Champions League Week 1 Match Previews, Predictions & Odds

Last updated: 17 September 2024 by Leon Marshall

This week’s Champions League action spans Tuesday to Thursday, with no other UEFA competitions scheduled. With some exciting matchups ahead, fans can look forward to key clashes involving British clubs and other European giants.

UEFA Champions League logo displayed over a floodlit football stadium during a night match, showcasing the excitement and atmosphere of European football.

The Champions League return with a brand new format which should make for great entertainment. This season’s UEFA Champions League will feature several standout players. Kylian Mbappé, fresh from his move to Real Madrid, aims to secure his first European trophy. Jude Bellingham, also at Madrid, looks to build on his stellar performances last year, despite a dip in form after Christmas. Rising talents like Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, and experienced stars such as Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, will also be ones to watch, as they strive to make their mark on the competition​.

For bettors at the best football betting sites, the new revamped competition promises to deliver surprise results which could prove profitable for the punters who back the upsets. Join me as I look ahead to the games involving British teams this week.

Champions League Betting – Young Boys vs Aston Villa

BSC Young Boys and Aston Villa will face each other for the first time ever in the Champions League, making this a historic occasion for both clubs. Young Boys have struggled to find form in the domestic league, failing to win any of their opening matches, although they have managed to scrape together a few draws. As they prepare to host Aston Villa, they will be hoping to reverse their fortunes on the European stage, with players like Silvère Ganvoula and Filip Ugrinic expected to be key contributors.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, head into the fixture with confidence after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Everton over the weekend. Although they will be without Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, and Boubacar Kamara, Villa’s depth could see them manage a result on their first Champions League outing. Leon Bailey’s potential return to the squad adds some attacking firepower, and Jhon Durán may be rewarded with a start after his impressive weekend display. Villa will be aiming to mark their debut in this competition with a crucial away victory.

Prediction: Aston Villa win (Odds: 13/20)

Reasoning: Aston Villa are in fine form, with three wins from their last four matches. They have a solid away record and will face a Young Boys side that is yet to win this season, making Villa favourites to take all three points.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/1 Reasoning: Both teams have struggled defensively but have shown they can score. Young Boys’ recent fixtures have seen plenty of goals, and Aston Villa’s attack is potent enough to contribute to a high-scoring match.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 11/2 Reasoning: Young Boys’ games average 3.5 goals per match, and Aston Villa’s games average 3.25 goals. These stats suggest over 2.5 goals is a strong possibility.

Champions League Betting – AC Milan vs Liverpool

AC Milan welcomes Liverpool to the San Siro on Tuesday evening in what promises to be an electrifying Champions League group-stage clash. The Rossoneri are coming off a dominant 4-0 league win over Venezia, a much-needed confidence booster after a rocky start under new manager Paulo Fonseca. However, Milan has been hampered by injuries, with Ismaël Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, and Malick Thiaw all ruled out, while captain Davide Calabria remains doubtful. Despite these setbacks, Milan hopes to use their home advantage and Rafael Leão’s attacking flair to secure a vital result against the Reds.

Liverpool, on the other hand, arrived in Italy looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, which ended their perfect start under new boss Arne Slot. Harvey Elliott is confirmed out for the trip, and Federico Chiesa is a doubt, but Liverpool still boasts a formidable squad. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez are expected to lead the attack, while summer signing Wataru Endo will anchor the midfield. Historically, Liverpool have dominated this fixture, winning the last five meetings and scoring at least two goals in each encounter. It sets the stage for a high-scoring affair at the San Siro.

Prediction: Liverpool win (Odds: 19/20)

Reasoning: Liverpool have been dominant against AC Milan in their recent encounters, winning their last five meetings. Milan’s form is inconsistent, and with key players missing, Liverpool should edge this encounter.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 1/2 Reasoning: Both teams are strong offensively. Milan and Liverpool have scored in almost all their matches this season, making this a likely outcome.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/15 Reasoning: Previous meetings between these teams have been high-scoring, and both clubs are known for their attacking prowess.

Champions League Betting – Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava

Celtic will face Slovan Bratislava for the first time in European competition as they kick off their Champions League campaign at Celtic Park. The Scottish champions are in red-hot form, having maintained a flawless start to the domestic season, including a comfortable 2-0 win over Hearts at the weekend. Brendan Rodgers is expected to stick with his preferred starting XI, as Celtic look to take their impressive defensive record—having yet to concede a league goal—onto the European stage.

Slovan Bratislava, meanwhile, are making their first-ever appearance in the Champions League group stages after coming through four rounds of qualifying. The Slovakian champions will have to contend with the absence of right-back Lukás Pauschek, but they’ll be eager to make a strong impression. With experienced players like Vladimír Weiss and David Strelec, Slovan will be hoping to upset the odds and secure a result against the formidable Scottish side.

Prediction: Celtic win (Odds: 1/3)

Reasoning: Celtic are unbeaten at home this season, keeping clean sheets in all domestic matches. Slovan Bratislava are making their debut in the group stages and may find it tough to break through Celtic’s solid defence.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 19/20 Reasoning: Slovan Bratislava have scored in all their away matches this season, and while Celtic are strong defensively, the visitors could still manage to score.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 4/7 Reasoning: Celtic’s attacking strength, combined with Slovan’s scoring record, makes this a likely high-scoring match.

Champions League Betting – Manchester City vs Inter Milan

Manchester City welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad Stadium in what promises to be an intense Champions League clash. City have started their season with four consecutive wins in all competitions, most recently beating Brentford 2-1. Pep Guardiola’s side boasts a potent attack led by Erling Haaland, with key players like Rodri and Ruben Dias returning to strengthen their squad after injuries.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan remain unbeaten in Serie A but have drawn both away games. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Monza. Although Simone Inzaghi’s side is solid defensively, they face a difficult task away against the reigning Premier League champions. Players such as Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez will need to be at their best to break down City’s defence. With Manchester City in excellent form and Inter’s inconsistent away performances, City is clearly the favourite to take the points. However, Inter’s resilience makes this an intriguing battle.

Prediction: Manchester City win (Odds: 1/2)

Reasoning: Manchester City have started the season strong, winning their last four games. With Inter Milan struggling away from home, City are favourites to secure a comfortable win.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 3/4 Reasoning: City’s attack is one of the best in Europe, but Inter Milan are capable of scoring as well, especially with Lautaro Martínez in fine form.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/13 Reasoning: City’s games average 2.75 goals, and Inter’s attack makes this a strong pick for over 2.5 goals.

Champions League Betting – Arsenal vs Atalanta

Prediction: Arsenal win (Odds: 10/11)

Reasoning: Arsenal are in great form, with three wins from their last four matches. Atalanta’s defensive struggles make them vulnerable, and Arsenal are expected to dominate this match.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/6 Reasoning: Both teams have potent attacks, with Atalanta’s Lookman and Retegui providing threats. Arsenal’s backline, though solid, will likely be tested.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/11 Reasoning: Atalanta’s defensive frailties combined with both teams’ attacking strength make this a high-scoring match.

This week’s Champions League fixtures offer plenty of exciting matchups, with British clubs, Aston Villa, Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal looking to make strong statements in their respective ties. With a mix of form, quality, and key players in action, there are several intriguing betting opportunities across these games.

All statistics mentioned in this article have been sourced from www.whoscored.com, and the betting odds have been taken from bet365.

Please note that these odds are subject to change. This article is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always gamble responsibly. For advice on problem gambling, please refer to the organisations listed in this page’s footer.