A wild day of UEFA Champions League wrapped up yesterday, but we’re strapped in for plenty more action on the pitch for today. Three teams have already solidified themselves at the top of the table with six points through three matches, while seven other squads look to get on that level today. There is a massive match between two European Giants as Barcelona hosts the defending UCL Champions, Paris Saint-Germain, but we’ve got to show love to the other contests as well. So with that being said, let’s get into our best UCL picks for Wednesday’s matches.
We have a total of nine matches slated for today, so let’s find our best bets. 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: Wednesday’s Predictions October 1
Per usual, nothing is striking me in the early two matches on the slate, so we will save our coin for some afternoon action.
Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain UCL Picks
Raphinha leads the star-studded Barcelona attack
Best Bet: Barcelona 1H ML (+126) BetOnline
As I talked about in my full article, I do have another first half pick as well, so be sure to check out the full breakdown and analysis here. However, I do think the Spaniards start off hot.
They’ve netted goals in the first half of all four home matches this competition season, leading the first half in three of those contests, including outscoring their opponents 8-1 in the first 45 minutes. Sure, they have not played a team as talented as PSG, but Barcelona knows they want to make this a shootout. As always, the Spanish side will be very aggressive, daring their visitors to keep up with them.
Is PSG capable? Absolutely. But in these first 45 minutes, I envision them being too busy trying to defend the Barcelona attack, rather than being able to create scoring chances on the other end.
Prediction: Barcelona Wins 1H 1-0 (+355)
Bayer Leverkusen vs. PSV Eindhoven UCL Picks
Patrik Schick leads Bayer Leverkusen at home against PSV Eindhoven
Best Bet: Bayer Leverkusen ML/Under 4.5 (+140) BetOnline
If you want a little more juice on this play, I have no problem with Bayer Leverkusen ML (straight) or pairing them with the Under 3.5 for (+210), but +140 is enough for me. I will also admit I thought about the German hosts to win to nil at +300, but am a bit worried about their back line. Let’s discuss.
As always, I like both of these bets straight, and they are at playable numbers. Bayer Leverkusen ML is about -120, while the Under 3 is offered for even money. I just bumped that total up a bit to give us some cushion. PSV’s offense does not scare me, especially with the departure of Xavi Simons to Tottenham. At home in their first UCL match, they needed a 90′ minute goal just to find the scoreboard after falling down 3-0 to Union St.-Gilloise. Based off talent, they should’ve never been in that position.
Does that mean they might be primed for a bounce back spot? Of course, but not on the road to a top German club. Leverkusen were relentless in their first UCL contest, equalizing twice to earn a point on the road. They are off to a rocky start in the Bundesliga, but I still think at home, in this spot, as the more talented team, they’ll be able to pull off a big win.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen Wins 2-0 (+900)
Villarreal vs. Juventus: UCL Picks
Will Juventus be able to pull off a win on the road today?
Best Bets: Juventus +0.25 (-102) BetOnline
If you would rather, Juventus +0.5 is -140 for those of you who have no problem paying the juiceman, but I’ll take the +0.25 and be a little more gutsy. For clarification, our unit is split into two half unit bets, one on the +0 or PK (Draw No Bet) and one on the +0.5 (Double Chance) with both priced at -102.
As long as the Italians earn a draw, we will walk away with some profit. However I think they can win this match outright. The value clearly lies with Juventus, and I’m willing to back them at their current form.
Juventus are completely unbeaten during this competition season, with a big win over Inter Milan. They were involved in an eight goal thriller against Borussia Dortmund in their first UCL match, needing not one, but two stoppage time goals to earn a point at home. Defense will certainly be a point of emphasis for the Italians tonight, and I think they can shutout Villarreal.
Against top competition, Villarreal has not shown up yet. They lost to Atlético Madrid 2-0 in La Liga, and lost to Tottenham 1-0 in the UCL. Even being at home, I certainly do not trust them to get a win, resulting in Juventus at the bare minimum earning a point and giving us a win and a push for some profit.
Prediction: Juventus Wins 2-0 (+1800)
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