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The UEFA Champions League returns for one final round before the new year, with a lot at stake for several of Europe’s top players. Wednesday’s action includes Barcelona’s visit to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City’s visit to Juventus. Here’s what the CBS Sports team predicts will take place next week in the Champions League.
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Wednesday
Match of the day: Juventus vs. Man City
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian’s return to City’s starting XI may or may not have solved everything – the jury is out after yet more points dropped against Crystal Palace – but if anyone wants to spice up what is shaping up to be a very dull affair, it will be De Bruyne. –-James Benge
Man of the Match: Ilkay Gundogan – Despite the difficult moment facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Gundogan is the player the Spanish manager needs most at the moment due to his experience in the tournament. Juventus is also not having its best moment and Gündogan can cause a lot of problems in Vecchia Signora’s defense. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Juve 1, City 1 — Pep Guardiola’s side continue to struggle with poor form and are making things tough for themselves in both the Premier League and Champions League. Thiago Motta’s Italians are in a similar position and aren’t seeing too many goals in their games, so expect a fairly low-scoring game with either side able to sneak in the odd goal. –Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (-120): I will not bet on goals in matches involving Juventus. I will not bet goals in matches involving Juventus. I… you get the idea. Even without Bremer, Juventus are not giving in under Thiago Motta, and even against whatever version of City this is, it won’t change. There’s no harm in throwing a draw here at +240, but the under is a little safer. –Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs Dortmund
Player to watch: Robert Lewandowski – It has to be him, right? Back at the Westfalenstadion, reunited with the fans who once adored him, but now have to fear his presence in the opposition. In 26 games against Dortmund, Lewandowski scored 27 goals, but so far he has not met them in a Barcelona shirt. Given his recent form, you’d be backing him to add to that tally. –-James Benge
Man of the Match: Raphinha – The Brazilian winger has been fantastic this season, scoring five goals in the first five Champions League games, and 11 in 17 LaLiga games. He is probably the best player yet for the side coached by Hansi Flick, who returns to Germany on Wednesday. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Dortmund 1, Barcelona 1 — These two sides are neck and neck in this round of matches, with the Catalan giants slightly ahead of the Germans on goal difference despite both recording four wins and one defeat. Don’t be surprised if this team finishes level and both teams get their first draw of the European season, although Barcelona will have the best chance of winning if one team comes out on top. –Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Both Teams Score (-110): Barcelona’s high line has been effective in protecting their defense, but if the offside trap doesn’t work, it’s far too easy to beat the defense from open play. Dortmund are an experienced team that can make Barcelona pay in attack and Barcelona’s attack is too loaded not to score, so it feels like a fair price to get both in the back of the net. –Chuck Booth