We had an exciting first week of action across the pitch in the UEFA Champions League, and now we are back again for the second round. We had 14 teams earn three points for their win, therefore 14 others did not earn any for a loss, and we had eight clubs escape with a draw, earning a singular point. With seven matches remaining in the League Phase, it is important for teams to try to break into the top eight in order to advance directly to the Round of 16, rather than having to play a two leg knockout round if they finish No. 9 through No. 24 on the table. It’s still plenty early, but let’s see who might be able to earn their club some much needed points with today’s best UCL Picks.
We have nine matches slated today, and nine more tomorrow, so let’s get into it. 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: Tuesday’s Predictions September 30
Now, I did not find anything enticing in the first two matches, so we will have to wait until 3:00 p.m. eastern for our first sweat on the pitch. But I did seek out plenty of plus money.
Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham Hotspur UCL Picks
Dominic Solanke and Tottenham look to build on their UCL win last week
Best Bet: Tottenham ML (+109) BetOnline
Do not overthink this. Sure, Bodo/Glimt just tied with Slavia Prague on the road last week, but how good is that draw? Plus, in that match they found themselves down 1-0 just 23 minutes into it, and 2-0 with 15 minutes to play. Yes, I have to tip my cap to them and give them flowers for battling back to earn a draw, but relying on goals in the 78′ and 90′ minutes is not sustainable, especially against a team that is playing as well as the Spurs.
Yes, Tottenham are on the road for the first time in the UCL this season, but that’s nothing new to them. They beat Manchester City on the road earlier this year, shutting out the EPL giants by a score of 2-0. They also beat West Ham United 3-0 away from home, and drew with Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 after falling down 2-0 in the first half. The point is, Tottenham is relentless, and are off to a terrific start.
They are coming off a 1-1 draw to Wolverhampton, battling back at home to earn a point. I am confident that was due to them looking ahead to this UCL match, which is of much more importance than a league match. For plus money, I am willing to bet that Tottenham gives Glimt the wake up call that has been meaning to come for a while now.
Prediction: Tottenham Wins 2-1 (+750)
Chelsea vs. Benfica UCL Picks
Vangelis Pavlidis has netted five goals for Benfica so far this year
Best Bet: Benfica or Draw Double Chance (+130) BetOnline
This is a value play for me, plus I am betting against a beat up Chelsea. Sure they are at home, but did you see what happened to them at Stamford Bridge over the weekend? Without Cole Palmer (and several other starters) in the lineup, the Blues jumped out to a 1-0 lead against Brighton, but then things got messy. After a red card for Trevor Chalobah in the 53′ minute, Brighton went on to score in the 77′ to tie it, and twice in stoppage time with a man advantage to beat Chelsea at home.
Now, these clubs met in the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, where the eventual champions took down the Portuguese side 4-1 in extra time, after Benfica needed a stoppage time PK just to force the extended match. But I think Chelsea’s injuries will come into play this afternoon against a solid squad, much like they came into play against Brighton in the EPL.
Chelsea lost to Bayern Munich, and will be motivated to earn a point, but so is Benfica. They were up at home to FK Qarabag, leading 2-0 after just 16 minutes of play. However they allowed three unanswered goals, including the winner in the 86′ minute to walk away without a point. Since then. they have gone unbeaten in the Portuguese Primera League, and I think they carry that momentum into London this afternoon.
For plus money, this double chance has too much value to pass up in my eyes.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+800)
Inter Milan vs. Slavia Prague: UCL Picks
Yan Sommer and Inter Milan are looking to get back to the UEFA Champions League Final
Best Bets: Inter Milan ML/Under 3.5 (+125) BetOnline
A classic wager for me here, we are backing the hosts, but not by too much in this game. Inter Milan has everything to prove this year. They allowed just one goal in eight League Phase matches last season, but conceded five to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. The Italians already shutout Ajax on the road, beating them 2-0 to start their UCL campaign. And more recently in the Serie A, they are coming off two straight wins, shutting out Cagiliari on the road 2-0, while beating Sassuolo at home, 2-1.
Inter Milan is not a team that will score too many to push this over, once they build a substantial lead, the Italians should play possession and save their legs. As for their visitors, I do not expect much success from them offensively, especially against a team like Inter Milan. Slavia Prague is just happy to be here, per usual, and will surely give their best effort, but against a club from one of Europe’s top five leagues, it might not matter.
Inter Milan have the talent and skill to put this one away early, causing them to toy around with their opponent for the rest of the match.
Prediction: Inter Milan Wins 2-0 (+650)
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