As we gear up for Match Day Two in the UEFA Champions League, two thrilling matchups are set for this Tuesday. Here’s a look at each game, along with insights and betting options in light of the newly revamped Champions League format.
Before we explore the individual matches, let’s take a look at the outright markets. Manchester City tops the list as the favourite at 95/40, followed closely by last season’s champions, Real Madrid, at 29/10. Arsenal enters the equation as third best with odds of 13/2, while Bayern Munich follows at 9/1. Both Liverpool and Barcelona are priced at 11/1, and the remaining teams in the field have odds starting from 18/1 or higher.
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BARCELONA v YOUNG BOYS BERN– Click here to bet
Barcelona will be eager to get back on track as they head into Matchday 2 of the Champions League following a rather challenging week. Despite a strong domestic run with seven consecutive La Liga wins, last week’s 2-1 defeat away to Monaco in Europe seemed to signal the beginning of a rough patch. They compounded that disappointment with their first league loss of the season, falling 4-2 away to Osasuna over the weekend. This Tuesday, Barcelona hosts Young Boys at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Currently 22nd in the Champions League standings, Barcelona will view this as a must-win encounter if they are to bounce back and improve their position. Anything less than maximum points could severely hamper their chances of progressing further in the competition, adding even more motivation for the Catalan giants to deliver.
Much like Barcelona, Switzerland’s Young Boys head into Europe after suffering a difficult period themselves. The Confederates struggled to keep pace with Aston Villa on Matchday 1, and despite playing at home, they succumbed to a heavy 3-0 defeat, leaving them 33rd in the Champions League standings at present. This past weekend, Young Boys lost 1-0 at home to Grasshoppers, marking their fourth defeat in eight Super League matches, placing them 11th domestically. Tuesday’s clash will undoubtedly test their resolve, especially given the backlash they can expect from a wounded Barcelona side. Young Boys will need to be at their very best to avoid another disappointing result, but with their current form, they are likely to struggle to match the intensity we can expect from the Catalans.
Head-to-Head
This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides when they face off on Tuesday evening.
Betting
Barcelona 1/11
Draw 11/1
Young Boys Bern 22/1
Verdict
Expect a strong response from Barcelona this Tuesday in what is likely to be a one-sided affair. Defensively, the Swiss side has looked particularly vulnerable, and they could be in for another heavy defeat in Europe. Barcelona will look to exploit Young Boys’ frailties at the back as they aim to bounce back in style on home soil.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Barcelona -2.5 at 8/11
ARSENAL v PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN– Click here to bet
Arsenal have picked up right where they left off this season, continuing their impressive form as they prepare to face PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday. Unbeaten in the EPL with 4 wins and 2 draws, the Gunners head into week 2 of the Champions League off the back of an exciting 4-2 victory over Leicester City, which sees them currently sitting 3rd in the Premier League standings. In Europe, Arsenal started their campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Atalanta, earning a crucial point and positioning themselves 16th in the Champions League standings. Tuesday’s game marks their first home fixture of the group phase, and Mikel Arteta will be keen to capitalize on this opportunity to secure maximum points as the Gunners set their sights on the elusive European title. However, the task will be far from easy, as they take on the reigning French Ligue 1 champions, PSG, in what promises to be a captivating and high-stakes clash between two attack-minded sides.
Paris Saint-Germain head to the Emirates Stadium in fine form, having maintained their unbeaten start to the season. A commanding 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday ensured they remain top of Ligue 1, holding 1st place based on goal difference over Monaco with 5 wins and 1 draw from their 6 league appearances. In their Champions League opener, PSG edged Girona 1-0 in Paris, placing them 15th in the standings after the first round of games. The Parisians have enjoyed a solid run of results, with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 outings across all competitions and will be eager to extend that form. Both Arsenal and PSG will have plenty to prove in what is expected to be the fixture of the day, as two European heavyweights go head-to-head in a clash where something surely has to give.
Head-to-Head
The last time these two teams faced each other in a Champions League encounter, the match ended in a 2-2 draw in this fixture back in 2016.
Betting
Arsenal 15/20
Draw 28/10
Paris Saint-Germain 15/4
Verdict
Renowned for their solid defensive reputation, the Gunners have unexpectedly conceded five goals in their last three matches. As a result, there’s a chance this trend will continue, with hopes that both teams can contribute in what is likely to be a high-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 21/20
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
