Champions League Predictions and Betting Odds for British Clubs – Match Day Three

Last updated: October 21, 2024 by Leon Marshal

A football player in a white and red kit is mid-air, about to strike the ball on a stadium field during a UEFA Champions League match, with the Champions League logo on the right.

This week, Leon Marshall examines the key Champions League fixtures involving British clubs. From Arsenal’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk to Liverpool’s trip to RB Leipzig, Leon will provide detailed match previews, share his predictions, and deliver the latest betting odds for each game. Stay tuned for expert insights on the biggest matches in European competition.

The Champions League is heating up as the British teams face another round of tough challenges in Week 3. Arsenal is looking to bounce back from their recent domestic loss as they take on Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates. Meanwhile, Aston Villa continues their impressive European journey as they welcome Bologna. Celtic heads to Atalanta in a crucial clash, while Manchester City aims to dominate against Sparta Prague. Lastly, Liverpool travels to RB Leipzig in what promises to be a fascinating contest between two attacking sides.

2024/25 Champions League Betting – Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Prediction and Odds:

Arsenal are firm favourites to take all three points in this matchup, with their superior squad depth and home advantage. Despite a recent league setback against Bournemouth, they have been dominant at the Emirates and will be eager to bounce back. Shakhtar Donetsk, meanwhile, have struggled in their Champions League campaign, and it’s hard to see them getting a result here.

Prediction: Arsenal to win (Odds: 1/4 for Arsenal, 10/1 for Shakhtar Donetsk, and 5/1 for a draw).

Reasoning: Arsenal are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season, and their form in Europe has been solid, with a 2-0 win against PSG in their last Champions League fixture. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus will be crucial for the Gunners. On the other hand, Shakhtar has struggled away from home and comes into this match off a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta. Arsenal’s pressing and possession game is expected to overwhelm the visitors.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (Winger) – Arsenal’s talisman has been in top form and could be the key to breaking down Shakhtar’s defence. Priced at 5/2 to score first and 10/11 anytime.

Shakhtar Donetsk: Danylo Sikan (Forward) – Shakhtar’s leading forward will be a threat from set-pieces but faces a tough challenge against Arsenal’s defence. Priced at 12/1 to score first and 7/2 anytime.

Head-to-Head (Last 4 Matches):

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk
DateResultCompetitionVenue
03/11/2010Shakhtar 2-1 ArsenalChampions LeagueDonetsk
19/10/2010Arsenal 5-1 ShakhtarChampions LeagueLondon
07/11/2000Shakhtar 3-0 ArsenalChampions LeagueDonetsk
20/09/2000Arsenal 3-2 ShakhtarChampions LeagueLondon
  • Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in their last two Champions League matches.
  • Shakhtar Donetsk have conceded three goals in their last Champions League away match.
  • Arsenal have won three of their last four home matches in all competitions.

2024/25 Champions League Betting – Aston Villa vs Bologna

Prediction and Odds:

Aston Villa enter this match in great form, having won both of their previous matches in the Champions League league phase. Bologna, by contrast, have struggled, managing only one point from two games. Villa’s attacking strength and solid defence make them favourites to secure another win here.

Prediction: Aston Villa to win (Odds: 4/6 for Villa, 9/2 for Bologna, and 11/4 for a draw).

Reasoning: Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last nine matches, and their 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich earlier in the league phase highlights their defensive and attacking balance. Ollie Watkins remains Villa’s top scorer, and with Youri Tielemans pulling the strings in midfield, they should have enough to overpower a Bologna side that has been struggling for consistency and goals. Bologna’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out in the Champions League league phase demonstrates their vulnerability against stronger opposition.

Players to Watch:

Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (Forward) – Watkins has been leading the line well for Villa and will be a major threat. Priced at 4/1 to score first and 5/6 anytime.

Bologna: Riccardo Orsolini (Forward) – Orsolini will be one of Bologna’s key players if they are to break down Villa’s defence. Priced at 12/1 to score first and 7/2 anytime.

Head-to-Head (Last 2 Matches):

Aston Villa vs Bologna
DateResultCompetitionVenue
18/09/2024Aston Villa 1-0 BolognaChampions LeagueVilla Park
02/10/2024Bologna 0-0 Aston VillaChampions LeagueBologna
  • Aston Villa have kept a clean sheet in their last two Champions League matches.
  • Bologna are winless in their last four matches across all competitions.
  • Villa have won three of their last five home matches in all competitions.

2024/25 Champions League Betting – Atalanta vs Celtic

Prediction and Odds: Atalanta are favourites in this match, having won their last Champions League fixture and showing solid form in both Serie A and European competition. Celtic, despite their domestic dominance, have struggled in Europe, with a heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their last Champions League game.

