Predictions for the Champions League matches on January 21st
Galatasaray vs Atletico
In the early Wednesday slot, we are set for a heated clash in Istanbul, where Okan Buruk's Galatasaray will aim to secure their spot in the playoffs. Diego Simeone's Atletico is not concerned with the Turkish team's plans, and the "Colchoneros" will arrive with the intention of solidifying their position in the top eight. All previous matches involving the Madrid side have seen "high-scoring" results, so combined with the vibrant atmosphere at "Rams Park," we anticipate a goal-filled and intriguing encounter.
Match Prediction for Galatasaray vs Atletico: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Qarabag vs Eintracht
It will be equally intense in Baku, where at the "Azersun Arena," Qarabag has a good chance to secure a playoff spot ahead of the final round. Frankfurt's Eintracht will visit the capital of Azerbaijan, having bid farewell to head coach Dino Toppmöller on Sunday due to poor results. The "Eagles" are in 30th place, and losing any points in this game would mean elimination from the tournament.
Match Prediction for Qarabag vs Eintracht: Qarabag Will Not Lose
Atalanta vs Athletic
Unexpectedly for many, the Bergamaschi are in fifth place in the group stage and approach the match against Athletic on a four-match unbeaten streak. The Basques, on the other hand, have been underwhelming this season both in La Liga and the Champions League, risking losing all playoff chances after this game. Raffaele Palladino's side appears to be clear favorites, considering Ernesto Valverde's team has not won in regular time for eight consecutive matches.
Match Prediction for Atalanta vs Athletic: Atalanta Win
Bayern vs Union Saint-Gilloise
The Belgian club, desperately fighting for a playoff spot, can only be sympathized with this Wednesday. Bayern rarely scores less than three goals at the "Allianz Arena," and Vincent Kompany's side is unlikely to show any mercy to David Hubert's club, regardless of who starts the match.
Match Prediction for Bayern vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Bayern Win with Handicap (-2.5)
Chelsea vs Pafos
Liam Rosenior will lead Chelsea in his first Champions League match, with the team yet to secure their playoff spot. The "Blues" could even make it into the top eight if they win both remaining matches. Pafos is not in contention for the Round of 16 but still has a chance for the Round of 32, although they need at least a draw at "Stamford Bridge," which seems almost impossible given the difference in class. This match will also mark the debut for Pafos' new head coach Albert Celades, who took over after Juan Carlos Carcedo's departure to Spartak Moscow.
Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Pafos: Chelsea to win with a handicap (-2)
Juventus vs Benfica
The "Old Lady" will aim to secure at least a spot in the tournament's Round of 32 on Wednesday, while the "Eagles" can only hope for a place in the top 24, making a defeat in Italy highly undesirable for José Mourinho's team. Last season, the opponents met at the "Allianz Stadium" during the eighth round, and the Lisbon side took all three points (2-0), finishing above the Turin team. Juventus has not lost in 14 home matches across all competitions, and considering Benfica's numerous injuries, we anticipate Luciano Spalletti's team to claim three points.
Match Prediction for Juventus vs Benfica: Juventus to win
Marseille vs Liverpool
An intriguing match will take place at the "Velodrome." Both teams cannot afford to relax: the "White and Blues" have not yet secured a playoff spot, while the "Reds" aim for a direct entry into the Round of 16. Marseille is the most prolific team in Ligue 1 this season, while Liverpool is highly inconsistent but rarely leaves the field without scoring. Therefore, we anticipate that the goalkeepers of both clubs will have to retrieve the ball from the net in this game.
Match Prediction for Marseille vs Liverpool: Both teams to score (yes)
Newcastle vs PSV
Eddie Howe's squad is motivated to settle all questions about advancing to the playoffs and continue their fight for the top 8 in the upcoming game at "St. James' Park." The visitors are currently in 21st place, and a defeat in Newcastle could see Peter Bosz's team exit the playoff zone. Remarkably, the Eindhoven side has yet to lose away in the Champions League, but the "Magpies" rarely drop points at home.
Match Prediction for Newcastle vs PSV: Newcastle to win with a handicap (-1)
Slavia vs Barcelona
For the "Red and Whites," the playoffs are out of reach, and they will try to bid farewell to their fans with a strong performance and make a statement at their "Fortuna Arena" against Barcelona, who have often stumbled away from home. However, Slavia has not scored in their last five Champions League matches, and the "Blaugrana" desperately need wins in the remaining two rounds to contend for the top 8. Despite the absence of Yamal, the Catalans have enough players capable of creating and converting scoring opportunities.
