Champions League 1st round, September 17-18
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Napoli vs Liverpool Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Napoli:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Rui; Callejon, Ruiz Pena, Elmas; Zielinski, Lozano, Mertens
Liverpool:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Champions League winners Liverpool will begin their European campaign with a visit to Napoli. Both teams also played in the same group last season and the Vesuvians beat the Reds 1:0 at Stadio San Paolo. Eventually, the Italians were eliminated on goal-difference after losing with the same result at Anfield. Considering this fact, I think the Serie A outfit will have lot of motives for a revenge. Napoli are in fine form as they won two of the first three matches in Serie A. The Partenopei opened the domestic campaign with an away 4:3 win at Fiorentina, while in the second round were unlucky to lose with the same result to Juventus. I wrote unlucky because Koulibaly scored an own-goal in the 92nd minute. On Saturday Napoli managed to beat Sampdoria with 2:0 thanks to the Dries Mertens brace. He scored his 112th goal for the club and only two players - both club legends - have more - Marek Hamsik (121) and Diego Maradona (115). The situation could easily be changed in the next period. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has most of his key players available, but striker Arkadiusz Milik, who missed both opening games, is rated as doubtful with a groin injury. Lorenzo Insigne, who scored the winning goal last season, has returned to full fitness and could play.
Liverpool are the actual winners in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the Reds were not at desired level during the group stage, losing all three of their away matches, starting with the defeat in Naples. After that, Jurgen Klopp's men suffered a 2:0 loss at Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade and a 2:1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool had scored just one goal on the mentioned games and even that goal came from a penalty. Even worse, the Reds have a record of 6 defeats on their last 10 matches in Europe outside of England. The German manager must find the way to improve the results this season, starting from this match. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane stayed at Anfield during the international break and they are fresh. The attacking duo was directly involved in 12 of the Merseysiders' goals in Europe. The actual form is good, the Reds have all five victories in domestic Premier League. On Saturday Liverpool beat Newcastle with 3:1. Sadio Mane scored a brace, while Mohamed Salah also found the back of the net. For this match Klopp has four injury worries. Regular goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined, as well as midfielder Naby Keita. Champions League hero Divock Origi limped off during the match with the Magpies due to ankle injury and will miss the trip to Italy. Finally, Nathaniel Clyne is a long-term absentee.
Napoli vs Liverpool Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Stadio San Paulo. Napoli play at home and they will try to win again. Having on mind Alisson Becker is out injured, the hosts will score much easier. Klopp, meanwhile, doesn't know 'catenaccio', he will definitely start with Salah, Firmino and Mane in attack. Scoring a goal could be vital for avoiding the last season's outcome.
Napoli vs Liverpool Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.60 with William Hill
Possible starting lineups:
Napoli:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Rui; Callejon, Ruiz Pena, Elmas; Zielinski, Lozano, Mertens
Liverpool:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Champions League winners Liverpool will begin their European campaign with a visit to Napoli. Both teams also played in the same group last season and the Vesuvians beat the Reds 1:0 at Stadio San Paolo. Eventually, the Italians were eliminated on goal-difference after losing with the same result at Anfield. Considering this fact, I think the Serie A outfit will have lot of motives for a revenge. Napoli are in fine form as they won two of the first three matches in Serie A. The Partenopei opened the domestic campaign with an away 4:3 win at Fiorentina, while in the second round were unlucky to lose with the same result to Juventus. I wrote unlucky because Koulibaly scored an own-goal in the 92nd minute. On Saturday Napoli managed to beat Sampdoria with 2:0 thanks to the Dries Mertens brace. He scored his 112th goal for the club and only two players - both club legends - have more - Marek Hamsik (121) and Diego Maradona (115). The situation could easily be changed in the next period. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has most of his key players available, but striker Arkadiusz Milik, who missed both opening games, is rated as doubtful with a groin injury. Lorenzo Insigne, who scored the winning goal last season, has returned to full fitness and could play.
Liverpool are the actual winners in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the Reds were not at desired level during the group stage, losing all three of their away matches, starting with the defeat in Naples. After that, Jurgen Klopp's men suffered a 2:0 loss at Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade and a 2:1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool had scored just one goal on the mentioned games and even that goal came from a penalty. Even worse, the Reds have a record of 6 defeats on their last 10 matches in Europe outside of England. The German manager must find the way to improve the results this season, starting from this match. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane stayed at Anfield during the international break and they are fresh. The attacking duo was directly involved in 12 of the Merseysiders' goals in Europe. The actual form is good, the Reds have all five victories in domestic Premier League. On Saturday Liverpool beat Newcastle with 3:1. Sadio Mane scored a brace, while Mohamed Salah also found the back of the net. For this match Klopp has four injury worries. Regular goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined, as well as midfielder Naby Keita. Champions League hero Divock Origi limped off during the match with the Magpies due to ankle injury and will miss the trip to Italy. Finally, Nathaniel Clyne is a long-term absentee.
