After another action-packed weekend, it’s time to turn our attention to Champions League picks. It’s Matchday 5 of the Group Stage in the competition and this week some teams can secure qualification for the round of the last 16.
The top two teams progress to the knockout stages while the third-placed team in each of the eight groups moves into the Europa League. An important fact to bear in mind is that the group winners play the runners-up from another group in the next stage which is a consideration for our UEFA Champions League picks.
Champions League Picks – Matchday 5
Chelsea vs Juventus
Juventus have already accumulated the points to qualify for the last 16. It would take an outrageous series of results to prevent Chelsea from progressing to the next round. Therefore, motivation and team selection will be key to the outcome of their meeting at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Juventus have an impeccable record with four wins from four UCL group fixtures but they look vulnerable on their travels to London this week.
The result of this fixture will go a long way to settling the group. As it stands, Juventus have the superior goal difference by 2 goals and have scored three more goals than Chelsea in the section. So, Juventus can afford to lose this fixture and remain in pole position and only a clear win for Chelsea can change the standings.
But, home advantage can be the deciding factor so Chelsea is the pick to secure maximum points.
UEFA Champions League Pick – Chelsea to beat Juventus at -155 with PointsBet.
Liverpool vs FC Porto
Liverpool cannot be overhauled in Group B while Porto is in a scrap for second place with Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese outfit is one place and one point ahead of Atletico as we embark on the fifth series of group fixtures. Plus, Porto hosts the side from the Spanish capital on the final matchday but a win over Liverpool will take some of the heat out of that fixture.
However, the odds for a home win are too big to ignore, as long as Jurgen Klopp does not play the second string at Anfield. A match under lights is tailor-made for the home team and Liverpool has recorded some brilliant wins in front of their own fans in the Champions League.
The proviso is the strength of the team but Liverpool must be a pick as hosts in the competition on Wednesday.
UEFA Champions League Pick – Liverpool to beat FC Porto at -110 with PointsBet.
Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
Ajax is virtually uncatchable in Group C so this fixture will be a major factor in determining second place.
There is a huge difference between playing in the last 16 of the Champions League and dropping into the Europa League, so both teams will be hungry for victory.
Dortmund won the reverse fixture in Germany by the only goal and can replicate that result in Lisbon on Wednesday. Then a home win against Group C’s weakest team, Besiktas, should confirm Dortmund’s safe passage to the last 16 of the UCL.
UEFA Champions League Pick – Borussia Dortmund to beat Sporting CP at +135 with PointsBet.
