2023-24 UEFA Champions League picks: On Matchday 1, experts predict Man United losing, PSG winning, and more

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, and by the tip of Wednesday, all 32 groups may have gotten by their first matches of the match. This yr we have got a mixture of conventional powerhouses like Actual Madrid, Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich vying for the title that Manchester Metropolis are defending. Moreover, Manchester United make their return to the competition, Serie A powerhouses like AC Milan, Inter and Napoli purpose to construct on their sturdy performances, whereas Arsenal and Newcastle be part of the social gathering from the Premier League.

Tuesday’s slate is highlighted by Paris Saint-Germain internet hosting Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle touring to AC Milan whereas Wednesday Bayern Munich sq. off towards Manchester United.

As at all times you’ll be able to catch all of the motion throughout CBS Sports activities, CBS Sports Network, CBS Sports activities Golazo Community and Paramount+.
Listed here are our predictions for every match and extra:

UCL 2023-24 teams

• Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
• Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
• Group C: Napoli, Actual Madrid, SC Braga and Union Berlin.
• Group D: Benfica, Inter, Purple Bull Salzburg and Actual Sociedad.
• Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Celtic.
• Group F: Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Milan and Newcastle United.
• Group G: Manchester Metropolis, RB Leipzig, Purple Star Belgrade and Younger Boys.
• Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Antwerp.

Matchday 1 TV schedule

All instances Jap

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19	TIME	HOW TO WATCH
AC Milan vs. Newcastle	12:45 p.m.	Paramount+
Younger Boys vs. RB Leipzig	12:45 p.m.	Paramount+
UEFA Champions League In the present day Pre-Match	1 p.m.	Paramount+ / CBS Sports activities Golazo Community
UEFA Champions League In the present day Pre-Match	2 p.m.	Paramount+ / CBS Sports activities Community
The Golazo Present	3 p.m.	Paramount+ / CBS Sports activities Golazo Community
PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund	3 p.m.	Paramount+
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Porto	3 p.m.	Paramount+
Manchester Metropolis vs. Crvena zvezda	3 p.m.	Paramount+
Feyenoord vs. Celtic	3 p.m.	Paramount+
Barcelona vs. Antwerp	3 p.m.	Paramount+
Lazio vs. Atlético Madrid	3 p.m.	Paramount+ / CBS Sports activities Community
UEFA Champions League In the present day Publish-Match	5 p.m.	Paramount+ / CBS Sports activities Community
The Champions Membership	6 p.m.	CBS Sports activities Golazo Community

Morning Footy UCL Matchday 1 picks

CBSSports.com writers Matchday 1 picks

PSG vs. Dortmund

By Jonathan Johnson

One matchup to observe: Ousmane Dembele vs. Ramy Bensebaini — This one guarantees to be a pleasant watch with summer time arrival Dembele prone to be up towards Bensebaini on PSG’s proper and Dortmund’s left. Each switched golf equipment this summer time and are nonetheless discovering their ft. Dembele is a part of a new-look Parisien assault which might function Randal Kolo Muani or Goncalo Ramos by the center and Kylian Mbappe out vast on the left. Though Dortmund haven’t made the perfect of begins within the Bundesliga, PSG can be made to work laborious to interrupt them down.

Almost definitely to attain a purpose: Kylian Mbappe — It’s troublesome to see previous the French celebrity getting a purpose or two right here. Though PSG have rejigged their assault it’s nonetheless Mbappe scoring a lot of their targets for the second and that’s prone to proceed within the Champions League as a part of a testing run of video games for Luis Enrique’s aspect. PSG might do with a quick begin to keep away from this group getting tough for them so anticipate to see them go for it from the off.

Man of the Match choose: Manuel Ugarte — The Uruguay worldwide is incomes rave critiques for his midfield performances thus far in Paris so anticipate him to play a central function once more right here. Ugarte was a giant cash summer time signing from Sporting and he has now taken over from Marco Verratti because the lynchpin in the midst of the park for PSG. The South American can be essential to the hosts asserting their dominance as early as potential on this sport and group as a complete.

Match prediction: 2-0 — PSG can’t afford to get off to a gradual begin provided that Milan and Newcastle can be tough opponents — particularly if beneath early strain. A house conflict with Dortmund who’re arguably probably the most susceptible aspect form-wise together with Newcastle is a perfect opener which the French champions can’t afford to waste.

AC Milan vs. Newcastle

By Francesco Porzio

One matchup to observe: Sandro Tonali vs. Ruben Loftus-Cheek: All eyes can be on Sandro Tonali, who regardless of a little bit damage, is predicted to be on the pitch towards his former membership. The Italian midfielder, if out there, will lead the English crew’s midfield and can play towards his former teammates, but in addition towards some new faces similar to Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who will lead the Rossoneri midfield line within the opening sport at San Siro. 

