Champions League

Bayern Munich left it late when drawing the first leg of their Champions League clash with Salzburg but should now advance on home turf. The German giants, who won 3-1 and 6-2 in group-stage games between these teams last term, dominated for long periods in Austria.

United have produced plenty of drama in the Champions League but now have the chance to qualify for the last 16 with a match to spare as they head to Spain. Victory over Villarreal would see them reach the knockout stage and a draw will be enough if the other match in the group is also a stalemate.

Chelsea only need a point to reach the last 16 of the Champions League but will hope for more when they host Juventus. The Italian side are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stage and that can play into the hands of the Londoners.

Only a point separates these two European powerhouses in Group A and it is highly likely that this contest in Manchester will decide who finishes in top spot. Despite two talented squads on display, both clubs are still waiting to collect their first trophy in Europe’s premier club competition.

Liverpool have already qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League as group winners so Jurgen Klopp can afford to rest some players on Wednesday. Porto, on the other hand, are a point clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid so they have everything to play for at Anfield.

Man Utd looked to have found their ideal formation when winning at Tottenham and can follow up by beating Atalanta. Switching to a 3-4-1-2 set-up prompted an instant and significant improvement from the Red Devils, easing the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Chelsea can close in on a place in the Champions League knockout rounds by brushing aside Group H whipping boys Malmo again. The Blues cruised to a 4-0 victory when these teams met at Stamford Bridge, leaving Malmo without a point from three matches and zero goals.

Liverpool’s recent 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid in Spain was an action-packed affair full of drama at both ends. In fact, the Reds have been involved in three entertaining Group B fixtures but have found a way to come out on top on each occasion.

It has been a bad week for Man City and Club Brugge could well feel the backlash in Wednesday’s Champions League clash. The Blues will be determined to bounce back from bowing out of the EFL Cup and suffering a shock Premier League loss to Crystal Palace.

Ajax did us a favour when demolishing Dortmund 4-0 in Amsterdam, with our followers treated to a trio of successful selections. However, the Black and Yellows have been far more formidable on home turf this term and it would be no surprise to see a turn-around.

Barcelona received a timely boost by beating Levante in La Liga and can build on that when visiting Benfica in the Champions League. The Portuguese outfit are unbeaten this term, with 10 wins and two draws, but it is easy to pick holes in their European efforts.

Ajax made a statement when thrashing Sporting Lisbon on Matchday 1 and are expected to make short work of Besiktas in Amsterdam. The visitors have already lost at home to Dortmund in Group C and look one of the weakest teams in this season’s Champions League.

Liverpool and AC Milan have met in two previous Champions League finals, winning one apiece, and do battle in a tough Group B this season. With Atletico Madrid and Porto also present in this pool, picking up maximum points on home turf could prove crucial for the Reds.