Napoli vs Liverpool Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Stadio San Paulo. Napoli play at home and they will try to win again. Having on mind Alisson Becker is out injured, the hosts will score much easier. Klopp, meanwhile, doesn't know 'catenaccio', he will definitely start with Salah, Firmino and Mane in attack. Scoring a goal could be vital for avoiding the last season's outcome.
Napoli vs Liverpool Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.60 with William Hill
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Although the first leg of the Champions League, there is no shortage of older couples, as in the sixth group, where Borussia Dortmund in Germany hosts Barcelona. Both teams have their themes at the start of the season, but their mid-range quality is set to score and give us a spectacle.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs FC BARCELONA @@ Both team to score, odds 1.55
I expect both teams to score in San Paulo. Napoli plays at home and will try to win again. Bearing in mind that Alison Becker was injured, the hosts will score much easier. Klopp, meanwhile, doesn't know how to play "catacombs", but will certainly start with Salah, Firmio and Mane in the offensive. Achieving a goal can be vital to avoid last season's result
SSC NAPOLI vs LIVERPOOL FC @@ Both team to score, odds 1.55
BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs FC BARCELONA @@ Both team to score, odds 1.55
I expect both teams to score in San Paulo. Napoli plays at home and will try to win again. Bearing in mind that Alison Becker was injured, the hosts will score much easier. Klopp, meanwhile, doesn't know how to play "catacombs", but will certainly start with Salah, Firmio and Mane in the offensive. Achieving a goal can be vital to avoid last season's result
SSC NAPOLI vs LIVERPOOL FC @@ Both team to score, odds 1.55
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Preview:
Probable starting lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain:
Navas; Meunier, Silva, Diallo, Kurzawa; Verratti, Gueye, Di Maria, Icardi, Sarabia; Choupo-Moting
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Eder Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Rodriguez, Kroos; Vazquez, Junior; Benzema
Paris Saint-Germain will once again try to win the title in most prestigious European club competition. So far they won all domestic trophies, but that's simply not enough. The Arab owners are investing enormous money and everything but Champions League title is considered as failure. Last season they were eliminate by Manchester United, even won 2:0 at Old Trafford in the first match. PSG slumped out with a 3:1 defeat at the Parc des Princes and the fans left the stadium heavily frustrated. Even worse, that was the third successive season in which PSG were eliminated during the knock-out stage. The disappointment is even bigger knowing the club spent more than £363 million only for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Another failure this season will probably resulted with departure of the duo. Neymar was already at exit door this summer, but was too expensive for Barcelona. Mbappe, meanwhile, refused to sign new contract and he is linked exactly with Real Madrid. The turbulent transfer window was perhaps the main reason why Paris Saint-Germain suffered an early shock in Ligue 1 this season, losing 2:1 at Rennes in the second round. However, coach Tuchel managed to solve the problems and PSG are now in series of three victories, occupying the top of the table. They beat Toulouse with 4:0, Metz with 2:0 and Strasbourg with 1:0 during the weekend. Three points were collected thanks to a fantastic 92nd-minute goal from Neymar. The Brazilian can not continue scoring here as he must serve a three-match ban for questioning the integrity of the referee after the last season's defeat to Manchester United. Knowing Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are unavailable until late September at the earliest, Tuchel is facing a huge problem in attack. Thilo Kehrer and Julian Draxler are both rated as doubtful.