Prediction: Atalanta to win (Odds: 4/9 for Atalanta, 5/1 for Celtic, and 15/4 for a draw).

Reasoning: Atalanta have been impressive defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last two Champions League fixtures. Their attacking trio of Mateo Retegui, Ademola Lookman, and Charles De Ketelaere has been effective, and they are expected to cause problems for a Celtic defence that conceded seven goals against Borussia Dortmund. Celtic will look to bounce back, but their European form has been inconsistent, and they may find it difficult to get a result away from home.

Players to Watch:

Atalanta: Ademola Lookman (Forward) – Lookman’s pace and creativity make him a constant threat in attack. Priced at 5/1 to score first and 6/4 anytime.

Celtic: Kyogo Furuhashi (Forward) – Celtic’s main goal scorer, Furuhashi will need to be clinical if Celtic are to challenge Atalanta. Priced at 12/1 to score first and 7/2 anytime.

  • Atalanta have kept a clean sheet in both of their Champions League matches so far.
  • Celtic have conceded eight goals in their two Champions League fixtures.
  • Atalanta have won three of their last four home matches across all competitions.

2024/25 Champions League Betting – Manchester City vs Sparta Prague

Prediction and Odds: Manchester City are the overwhelming favourites to win this match, having been dominant both domestically and in Europe so far. Sparta Prague will have a tough challenge at the Etihad, with City looking to build on their recent 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.

Prediction: Manchester City to win (Odds: 1/12 for Manchester City, 20/1 for Sparta Prague, and 7/1 for the draw).

Reasoning: Manchester City have been clinical in their European matches, and their depth in attack, led by Erling Haaland, has proved too much for most teams. Sparta Prague come into this match in decent form but have struggled against top-level opposition, and their defence will be tested throughout by City’s fluid attacking play. With players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva creating chances, City should dominate possession and create plenty of opportunities.

Players to Watch:

Manchester City: Erling Haaland (Forward) – Haaland is City’s top scorer and is expected to add to his tally here. Priced at 3/1 to score first and 1/3 anytime.

Sparta Prague: Victor Olatunji (Forward) – Olatunji will be Sparta Prague’s main attacking threat. He will need to make the most of any chances on the counter-attack. Priced at 20/1 to score first and 7/1 anytime.

  • Manchester City have scored four goals and kept a clean sheet in their last Champions League match.
  • Sparta Prague are unbeaten in their last two Champions League fixtures.
  • City have won their last three matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals in the process.

2024/25 Champions League Betting – RB Leipzig vs Liverpool

Prediction and Odds: Liverpool are favourites heading into this clash, having won both of their Champions League matches so far. RB Leipzig, on the other hand, have struggled in Europe this season, with two defeats from two games.

Prediction: Liverpool to win (Odds: 15/8 for Liverpool, 5/1 for RB Leipzig, and 3/1 for a draw).

Reasoning: Liverpool have been in excellent form, winning their last six matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Bologna in the Champions League. Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz have been key in their attacking play, with both contributing goals and assists. RB Leipzig will look to bounce back after a disappointing 3-2 loss to Juventus but may find it difficult to handle Liverpool’s relentless pressure. Leipzig’s defence has been leaky, conceding five goals in two Champions League matches, and this could be their undoing against a clinical Liverpool side.

Players to Watch:

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (Forward) – Salah has been in exceptional form, and his pace and finishing ability make him a key threat. Priced at 9/2 to score first and 13/10 anytime.

RB Leipzig: Loïs Openda (Forward) – Openda is Leipzig’s top scorer and will be crucial if they are to trouble Liverpool’s defence. Priced at 7/1 to score first and 5/2 anytime.

Head-to-Head (Last 3 Matches):

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool
DateResultCompetitionVenue
21/07/2022RB Leipzig 0-5 LiverpoolClub FriendlyLeipzig
10/03/2021Liverpool 2-0 RB LeipzigChampions LeagueLiverpool
16/02/2021RB Leipzig 0-2 LiverpoolChampions LeagueLeipzig
  • Liverpool have won all three of their previous meetings with RB Leipzig, scoring nine goals and conceding none.
  • RB Leipzig have lost both of their Champions League matches this season, conceding five goals.
  • Liverpool are on a six-match winning streak across all competitions.

In this week’s Champions League action, Arsenal aim to secure a comfortable win at home against Shakhtar Donetsk, while Aston Villa look to extend their unbeaten run against Bologna. Atalanta take on Celtic in a crucial clash, with both teams eager for points. Manchester City are heavy favourites against Sparta Prague, and Liverpool will look to maintain their perfect start as they visit RB Leipzig.