Almost definitely to attain a purpose: Olivier Giroud: The Frenchman stays probably the most harmful striker on the roster for the Italian aspect, even after the arrival of latest forwards like Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic. The expertise and the report of targets scored throughout his profession are simply what AC Milan have to win these sorts of video games, and he normally does not miss on these events. 

Man of the Match choose: Rafael Leao: The Portuguese winger is trying to take one other step in his profession this season, after extending his cope with the Rossoneri in the summertime. He is the face of the crew and probably the most proficient participant within the aspect and when that occurs the expectations begin rising exponentially yr after yr. He already confirmed what’s able to over the previous Champions League marketing campaign, when his unimaginable performances led AC Milan to the semifinals. 

Match prediction: AC Milan 2, Newcastle 1: The Rossoneri are anticipated to win the opening sport of the UEFA Champions League group stage, nevertheless it undoubtedly will not be a simple sport for Stefano Pioli’s crew, who will face probably the most difficult group stage of the competitors with PSG and Borussia Dortmund. 

Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United

By Chuck Sales space

One matchup to observe: Harry Kane vs. Andre Onana: Harry Kane got here to Bayern with one purpose, to win trophies and fill the one void in his illustrious profession. However to try this, he’ll want to make sure that the German giants can advance by the competitors. With the primary match coming towards a Premier League aspect that Kane is aware of nicely, he’ll know what makes United tick, and meaning probably ending up in a 1-on-1 battle with their new keeper Onana. Given Onana’s playstyle, it is going to be fairly the watch, however ultimately it is going to be Kane that wins the battle.

Almost definitely to attain a purpose: Harry Kane: In his brief time with Bayern, Kane has already scored 4 targets and assisted one other, solely having one league match throughout which he did not register a purpose contribution. With loads of creativity round him, all Kane has to deal with now could be ending probabilities which are created for him, a a lot easier job than his earlier UCL runs with Tottenham. 

Man of the Match choose: Alphonso Davies: The flanks are United’s weak point which is sort of a problem when Davies is without doubt one of the finest wing backs on the earth. Already with three assists this season, Davies is again to creating issues occur as he is absolutely wholesome which is not what United will need to see within the match. Organising two targets can be enogh for Davies to take dwelling man of the match honors.

Match prediction: Bayern 2, United 1: Lack of depth on the wings will show to be an excessive amount of for Manchester United to recuperate from within the match. Being overpowered by Davies and Leroy Sane will give Kane a simple time within the center as Bayen kicks off their Champions League marketing campaign on the suitable foot.

Arsenal vs. PSV

By James Benge

One matchup to observe: Sergino Dest vs. Arsenal’s winger: The US worldwide might theoretically line up on both flank, having been used as each a left and proper again by Peter Bosz this season. Whoever the Arsenal ahead he finally ends up towards proves to be, Dest is in for a take a look at of defensive credentials that, it could be honest to say, usually are not probably the most spectacular. Gabriel Martinelli specifically has begun the season in electrical type, a relentless menace for opposing fullbacks, however he is now a doubt for the match after limping off towards Everton on Sunday with an obvious hamstring damage. So, whereas, this may very well be the spot the place the Gunners win the sport, Dest may also relaxation simple that it might need been worse.

Almost definitely to attain a purpose: Bukayo Saka: With Gabriel Jesus nonetheless recovering from damage, the striker place is a query mark for this Gunner aspect forward of a busy week which incorporates each their return to the Champions League and the small matter of a North London Derby on the weekend. If the striker place is not sure there are not any doubts that, if he’s match, Saka will begin. Even in a comparatively off begin to the season he has delivered targets and assists, anticipate him to glitter on the large nights.

Man of the Match choose: Declan Rice: Expectations had been excessive for the £105 million man on his arrival in north London, even so Rice is perhaps outperforming the requirements that had been set for him. The 24-year-old has functioned as a one-man midfield at his finest for Arsenal, plugging gaps when opponents look to counter however not being afraid to get ahead to assist the assault. His energy and precision ought to make all of the distinction on this competitors.

Match prediction: Arsenal 2, PSV 0: Mikel Arteta’s aspect might need misplaced by this scoreline in Eindhoven final season however that was an Arsenal B crew towards a PSV aspect that had not but misplaced Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Ibrahima Sangare. The Eredivisie runners-up confirmed they aren’t to be taken without any consideration in crushing Rangers on their method to the group stage however the Gunners have began the brand new marketing campaign in spectacular style and will have sufficient to get the job carried out.