This Thursday promises another thrilling evening of European football as we focus on two exciting Champions League matches, providing insights and suggestions on the potential outcomes.
Before we delve into the specifics of each match, let’s examine the outright markets. Manchester City lead as the 3/1 favourites, closely followed by the reigning champions, Real Madrid, at 5/1. Arsenal comes in as the third favourite with odds of 13/2, while Bayern Munich is positioned next at 8/1. Liverpool and Barcelona are both priced at 10/1, and the remaining teams are available at 16/1 or higher.
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AS MONACO v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Monaco will be in the spotlight as AS Monaco welcomes Barcelona in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Unbeaten this season, the Monégasques have carried forward the momentum from last year’s impressive campaign, where they finished 2nd in Ligue 1. Under Adi Hütter’s leadership, Monaco’s new attacking philosophy has been a breath of fresh air, with the team delivering consistently strong performances week in and week out. After securing a convincing 3-0 win away to Auxerre over the weekend, Monaco heads into Europe in scintillating form. They’ll be hoping their newfound confidence can propel them further as they face the daunting task of taking on football royalty, Barcelona, at the Principality this coming Thursday.
In-form Barcelona travel to Stade Louis II aiming to extend their remarkable run of form this season. The Blaugrana head into their first European match day undefeated in domestic competition, with a flawless record of five wins from five, placing them at the top of La Liga. Over the weekend, they secured another commanding victory, dismantling Girona 4-1 away and bringing their total to 11 goals in their last two league outings—an impressive average of 5.5 goals per game. Thursday marks Barcelona’s return to Monaco after a 30-year absence, and with both teams in top form, this clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.
Head-to-Head
These two last met earlier this year in a friendly, where Monaco triumphed 3-0 away from home. The most recent competitive encounter in Monaco dates back to 1994, when Barcelona secured a 1-0 win.
Betting
AS Monaco 33/10
Draw 16/5
Barcelona 15/20
Verdict
This game has the makings of an entertaining encounter, given how both teams have set themselves up this season. Barcelona’s devastating run of form rightfully places them as 15/20 favourites, but I believe better value can be found by betting on both teams to score and for at least 3 goals to feature in the match.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 8/10
ATALANTA v ARSENAL– Click here to bet
Last season’s Europa League champions, Atalanta, will face Arsenal at the Gewiss Stadium in their opening Champions League match this Thursday, aiming to replicate their success from the previous campaign. However, this season has brought mixed fortunes for the Nerazzurri, who have recorded two wins and two draws in domestic competition, leaving them 9th in Serie A to date. Their come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Fiorentina this past weekend exemplifies the character instilled in the club. Although they have yet to display the same form as last season, Atalanta remains an exciting team, often involved in high-scoring matches. Arsenal, with their attacking style of play, will pose a significant threat to the Nerazzurri, making this clash between two sides that love to play attractive football a potentially explosive encounter.
This season marks Arsenal’s 23rd attempt to lift the Champions League, a trophy that has long eluded the Gunners. This Thursday, they will travel to Bergamo hoping to get off to a positive start, aware that their away record in Europe has often been their downfall. Form-wise, Arsenal couldn’t be in better shape. Fresh from a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend, the Gunners continue their unbeaten run this season, currently standing 2nd in the Premier League. Despite failing to advance beyond the last 16 in their last 8 attempts in Europe, Arsenal’s past misfortunes will surely motivate them. It’s only a matter of time before they reveal their true potential against Europe’s elite, possibly starting with Atalanta in the opening round.
Head-to-Head
This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides when they face off on Thursday evening.
Betting
Atalanta 3/1
Draw 29/10
Arsenal 17/20
Verdict
Given Arsenal’s general struggles on the road in Europe, I am somewhat hesitant to back them for an outright win, despite their solid current form. I believe both teams will score at least once, and will lean towards the visitors avoiding defeat should the draw come into the equation.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Both Teams To Score, Draw/Arsenal And Yes at 11/10
Click here for all of this week’s European football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
