The Champions League is coming back this week. Light down, picked the music …
For the first two match games of the league phase, the action spreads over three nights, which means more opportunities for fans to see the cream of the continent.
Here, we take our eye on Tuesday’s action and offer some thoughts about what could happen.
Athletic Bilbao V Arsenal (1745)
The two sides that have won three of four in their domestic leagues clash in what should be a fantastic atmosphere in San Mames.
Arsenal seems better equipped than last season when they reached the semi-finals. Their summer recruitment means more in -depth strength while they also have a central advantage in Viktor Gyokerres which has already proven that he could do it on the biggest scene.
Athletic played in the Europa League last season and also reached the last four before descending surprisingly easily in Manchester United.
They lost at home against Alaves this weekend and will be desperate to take a good start in Europe, but we cannot see the Gunners go home empty-hand.
Prediction: athletic arsenal 1-1
PSV V Union SG (1745)
The PSV took a strong beginning of defense of their crown of Eredivisie made after the dramatic collapse of Ajax.
Peter Bosz’s team won four of his first five games, but their only defeat took place in their last match at Philips Stadion, a 2-0 surprise setback against Teltar.
The SG Union is just as impressive at the national level – the Belgian champions are again in the lead and will take some stop.
Difficult to call, but we think that the greatest experience of hosts at this level could be decisive.
Prediction: PSV 2-1 Union SG
Benfica v Qarabag (2000)
Like the PSV, Benfica is experienced activists from the Champions League and progressed through the group’s phase and in the 16 final last season before meeting Barcelona.
They lost their 100% record in the Liga of Primeira this weekend, however, inexplicably conceding an injury equalizer to 10 men Santa Clara.
They should make amends against the Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, who opened their national crown with four points in their first three games. Gurban Gurbanov’s men were held in a 1-1 draw by Zira this weekend.
Prediction: Benfica 2-0 Qarabag
Juventus at Borussia Dortmund (2000)
Fees of their remarkable ITALIA DERBY Victory on Inter Milan, Juventus will enter this confrontation full of confidence.
Coach Igor Tudor seems to have reinstated part of the resilience for which Juve has got used to and, although they may not have the big names of the past, they will not be pushtovers this season.
Dortmund, much like Juve, are not the strength they were and fell late in the rivals of Klassiker Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
They won their last two in the German elite, but it is a step in class in class.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid in Marseille (2000)
You know what you are going to get on one side Roberto de Zerbi and it should be fascinating to see how his approach works in Bernabeu.
Madrid will be impatient to recover the crown that they lost against Paris Saint-Germain last season and it would be a major plus for Xabi Alonso if he can prove that he can cut him at the level of the elite as a coach.
With Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavonga also on the way back of injuries, Madrid seems to be in the right place.
Expect that the interior team has a lot of joy in the transitions against an OM side that does not sit.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Marseille
Tottenham in Villarreal (2000)
The start of Villarreal’s blisters reduced a touch and they were beaten 2-0 at Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Spurs have largely impressed by Thomas Frank and the Northern London team now seem to have several options in advanced areas. If they can get Randal Kolo Muani shots in Loan, they will surprise a few.
Frank is a delighted operator and the home team should have too much for Villarreal.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Villarreal