Real Madrid didn't start the season according to expectations. Los Blancos sit on the third place in Primera Division, behind the league leaders Sevilla and second-placed Atletico Madrid. They played four competitive games so far in domestic La Liga and obtained two wins and two draws. What is worse, Real have experienced big disciplinary issues. The 3:1 win at Celta Vigo on the first day of the season was followed by Luka Modric's red card. Zinedine Zidane's men then played two draws - Valladolid denied them three points with an 88th-minute equalizer, while they came from behind to play 2:2 at Villarreal. Gareth Bale, who scored both goals at at Estadio de la Ceramica, was also sent off in the finish of the match. On Saturday Los Blancos beat Levante at Santiago Bernabeu with 3:2. Real dominated the game and had a three-goal lead at the halftime through two opening goals by Karim Benzema and a third from Casemiro. Nevertheless, Real showed huge defensive issues in the second half, conceding two goals after the break. Zidane has some injury and suspension worries ahead of this match. Eden Hazard, who came as substitute on Saturday, won't start at the Parc des Princes according to Zidane. The Belgian winger has not reached full fitness after recovering from injury. This match also comes too soon for Isco. Left-back Marcelo, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde are also sidelined, as well as long-term injured Marco Asensio. Finally, Nacho and Sergio Ramos are suspended.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Prediction:
I think Real could stay unbeaten in Paris. PSG have the home advantage and this fact should not be underestimated. However, Tuchel is missing three key players. As I wrote above, Neymar is suspended, while Cavani and Mbappe are injured. I know Zidane also has injury and suspension worries, but I still believe Real are able to escape the defeat.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Pick: Real Madrid +0.5 AH @ 1.70 with 188Bet
Probable starting lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain:
Navas; Meunier, Silva, Diallo, Kurzawa; Verratti, Gueye, Di Maria, Icardi, Sarabia; Choupo-Moting
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Eder Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Rodriguez, Kroos; Vazquez, Junior; Benzema
Paris Saint-Germain will once again try to win the title in most prestigious European club competition. So far they won all domestic trophies, but that's simply not enough. The Arab owners are investing enormous money and everything but Champions League title is considered as failure. Last season they were eliminate by Manchester United, even won 2:0 at Old Trafford in the first match. PSG slumped out with a 3:1 defeat at the Parc des Princes and the fans left the stadium heavily frustrated. Even worse, that was the third successive season in which PSG were eliminated during the knock-out stage. The disappointment is even bigger knowing the club spent more than £363 million only for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Another failure this season will probably resulted with departure of the duo. Neymar was already at exit door this summer, but was too expensive for Barcelona. Mbappe, meanwhile, refused to sign new contract and he is linked exactly with Real Madrid. The turbulent transfer window was perhaps the main reason why Paris Saint-Germain suffered an early shock in Ligue 1 this season, losing 2:1 at Rennes in the second round. However, coach Tuchel managed to solve the problems and PSG are now in series of three victories, occupying the top of the table. They beat Toulouse with 4:0, Metz with 2:0 and Strasbourg with 1:0 during the weekend. Three points were collected thanks to a fantastic 92nd-minute goal from Neymar. The Brazilian can not continue scoring here as he must serve a three-match ban for questioning the integrity of the referee after the last season's defeat to Manchester United. Knowing Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are unavailable until late September at the earliest, Tuchel is facing a huge problem in attack. Thilo Kehrer and Julian Draxler are both rated as doubtful.
Real Madrid didn't start the season according to expectations. Los Blancos sit on the third place in Primera Division, behind the league leaders Sevilla and second-placed Atletico Madrid. They played four competitive games so far in domestic La Liga and obtained two wins and two draws. What is worse, Real have experienced big disciplinary issues. The 3:1 win at Celta Vigo on the first day of the season was followed by Luka Modric's red card. Zinedine Zidane's men then played two draws - Valladolid denied them three points with an 88th-minute equalizer, while they came from behind to play 2:2 at Villarreal. Gareth Bale, who scored both goals at at Estadio de la Ceramica, was also sent off in the finish of the match. On Saturday Los Blancos beat Levante at Santiago Bernabeu with 3:2. Real dominated the game and had a three-goal lead at the halftime through two opening goals by Karim Benzema and a third from Casemiro. Nevertheless, Real showed huge defensive issues in the second half, conceding two goals after the break. Zidane has some injury and suspension worries ahead of this match. Eden Hazard, who came as substitute on Saturday, won't start at the Parc des Princes according to Zidane. The Belgian winger has not reached full fitness after recovering from injury. This match also comes too soon for Isco. Left-back Marcelo, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde are also sidelined, as well as long-term injured Marco Asensio. Finally, Nacho and Sergio Ramos are suspended.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Prediction:
I think Real could stay unbeaten in Paris. PSG have the home advantage and this fact should not be underestimated. However, Tuchel is missing three key players. As I wrote above, Neymar is suspended, while Cavani and Mbappe are injured. I know Zidane also has injury and suspension worries, but I still believe Real are able to escape the defeat.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Pick: Real Madrid +0.5 AH @ 1.70 with 188Bet
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Great showdown between two quality opponents capable of reaching far. Both groups have absenteeism and punishment problems and their competitiveness may be impaired. Despite all that, they have aggressive virtues and quality to look at an open match with goals, after all defensive issues. I'll bet on many goals
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN vs REAL MADRID @@ +2.50 Over, odds 1.58
An important match for both rivals, the three points will give the qualification lead any team they have won. Tottenham are a favorite, but they have to prove it on the pitch too. The power of Olympiacos is Karaiskakis, we will see a very interesting game where both teams can score
OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR @@ Both team to score, odds 1.70
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN vs REAL MADRID @@ +2.50 Over, odds 1.58
An important match for both rivals, the three points will give the qualification lead any team they have won. Tottenham are a favorite, but they have to prove it on the pitch too. The power of Olympiacos is Karaiskakis, we will see a very interesting game where both teams can score
OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR @@ Both team to score, odds 1.70