Champions League Best Bets – September 10

Liverpool finally got their first win of the season as they dispatched Ipswich in a 2-0 triumph. This win followed on from a pair of entertaining 2-2 draws in which Liverpool struggled to contain their Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. While scoring has not been an issue, Liverpool’s backline has been breached too often, with the side keeping a single clean sheet so far. Atletico Madrid will arrive sensing a nervy opponent, and I believe this will see the Reds concede. While I back them to beat Atleti for the fifth consecutive time after 90 minutes, I also back them to concede, which has happened in three of their last four meetings.

Atletico Madrid have been handed a very tough start to their Champions League campaign as they travel to take on Liverpool at Anfield. Heading into this one, Atleti were soundly beaten by Athletic Bilbao in a stunning 3-0 loss. Their inability to score or keep the opposition at bay is a big worry, especially when considering they have already been held by Villarreal (2-2) and just about edged past Sevilla (3-1). The Spanish side can more than hold their own against Liverpool, but they have found beating their English opponents tough. With this in mind, I predict that the travelling outfit will slump to a frustrating loss despite scoring.

Napoli have not been enjoying a good start to the new season with their opening three league games ending in a single win and two defeats. Their 2-0 win over Genoa in game one has since been followed by tight defeats to Como (2-1) and Inter Milan (3-2). Playing host in their opening Champions League game will give them a boost, but a two-game losing run suggests that the Italian side are struggling, and I predict they will crumble against an opponent they have lost to without scoring in their last two meetings.

Arsenal are looking to build on a trio of competitive wins over Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea. A pair of wins to nil over Coventry and Villa saw the Gunners impress at the back, but they were given more of a test by Chelsea as they became the first side to breach Arsenal’s backline this season. The Gunners have been able to pride themselves on being strong at the back this season, and I predict they will continue this trend as they beat Napoli to nil for the third consecutive time.