The UEFA Champions League returns for one ultimate spherical of matches earlier than the brand new 12 months, with a lot at stake for a number of European heavy-hitters. Wednesday’s motion options Barcelona’s journey to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester Metropolis taking up Juventus. This is what the CBS Sports activities staff predicts will happen throughout one other consequential week within the Champions League.
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Wednesday
Recreation of the day: Juventus vs. Man Metropolis
Participant to look at: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian’s return to the Metropolis beginning XI could or could not have merely mounted every part – the jury is out after extra dropped factors towards Crystal Palace – but when anybody goes to brighten up what threatens to be a deeply boring affair, will probably be De Bruyne. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Ilkay Gundogan – Regardless of the troublesome second Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis are dealing with, Gundogan is the participant that the Spanish supervisor wants most proper now attributable to his expertise within the event. Juventus usually are not residing their finest second as properly, and Gundogan can create loads of issues for the Vecchia Signora’s protection. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Juve 1, Metropolis 1 — Pep Guardiola’s facet proceed to battle by means of poor type and are making life robust for themselves in each the Premier League in addition to the Champions League. Thiago Motta’s Italians are equally positioned and don’t see too many objectives of their video games so anticipate a reasonably low-scoring affair which both facet might sneak by a single aim. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest wager: Beneath 2.5 objectives (-120): I can’t wager objectives in video games involving Juventus. I can’t wager objectives in video games involving Juventus. I … you get the thought. Even with out Bremer, this Juventus facet simply would not concede underneath Thiago Motta and even dealing with no matter model of Metropolis that is, it will not change. It would not damage to sprinkle a draw right here at +240 however the underneath is a bit safer. — Chuck Sales space
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Participant to look at: Robert Lewandowski – It must be him, would not it? Again on the Westfalenstadion, reunited with the followers who as soon as adored him however now should dread his presence on the opposition. In 26 video games towards Dortmund, Lewandowski has 27 objectives, however thus far he has but to satisfy them in a Barcelona shirt. Given his latest type, you’d again him so as to add to that tally as soon as extra. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Raphinha – The Brazilian winger has been nice this season and scored 5 objectives within the first 5 Champions League matches, and 11 in 17 LaLiga video games. He is most likely the perfect participant thus far for the facet coached by Hansi Flick, who’s making his return to Germany on Wednesday. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Dortmund 1, Barcelona 1 — These two sides are neck and neck coming into this spherical of video games with the Catalan giants barely forward of the Germans attributable to aim distinction regardless of each posting 4 wins and one loss. Don’t be stunned if this one finishes stage and either side get their first draw of the European marketing campaign though Barca are the most probably to edge it if one facet does come out on high. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest wager: Each groups to attain (-110): Barcelona’s excessive line has been efficient at defending their protection however when the offside entice would not work, it’s miles too simple to beat the protection from open play. Dortmund are an skilled staff that may make Barcelona pay in assault and Barcelona’s assault is just too loaded to not rating so it seems like a good value to get each hitting the again of the web. — Chuck Sales space
