Table of Contents
The UEFA Champions League returns this week with another round of compelling competition stage matches, which will ask a handful of Europe’s top teams to prove their worth just weeks into the competition.
The headline act of Matchday 2 is Paris Saint-Germain’s visit to Arsenal, where the French champions will take part in a meaningful litmus test of their post-Kylian Mbappe plans against the well-seasoned England side. It’s not the only match that may be difficult to predict; a clash between Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan could be highly contentious, as could Aston Villa’s clash with Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool are looking to build on their strong start to the season, while injury-ravaged sides like Manchester City and Barcelona are eyeing their first wins of the European season.
Before the action starts, here’s a look at the picks and predictions from experts on the CBSSports.com team.
Don’t miss anything from the Champions League. As always, you can view all of our coverage Biggest+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network all season.
Here are our expert picks for this match day:
Tuesday
Leverkusen vs Milan
Player to watch: Florian Wirtz — He has been as good a striker as almost anyone in Europe so far and even in quiet games he finds a way to make an impact on the scoresheet. Will the right flank, anchored by Emerson Royal, be able to maintain its discipline and positioning if Wirtz goes on a plundering spree? If not, expect the 21-year-old to tear them to pieces. –James Benge
Man of the Match: Christian Pulisic — The USMNT winger had an incredible start to the season as he scored five goals and provided two assists in his first seven games of the season in all competitions. Pulisic has probably had the best start to the season of his career so far and there are many reasons to think he can continue against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Leverkusen 2-1 Milan — The general consensus is that the hosts will not lose and will score at least twice. Although a high-scoring draw cannot be ruled out, Leverkusen should shadow this tie. The Germans opened with a win on the road, while the Italians let a lead slip before heading to Liverpool. Don’t be surprised if this ends level, but Xabi Alonso’s men should have just enough to get on top. –Jonathan Johnson
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals (-135) — It’s hard to pick a side in this match, but there will be goals. Milan and Leverkusen are both capable of increasing the attacking pressure, but their defense is also suspect to start the season. With Florian Wirtz and Christian Pulisic in top form, you even have stars to look for to get the attack going, which could see this match go away and both teams find the back of the net. –Chuck Booth
Arsenal vs PSG
Player to watch: Gabirel — Can anyone stop the mountain of men in Arsenal’s defence? He intimidates opponents on both sides, suppressing attackers big and small before rumbling upfield to drive home another goal from a corner. On the other hand, officials in Europe were less sympathetic to Arsenal’s physicality than in the Premier League. If that remains the case on Tuesday, it could be much more difficult for Arsenal to get a worthwhile win. –James Benge
Man of the Match: Bukayo Saka — Having scored just one goal in the first eight games of the season so far, we are all waiting for Saka’s first European goal of the season and the match against PSG could be the best moment for that. The England forward will face the French giants, who will not be counting on Ousmane Dembele after he was left out of the squad on Monday. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG — Most of the panel are looking forward to a close match with a goal or something, so be prepared for a fairly low-scoring match based on that. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the Gunners took advantage of Ousmane Dembele’s surprise absence and with Bradley Barcola, PSG still have the tools to hurt Arsenal. However, Mikel Arteta’s men have history on their side, with Paris generally struggling against English opponents, something Luis Enrique experienced first-hand in a heavy defeat away to Newcastle United last year. –Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (+112) — When it comes to the top teams competing in the Champions League, I focus on the lesser teams. Arsenal and PSG can both increase the score, but playing multiple games in a week is a taxing task that allows the defense to win. Neither team needs to actually win this match to finish in the top eight of the league stage, and therefore it could be a good opportunity. –Chuck Booth
Wednesday
Lille vs Real Madrid
Player to watch: Jonathan David The striker has started his pre-agency season in exactly the way needed to convince those who haven’t yet taken the plunge for the Canadian. In six Ligue 1 appearances he has scored five goals, add in some big contributions to get Lille into the league stages and you have a player who really should be on the radar of the top clubs. Perhaps a goal against the European champions will be enough to convince potential candidates. –James Benge
Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham — With Kylian Mbappe still a doubt for the match as he recovers from his injury, England midfielder Jude Bellingham must go one step further and drive his team to victory against Lille. Bellingham still hasn’t scored in its first six games of the season, and the match against the French side is the best chance to score its first. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Lille 0-2 Real — It’s no surprise that Real are big favorites to take home the win here. There is no French return for Kylian Mbappe for a while as he is injured, so expect there to be less opportunity in this situation. LOSC can make life difficult for opponents, but suffered a poor defeat last time and will brace themselves for another defeat here. –Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Real Madrid to win and more than 2.5 goals (+115) — Finding value in betting on Real Madrid matches can be difficult, but it is always safe to assume two things. Firstly, Real Madrid will win, and secondly, there will be goals. Being able to get both things combined for plus money is a bet I’ll make every time. –Chuck Booth
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich
Player to watch: Michael Olise — The winger should be looking forward to this. The last time he faced Aston Villa, he and his Crystal Palace teammates exposed vulnerabilities in Unai Emery’s defense that appear to have gone unaddressed this summer. The France international has made a flying start for Bayern, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his last three games, leaving him in the perfect position to excel upon his return to the country where he was born. –James Benge
Man of the Match: Harry Kane — The English striker already scored four goals in the opening match of the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb, as Bayern Munich managed to beat the Croatian team 9-2. There is no reason to believe he cannot score again against his former Premier League rivals. –Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Villa 1-2 Bayern — Overall, the German giants are favorites to win, sitting on six points from six. However, Villa got a good win last time out and this will be a big European night at Villa Park given the European Cup history of this match. Goals will be expected for both sides, but Bayern’s superior continental pedigree could mean the difference after 90 minutes. –Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Bayern Munich to win (-140): After a draw with Bayer Leverkusen, Vincent Kompany will want Bayern to get out of the starting blocks quickly to get six points in the competition phase. Aston Villa are tough at home, but when push comes to shove, defending Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise becomes too much.