches at BayArena last season without a single goal conceded. Coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag, could be satisfied with the current form of his side. Bayer defeated Mainz 4:3 in Bundesliga during the weekend. But the injury situation is a big problem for Hjulmand. Exequiel Palacios is struggling with a groin strain, while Nathan Tella and Jarell Quansah have knee issues. Axel Tape-Kobrissa is questionable for Tuesday with a sore hamstring, Patrik Schick is highly doubtful with a thigh strain. Finally, Martin Terrier is out with an Achilles tendon rupture.

Paris Saint-Germain are the reigning European Champions. Qatary owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi brought the best players, like Neymar Messi and Mbappe, but without success. Nobody believed that coach Luis Enrique could make a difference. But he succeed. It wasn't smooth, but Enrique and his players managed to eliminate several big names on the way to the final, while then demolished 5:0 Inter Milan and lifted the trophy. The Parisians remain successful in Europe again in the new season, however they showed some weaknesses in domestic Ligue 1. PSG suffered a painful 1:0 derby loss to Marseille in Le Classique, while dropped four points against Lille and Strasbourg. However, the results in Europe are still good. Paris Saint-Germain won 4:0 against Atalanta and 2:1 against Barcelona in the opening two rounds of the Champions League. Marquinhos, Kvaratskhelia, Mendes and Ramos scored against Atalanta, while Senny Mayulu and Ramos found the back of the net in Barcelona. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. Enrique again has big injury issues. Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele remain sidelined with a hamstring issue, while three additional players are doubtful - . Joao Neves, Marquinhos and Fabian Ruiz

Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction:

Bayer Leverkusen will welcome the European Champions Paris Saint-Germain at BayArena. Both teams are undefeated after the opening two rounds, however there is a difference. PSG have maximal six points, while Bayer only two. The Bundesliga outfit drew both games and they are not as strong as they were. Coach Xabi Alonso took Real Madrid, while the best players also left Leverkusen. They are without Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, both now at Liverpool, while Germany center back Jonathan Tah signed for Bayern Munich. PSG are European champions and they are dominating even without their main stars. Luis Enrique found a way to secure victories against Barcelona and Newcastle in the Champions League., plus against Tottenham in UEFA Super Cup. PSG shoul win here.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain Pick: Paris Saint-Germain to win @ 1.64 with Pinnacle

 

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Chelsea vs Ajax Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Chelsea:
Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Gusto, Caicedo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro

Ajax:
Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst

Chelsea will welcome Ajax to London on Wednesday night. The Blues have three points from the opening two rounds, while Ajax lost both games and share the bottom of the table with Kairat Almaty, Benfica and Bilbao. That is why the points from this match are very important for both teams. Chelsea haven't started the new season according to expectations. In one word, they are inconsistent. The Blues have recorded some difficult victories, for example they beat Liverpool and Benfica, but suffered a painful defeat from Manchester United at Old Trafford and lost to Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The inconsistency remain a problem in Europe too. Chelsea lost 3:1 to Bayern Munich in the opening round of the Champions League, while beat Benfica in the second round. To be worse, Maresca will be missing the key player Cole Palmer. His absence is a handicap. Five more players are also struggling with injury - Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Benoit Badiashile and Liam Delap are definitely sidelined, while Enzo Fernandez is rated as doubtful with a knee problem.

Ajax are between the four teams without a single point after the opening two rounds. That is why this match is extremely important for the former European champions. What is worse, Ajax failed to score a single goal on these two games. They lost 2:0 to Inter Milan and lost 4:0 to French side Marseille. Ajax have failed to claim a single point from their first two Champions League games for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The crisis is even bigger considering the domestic results. During the weekend Ajax suffered a painful home defeat to AZ Alkmaar. As a result, they are huge nine points off the top of the Eredivisie table, registering just one win on their last six games. The head coach Johnny Heitinga, the former assistant coach in Liverpool, is under big pressure. The poor defense is his biggest problem as Ajax have conceded at least twice in each of their last six games across all competitions. To be worse, defender Owen Wijndal and midfielder Branco van den Boomen are both sidelined with a muscular and back injury respectively.

Chelsea vs Ajax Prediction:

Both teams are far from their best, however there is a difference. The Blues managed to beat Liverpool and Benfica and I believe the players confidence is higher. On contrary, Ajax have huge problems. First of all, Ajax failed to score a single goal on the opening two rounds of the Champions League, losing 2:0 to Inter Milan and 4:0 to Marseille. Second, Ajax have conceded at least twice in each of their last six games across all competitions. Third, the players confidence is on Chelsea side, as well as the home advantage. The odds for a straight victory are too low, so I will suggest a handicap victory.

Chelsea vs Ajax Pick: Chelsea -1.5 AH @ 1.67 with Pinnacle

 

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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Eintracht Frankfurt:
Santos; Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown; Larsson, Skhiri; Doan, Uzun, Bahoya; Burkardt

Liverpool:
Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt will welcome the English champions Liverpool to Deutsche Bank Park. It will be interesting to see the fans reaction on Hugo Ekitike, who will face his former side. The fans liked Ekitike and I believe he will receive a warm welcome. It seemed his absence would not be a big problem, particularly when Frankfurt beat 5:1 Galatasaray. However, the second match in the group produced the same result, only Frankfurt lost 5:1 to Atletico Madrid. The domestic form is also mixed, Frankfurt currently sit seventh with 10 points after seven rounds, three fewer than they had collected at the same stage last season. And it is clear the defense is the main problem - Eintracht have conceded 18 times in their last five games, an average of almost 4 goals per game. Also, they received at least two goals in six of their last seven outings. Coach Dino Toppmoller must find a way to improve the defense. He has the majority of his players ready, but Elias Baum, Jessic Ngankam and Nnamdi Collins are unavailable.

Liverpool have suffered the first home league loss to Manchester United in 10 years. The crisis is very big and quite unexpected. Sunday's defeat have extended the Reds’ losing streak to four games across all competitions. Arne Slot face a tough task to end their losing run, with Eintracht Frankfurt their hosts in the Champions League this week. Slot now face a "Mission impossible" to save the season after a summer of unprecedented spending. As You probably know, the Reds spent more then 450m Eur to sign Alexandar Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wurtz, Jeremi Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and some others. Of course, some players left the club, like goalkeeper Kelleher, Luis Diaz and Trent Alexandar-Arnold. And don't forget the tragic death of Diogo Jota. However, Liverpool are in series of four defeats. They lost to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League, plus Galatasaray in the Champions League. The players confidence is low, while Slot looks unable to change something. In addition, he has some injury worries. Regular goalkeeper Alisson Becker remain sidelined and his absence is a huge handicap. Mamardashvili is solid keeper, but nowhere near Alisson. The injury of Ryan Gravenberch is another blow. He was forced off the pitch against Man United due to an ankle issue, and he is rated as doubtful.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool Prediction:

Liverpool will at some point start scoring as they have fantastic strikers in Isak, Ekitike, Salah, Gakpo. But without drastic defensive improvements, they will likely continue to concede. Eintracht Frankfurt showed they are able to score five goals, but also showed they could concede five. It seems both teams don't care too much about the defense. Frankfurt will play high pressing, but Liverpool are experienced team and their counter-attacks will definitely upset the hosts. I expect an open and efficient match in Germany.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool Pick: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.94 with Pinnacle