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 over 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
Sport of the day: Juventus vs. Man Metropolis
Participant to observe: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian’s return to the Metropolis beginning XI might or might not have merely fastened every thing – the jury is out after extra dropped factors towards Crystal Palace – but when anybody goes to enliven what threatens to be a deeply uninteresting affair, will probably be De Bruyne. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Ilkay Gundogan – Regardless of the tough second Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis are going through, Gundogan is the participant that the Spanish supervisor wants most proper now on account of his expertise within the event. Juventus aren’t residing their greatest second as nicely, 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 poor kind and are making life powerful 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 may sneak by a single aim. — Jonathan Johnson
Greatest wager: Below 2.5 objectives (-120): I cannot wager objectives in video games involving Juventus. I cannot wager objectives in video games involving Juventus. I … you get the thought. Even with out Bremer, this Juventus facet simply would not concede beneath Thiago Motta and even going through 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 beneath is a bit safer. — Chuck Sales space
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Participant to observe: 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 to this point he has but to satisfy them in a Barcelona shirt. Given his latest kind, 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 very best participant to this point 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 on account of aim distinction regardless of each posting 4 wins and one loss. Don’t be stunned if this one finishes stage and each side get their first draw of the European marketing campaign though Barca are the most certainly to edge it if one facet does come out on prime. — Jonathan Johnson
Greatest wager: Each groups to attain (-110): Barcelona’s excessive line has been efficient at defending their protection however when the offside lure 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 simply too loaded to not rating so it appears like a good worth to get each hitting the again of the online. — Chuck Sales space
