Europe UEFA Champions League 27-28 October

[spkutano]

 

[HammerShark]

Juventus vs Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona (0.5)

Juventus

- It is well known that Juventus is still struggling for form in Serie A. Despite having no losses, the supporters are not convinced by the playing style or the line-ups that have led to 3 draws in 4 games, having collected draws against Hellas Verona and Crotone;
- Not only they are displaying weak attacking and chance creation capabilities, with only 7.81 xG in 4 games, but also they are showing an unconvincing defense, having conceded in 3 out of their 4 matches played, and having 5.42 xGA;
- The confirmed absence of Cristiano Ronaldo has been affecting the team, and that effect is expected to even more noticeable in European games, since Cristiano scored the majority of their European goals in their last two seasons, especially against more difficult opponents.

Barcelona
- Also in a struggling domestic form - further increased by the home loss against Real Madrid;
- Barcelona has also been displaying weaker offensive and defensive capabilities in LaLiga, averaging slightly above 1.5 xG per game and slightly below 1.5 xGA per game. However, when we look to actual goals, they are closer to 2 goals per game and at exactly 1 goal against per game;
- Nevertheless, they had a good performance in their Champions League match against Ferencváros, and showed their attacking potential.

Neil M of Betmarkets also backed Barcelona (0.5) @1.49

 

[spkutano]

Liverpool vs Midtjylland Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Naby Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Midtjylland:
Hansen; Andersson, Sviatchenko, Scholz, Paulinho; Onyeka, Cajuste; Dreyer, Sisto, Mabil; Kaba

Liverpool started the Champions League campaign with a narrow 1:0 win against Ajax in Amsterdam thanks to an own-goal scored by Nicolas Tagliafico. It was a big surprise the Reds have kept clean sheet considering the fact Klopp was missing Alisson, Van Dijk and Matip. Fabinho played as centre-back and he was very good in that role. However, it must be admitted that Ajax deserved to score. The Dutch Champions have missed three or four good opportunities. Liverpool are sharing the top of the Premier League table with Everton, but showed huge weaknesses in the last period. The reigning champions were humiliated at Villa Park and lost 7:2 to Aston Villa. The Reds were missing some regulars, including goalkeeper Alisson and Mane, but there is no excuse for such display. The next match brought more problems as key defender Virgil van Dijk sustained a knee injury that will keep him out for at least six months. The Dutch international is simply irreplaceable and his absence is an enormous handicap for Klopp. The Reds now have just two recognized central defenders - Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. To be worse, Matip is most of the time injured. That is why Fabinho played in the heart of the defense in the last two matches. As I wrote above, he was solid against Ajax, but played poor against Sheffield United on Saturday. The bottom-placed side scored one goal and produced lot of issues to Liverpool's defense at Anfield. Klopp could named the same eleven that started against the Blades, but the injury situation will have influence on his decisions. Thiago Alcantara is struggling with a knee injury and he is rated as doubtful. Joel Matip, who was also absent at the weekend, is also an injury doubt. Finally, Kostas Tsimikas and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are definitely sidelined. The Egyptian international Mohamed Salah will make his 50th Champions League appearance if selected.

Midtjylland have secured the group stage of the Champions League after eliminated Bulgarian side Ludogorets, Young Boys from Switzerland and Slavia Prague from Czech Republic. The first match of the group stage wasn't successful as they were outplayed and lost 4:0 at home to Atalanta Bergamo. Considering the fact they are playing for the first time in the group stage of the competition, the defeat wasn't a big surprise. Even more as Atalanta reached the quarterfinals of top European competition last season. The Italians opened the result in the 26th minute, but Midtjylland almost leveled in the 34th when Frank Onyeka headed a corner wide. Nevertheless, Atalanta scored two more goals in the first half and virtually secured the victory. The high defeat surely affected the players confidence before the home derby against Brondby, and it seemed they will suffer another defeat. Indeed, Midtjylland were two goals down after 51 minutes, but then they came back, scoring three times in the last 30 minutes. Goals from Anders Dreyer, Pione Sisto and Erik Sviatchenko were enough for Midtjylland to record the 6th victory in the last nine matches across all competitions. Coach Brian Priske is doing a solid job and I believe the fans are satisfied. He has a previous experience of English football from the season 2005/06 when he played for Portsmouth. Priske faced Liverpool three times and lost all games. He has most of the player available for the trip to Liverpool, only the defenders Kristian Dirks Riis and Oliver Olsen are long-term injury victims.

Liverpool vs Midtjylland Prediction:

Liverpool are big favorites against Midtjylland, most probably the weakest side in the group. However, I believe the Danes will score at Anfield. The key reason for my pick is connect with the actual situation in Liverpool. The Reds are without key central defender Virgil van Dijk and that's a huge handicap. Alisson failed to keep clean sheet against the bottom-placed Sheffield United on Saturday and I expect to concede again. It is clear Liverpool will struggle without Van Dijk.

Liverpool vs Midtjylland Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 2.05 with William Hill