Sports

UEFA Champions League Previews and Predictions 2

Published

7 years ago

September 13, 2017

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his Champions League predictions and he’s backing Manchester City to send out a statement of intent.

Liverpool v Sevilla (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Sevilla won 3-0 at the weekend but they are not quite the force they have been in previous seasons.

Nolito has gone there, Jesus Navas has gone back and they’ve also got threats in Wissam Ben Yedder and Luis Muriel.

Sevilla represent a tough test for Liverpool

However, the European nights are back at Liverpool without the strain of the play-offs so the magic back should be back. Anfield and Celtic Park are my two favourites grounds on a European night.

It really is a huge advantage for them and I can see them making a winning start with Sadio Mane making amends for his controversial sending off at Manchester City at the weekend.

Charlie predicts: 2-0 and Mane to score (25/1 with Sky Bet)

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Tottenham were very good at the weekend but it’s back to Wembley, which also provides them with the chance to make the leap that they need.

Harry Kane (centre) completed a century of Tottenham goals in their 3-0 win at Everton in the Premier League

Dortmund are a very difficult side to face with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front and a strong midfield, but you can get at their defence so there should be some joy for Harry Kane.

However, I can see there being more struggles for Spurs and I think they might well have to come from behind to get something from this game.

Charlie predicts: 2-2 and Aubameyang to score first (35/1 with Sky Bet)

Feyenoord v Manchester City (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

We saw how breathtaking they can be at the weekend and they look more assured this season. But we don’t know how long Vincent Kompany is out for.

Pep Guardiola might look at another defender in January and, with the great draws they’ve got, I think both Manchester sides are in the mix at the business end of this competition.

Leroy Sane celebrates after scoring Manchester City's fourth goal during the Premier League match against Liverpool

I think we’ll get a real statement from City here. If John Stones can grow into Guardiola’s system then they could go all the way with their undoubted attacking talent. I can see them being the highest scoring side in Europe this season.

I’ve played in Rotterdam and it’s quite volatile, a bit like Marseille in that sense, but I think Feyenoord will be the ones scared.

Charlie predicts: 0-5 and Aguero to score first (75/1 with Sky Bet)