Champions League Matchday 1 Picks & Preview (Sep 18)

For the first time, Champions League action will be staged on a Thursday, and there are some sensational clashes to get excited about. Among the standout fixtures include Man City’s home match with Napoli, while Barcelona travel to Newcastle. You can find our Champions League picks here.

Champions League Matchday 1 Schedule

Champions League Matchday 1 Picks

Club Brugge vs. Monaco

Monaco have a poor record against Belgian sides, winning just one of their last four. The Ligue 1 side have also stuttered on the road in the UCL, having won just one of their last 12. Despite enduring a poor recent record in the competition, the value in the betting market could be for the home win when making Champions League picks.

Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen have recorded wins in both of the two previous encounters against Copenhagen. The Danish side have won just one of their last 14 matches against German sides in European competition. It would be hard to overlook the visiting side this weekend, as Copenhagen have a poor UCL record; winning just two of their last 12.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray

Eintracht Frankfurt has a respectable record against Turkish teams, losing just one of their last eight. Galatasaray have only recorded two wins in their last 12 fixtures against German sides, and they have registered just three wins in their last 32 matches in the UCL. Preference is for the home victory on Thursday.

Man City vs. Napoli

Kevin De Bruyne returns to Man City in the Champions League on Thursday. However, Napoli have never previously recorded a victory in 12 previous matches in England. City looked back to their best on Sunday after bossing the Manchester derby, and another victory looks set to be achieved this week in the UCL.

Newcastle vs. Barcelona

A massive clash is set for St. James’ Park on Thursday, as Newcastle host Barcelona. Newcastle will be aiming to end a run of three defeats in four against Barcelona, while the Spanish club have won 12 of their last 16 against English teams. The Magpies could find this challenge too great after winning just one of their last eight UCL matches.