Champions League picks, predictions: Experts split on Manchester United, Arsenal cruise at Sevilla, more

The UEFA Champions League returns this week with Matchday 3 as groups will face new opponents within the group stage earlier than dealing with them once more on Matchday 4. Potential six-point swings throughout the following two video games could make or break a staff’s European desires with sides comparable to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain trying to show they really have what it takes to compete.

Who will come away victorious throughout 16 video games on Tuesday and Wednesday? Discover out beneath with our UCL picks:

Matchday 3 TV schedule

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CBSSports.com writers Matchday 3 — Tuesday’s picks

Manchester United vs. Copenhagen

by James Benge

One matchup to look at: VIctor Lindelof vs. Mohamed Elyounoussi – Such is the threadbare nature of United’s protection they might effectively need to play middle again, Lindelof, out broad once more. On the flanks he could possibly be examined by Elyounoussi, scorer of Kobenhavn’s first objective of this season’s group stage and the person whose direct working crafted their opening within the exhausting fought defeat to Bayern Munich. The Norway worldwide is definite to ask questions aplenty of his Scandinavian counterpart.

Most probably to attain a objective: Bruno Fernandes – Given his current exploits for membership and nation, Scott McTominay seems a tempting shout on this class however in what may effectively show to be a tense, attritional affair it’s typically United’s captain who tends to ship. Fernandes is averaging greater than three photographs on this season’s Champions League and can certainly have license to drag the set off wherever he’s on the pitch.

Man of the Match decide: Jonny Evans – The larger image doesn’t look that good for United when the person who has introduced a measure of composure to their protection is a 35 yr outdated who has been racked by accidents over current years. Nonetheless, Evans has completed that and on excessive stakes nights like Tuesday his authority might assist carry the day.

Match prediction: Manchester United 1, Copenhagen 0: That is unlikely to be one for the purists however United ought to finally be capable of discover their option to their first factors of the competitors.

Sevilla vs. Arsenal

by James Benge

One matchup to look at: Dodi Lukebakio vs. Oleksandr Zinchenko – For essentially the most half this season Arsenal’s protection has seemed formidable, able to locking opponents right down to half a dozen photographs. If there’s a weak hyperlink, nevertheless, it’s at left again, the place Zinchenko was run ragged by Raheem Sterling in Saturday’s draw with Chelsea, such that Mikel Arteta felt compelled to withdraw him. If Sevilla are to get any pleasure on this recreation it might effectively come from their summer time signing Lukebakio, who has had a number of spectacular outings since arriving from Hertha Berlin.

Most probably to attain a objective: Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian appears to come back alive within the Champions League, the place he has scored 20 objectives at a price of 1 each 123 minutes. That is not only a perform of getting performed for Manchester Metropolis, he has two in two for the Gunners on their return to the massive time. 

Man of the Match decide: Declan Rice – Even when Arsenal are off coloration, as they have been on Saturday, Rice is at the very least very, superb. He has largely excelled in every little thing he does since his £105 million transfer and can see little trigger for concern when dealing with off towards the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Djibril Sow.

Match prediction: Sevilla 0, Arsenal 1: The Andalusians have proven themselves able to battling to attracts in current weeks while Arsenal’s assault is maybe not what it was final season. Nonetheless the Gunners ought to have nearly sufficient to get their second win of the group stage.

CBSSports.com writers Matchday 3 — Wednesday’s picks

PSG vs. Milan

by Jonathan Johnson

One matchup to look at: Achraf Hakimi vs. Rafael Leao — Certainly one of Milan’s primary threats will come from the left the place Rafael Leao is up towards the attack-minded Achraf Hakimi. How accountable Luis Enrique can get the Moroccan to be on the again might play an enormous half in shaping how a lot pleasure the Italians get going ahead. Though the important thing positional battles will arguably are available midfield, this particular person duel impacts each ends of the sphere given how productive Hakimi has been to this point this season.

Most probably to attain a objective: Kylian Mbappe — Again within the objectives after a current drought with PSG, the French celebrity warmed up for this one with a objective and help towards Strasbourg on the weekend. Mbappe was muted towards Newcastle final day trip and the French champions know that they have to win towards the Rossoneri to maintain Group F’s prime spot of their sights. Count on the Parisien talisman to come back up massive with the sport deciding second.

Man of the Match decide: Mike Maignan — An emotional homecoming for France’s new No. 1 and a possible audition for a future return to Paris. Mike Maignan could possibly be the distinction between the sticks for Milan and shall be key to Stefano Pioli’s hopes of coming away from Parc des Princes with at the very least some extent. Gianluigi Donnarumma was Milan’s previous and is PSG’s current, however will the French shot stopper be the Ligue 1 giants’ future?

Match prediction: PSG 1-0 Milan — A good one given Milan’s defensive solidity, however anticipate the hosts to just do sufficient to edge the competition and take the factors. This can be a must-win for PSG whereas the Rossoneri should not lose it and some extent can be acceptable for the Italians in Paris. Huge moments determine massive video games and this one seems set to be determined by the narrowest of margins on Wednesday.

Younger Boys vs. Man Metropolis 

by Chuck Sales space

One matchup to look at: Rico Lewis vs. the Younger Boys midfield – In a match that Metropolis are anticipated to win there’s time for some rotation. When John Stones was injured, Rico Lewis stepped into Pep Guardiola’s inverted fullback function and it is one thing that he might do once more on this match. Guardiola has already praised the 18-year-old for the way shortly he has picked up on issues and a match towards the Swiss facet will present extra worthwhile expertise for Lewis who might observe the Phil Foden path to rise from being an academy child at Metropolis to within the first XI finally.

Most probably to attain a objective: Jeremy Doku – Hitting the bottom working for Metropolis, if Doku begins the match his tempo will crate nightmares for Younger Boys. Whereas Erdling Haaland is the usual decide right here, the eye that he attracts from defenses does make it simpler for different members of Metropolis’s squad to harm you and that is the place Doku comes into play. Already with two objectives and two assists in solely 9 appearances for the membership, he’ll add to that.

Man of the Match decide: Rodri – Seeing what Manchester Metropolis did, or extra importantly did not do, with out Rodri whereas he served a three-game suspension, he will probably be my man of the match decide till additional discover. The soundness that he brings in midfield and enchancment to the protection goes a protracted option to guarantee that Metropolis win the sport that they need to win whereas additionally popping up with objectives of his personal at instances.

Match prediction: Manchester Metropolis 3 – Younger Boys 0 – Metropolis are a staff that may run up the rating when they need however often just do sufficient to get by in matches like this. Whereas they’re going to have loads of probabilities to proceed scoring,t as soon as Doku and Haaland discover the again of the web, there will not be a lot of a purpose to push for extra objectives. They’re going to seize a 3rd with Younger Boys making an attempt to attain a objective in a recreation the place even a 3-0 rating will make it look like it was nearer than it truly was.