Champions League Predictions: Matchday 7 Highlights

Champions League Heats Up in January

The expanded Champions League format brings excitement to January, with decisive fixtures that will shape the 2024/25 league phase table. With 36 teams battling for progression, this penultimate matchday holds significant implications for round of 16 berths and play-off spots.

Tuesday Fixtures and Predictions

The action begins on Tuesday, January 21, with early kick-offs featuring Atalanta hosting Sturm Graz and Aston Villa traveling to Monaco. Aston Villa, currently in the top eight, are poised to secure a crucial away win, while Atalanta is expected to dominate at home to boost their play-off hopes.

Other key matches include Atletico Madrid versus Bayer Leverkusen, where Diego Simeone’s in-form side aims for their fourth consecutive victory. Liverpool and Barcelona, both on the verge of securing last-16 spots, face Lille and Benfica, respectively. Meanwhile, Juventus takes on Club Brugge in a match that could solidify their position.

Tuesday Predictions:

• Atalanta vs Sturm Graz: 4-0
• Monaco vs Aston Villa: 1-3
• Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen: 1-0
• Benfica vs Barcelona: 2-2
• Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund: 1-1
• Club Brugge vs Juventus: 0-1
• Liverpool vs Lille: 2-1
• Red Star Belgrade vs PSV: 1-1
• Slovan Bratislava vs Stuttgart: 0-3

Wednesday Fixtures and Predictions

The standout fixture on Wednesday, January 22, sees PSG host Manchester City in a do-or-die clash. Both teams are outside the top eight, but Pep Guardiola’s City seems better positioned to snatch a vital win.

Other notable matches include Bayern Munich traveling to Feyenoord, Arsenal hosting Dinamo Zagreb, and Real Madrid facing RB Salzburg. Celtic look to secure progression with a home victory against Young Boys, while AC Milan welcomes Girona in what promises to be an entertaining contest.

Wednesday Predictions:

• RB Leipzig vs Sporting CP: 2-2
• Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest: 1-0
• Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb: 2-0
• Celtic vs Young Boys: 3-1
• Feyenoord vs Bayern Munich: 0-2
• Milan vs Girona: 3-1
• PSG vs Man City: 1-2
• Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg: 5-1
• Sparta Prague vs Inter: 0-3

Key Matches to Watch

• PSG vs Manchester City: A high-stakes battle between European heavyweights. Both teams are desperate for points to progress to the next stage.
• Liverpool vs Lille: Can Liverpool seal their spot in the last 16 with a win at home?
• Benfica vs Barcelona: A thrilling encounter as Benfica fights to keep their play-off hopes alive.