The midweek Champions League action continues on Wednesday with another exciting round of fixtures as the competition’s single-table phase heats up. With places in the knockout rounds at stake, several big names will look to consolidate their positions against tricky opponents.
We take a closer look at three standout games: Qarabag v Chelsea, Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United v Athletic Bilbao.
Qarabag v Chelsea – Click here to bet
Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in a fixture they dominated when the sides last met back in 2017, winning 6–0 and 4–0. Both teams have started this season’s campaign with two wins and one defeat, and with identical points tallies, this promises to be a competitive encounter.
Qarabag stunned Benfica away and followed up with a strong home win against FC Copenhagen, though they fell short against Athletic Bilbao last time out. Chelsea bounced back from an opening defeat at Bayern with home victories over Benfica (1–0) and Ajax (5–1), rediscovering their attacking rhythm.
Match Odds
Qarabag 8.60 | Draw 5.60 | Chelsea 1.36
Chelsea are clear favourites and should have enough quality to claim three points, but Qarabag have proven they can punch above their weight on home soil and I think they can contribute to the scoring.
Suggested Bet: Chelsea to win and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.91
Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund – Click here to bet
Two familiar foes meet again as Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund. The sides have shared an even record over their nine previous encounters (3 wins each, 3 draws), and recent meetings have been tight.
City have looked solid but not untouchable, with seven points from three games with wins over Napoli and Villarreal sandwiching a draw at Monaco. Dortmund sit level on points after scoring freely in their group, including a 4–4 draw at Juventus and emphatic victories against Athletic Bilbao and FC Copenhagen.
Match Odds
Manchester City 1.42 | Draw 5.40 | Dortmund 7.00
City remain firm favourites at home, but Dortmund’s attacking form suggests this could be open and goals can flow. There have been an incredible 19 goals in Dortmund’s 3 games and I am betting we get at least 4 in this one.
Suggested Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.05
Newcastle United v Athletic Bilbao – Click here to bet
Newcastle welcome Athletic Bilbao to St. James’ Park looking to maintain their push for the knockout rounds. The Magpies have made an impressive start, with six points from three matches, including a comprehensive 3–0 win over Benfica and a 4–0 victory away at Royale Union SG.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, have found life tougher at this level and a 3–1 home win over Qarabag last time out finally put points on the board after defeats to Dortmund and Arsenal. They’ll need another big performance to take anything from a confident Newcastle outfit.
Match Odds
Newcastle 1.44 | Draw 4.80 | Athletic Bilbao 8.00
The hosts are strong favourites and should dominate possession and territory. Bilbao’s resilience might limit the damage, but Newcastle’s pace and finishing should prove decisive.
Suggested Bets: 1st half winner Newcastle at 1.91
Odds correct at time of writing but subject to change
