We are two days into the UEFA Champions League, and this first week of matches blesses us with a third day of action on the pitch. There were a couple of upsets on Tuesday, but not as many on Wednesday, as Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all won at home, while Inter Milan took down Ajax on the road. The schedule is set for one more day of six matches, so let’s get into our favorite UCL picks for Thursday!
Like the past two days, there are limited matches in the UEFA Champions League. It’s a long season ahead, proceed with caution. However, head over to our UCL Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis on every match, or read my best bets below.
UEFA Champions League: Thursday’s Predictions September 18
Club Brugge vs. AS Monaco UCL Picks
Hans Vanaken has two goals for Club Brugge this year
Best Bet: Club Brugge PK (-102) BetOnline
We will back the home team on the draw no bet line here. I had thoughts of taking Club Brugge Double Chance and pairing it with Both Teams to Score for (+115), but decided I’ll just back the hosts. While Club Brugge are off to a slow start in the Belgian Pro League, I’d credit that to them qualifying late for the UCL. They showed up when it mattered, winning all four matches outright, against RB Salzburg and Rangers, beating them a combined 13-5 in the process.
After losing to Borussia Dortmund in their home opener last year in the Champions League, they earned seven points in the other three matches, beating Aston Villa and Sporting CP while drawing with Juventus when they came to town. With the benefit of playing at home, I look for them to come fully focused on this opening match in the League Phase.
While Monaco has won three of their first four matches in Ligue 1, they haven’t played anyone besides Lille. Monaco lost that match on the road in stoppage time, on Lille’s only shot on target, despite giving up 18 attempts and eight corner kicks. On the road, I think they will be out manned and I like Club Brugge to earn three points (with push potential if they draw).
Prediction: Club Brugge Wins 2-1 (+850)
FC København vs. Bayer Leverkusen UCL Picks
Patrik Schick leads Bayer Leverkusen on the road in Denmark
Best Bet: Bayer Leverkusen ML (+125) BetOnline
It might be a trap, but I’m not going to over think this one. Bayer Leverkusen are far and wide the better team in this match, and even being on the road they should look to start out strong in the UCL. Let’s just start with my favorite part of this cap.
The Danish hosts have not seen a team of this caliber in 25 matches. Last March, they faced Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League, losing both matches outright. Prior to that, they played Manchester City in March of 2024 in the UCL Round of 16, losing both of those matches outright as well. Their last points against a team from a top five European league came against Bayern Munich when they drew 0-0 in November of 2023 in the UCL group stage in a meaningless match for Munich. København’s last win against a top European team came in November of 2023 against Manchester United. They were down 2-0 just 30 minutes into that match, then United drew a straight red card. København needed four shorthanded goals to win 4-3.
Enough history. Bayer Leverkusen have been here before, they have had plenty of rest since their first win of the Bundesliga season, and I expect them to handle business on the road, and I’m willing to bet them at plus money to find out. This team has found their groove, now watch them go.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen Wins 2-0 (+900)
Newcastle United vs. Barcelona: UCL Picks
Back Barcelona heavy with me on Thursday on the road against Newcastle
Best Bets: Barcelona ML/Over 1.5 (+163) BetOnline
I don’t dish out many ladder opportunities, especially on the pitch, but this is one of them. Now, I am a guy that has very little faith in Newcastle, and certainly think Barcelona could very well win the UCL this season. Can they lose this match and still win the whole tourney? Absolutely. But I think the squad comes out firing.
Here is how I’m playing this ladder.
- 1u on Barcelona ML (+138)
- 0.5u on Barcelona ML/Over 1.5 (+163)
- 0.5u on Barcelona ML/Over 2.5 (+200)
- 0.25u on Barcelona ML/Over 3.5 (+360)
Now, if you do not have 2.25 units to blow backing the Spaniards, I would suggest the +163 parlay to get the most bang for your buck. I do not see Barcelona losing this match, and I don’t see them winning 1-0 either. However, a 1-0 win would still give us a small profit. But I think this one could get ugly.
It’s important to note, this is not Barcelona’s Team Total. It is the full game over. Shoutout BetOnline for the best odds in the business. A 2-0 win cashes the first two rungs of this ladder, a 2-1 or 3-0 victory would cash three rungs, and we need a 3-1 or 4-0 Barcelona win to climb the whole thing. But I firmly believe it can happen. Newcastle’s defense is coming off two straight shutouts, and have three in four matches this EPL season. However, they gave up three goals to Liverpool at home in their loss, and I trust Barcelona to be much more aggressive.
The Spanish side is unbeaten in four La Liga contests, netting at least three goals in three matches, totaling 13 so far this season. The offense is firing, I expect them to test their English foe, and again, I do believe Barcelona could cover this whole ladder by themselves. All we need is three points to profit, and I’m willing to donate to the books if they can’t pull this off.
Of course, I could end up looking like the biggest idiot ever. We’ll find out tomorrow.
Prediction: Barcelona Win 3-1 (+1200)
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