Predictions for the Champions League matches on January 28th

Ajax vs Olympiacos

Ajax has shown a resurgence towards the end of the group stage, but is it too late? Certainly, it is. They still have a faint chance of reaching the playoffs, but for that, they need to thrash Olympiacos by at least 11 goals and hope for losses from all direct competitors. For the Greeks, who are at the bottom of the top 24, a simple victory is enough. But saying it is easier than doing it. José Luis Mendilibar's team has only managed to win away against Kairat (1:0), and that too with great difficulty. Ajax is in good form and will try to make a strong statement at the “Johan Cruyff Arena.”

Match Prediction for Ajax vs Olympiacos: Ajax will not lose

Arsenal vs Kairat

Arsenal is already in the round of 16, so there is no pressing need to win in the final round. However, they are highly motivated. The “Gunners” can become the first team to finish the group stage of the Champions League with a 100% record. Moreover, their recent defeat to Manchester United (2:3) demands a victory. Their opponent, Kairat, has little to gain at the “Emirates.” The score could be quite one-sided.

Match Prediction for Arsenal vs Kairat: Arsenal to win with handicap (-3)

Athletic vs Sporting

The scenario in this matchup is quite straightforward. Both teams need a win: Athletic to qualify for the playoffs, and Sporting to secure a direct spot in the round of 16. The Portuguese giant has not shown the best results away from home, but their opponents were very strong – the champions of Italy and Germany, as well as Juventus (1:1), from whom they took points. Considering the number of injuries in the “Basque” squad, the visitors can hope for at least a goal if not a win. A bet on both teams to score has been successful in 6 of Athletic's last 7 matches and in eight consecutive away matches for Sporting.

Match Prediction for Athletic vs Sporting: both teams to score (yes)

Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt

The probability of Bodo advancing to the playoffs is minimal. However, the team has left a very positive impression. The same cannot be said for Atletico, although the “Colchoneros” aim for the top 8. We do not think the Norwegian squad will pull off a third consecutive upset, after drawing with Borussia Dortmund (2:2) and defeating Man City (3:1), but they are capable of scoring at the “Metropolitano.” The defense of the “Colchoneros” is not what it used to be during the prime years of Diego Simeone's project. Both teams to score was recorded in 6 of Atletico's last 7 matches and in 7 of Bodo/Glimt's last 8 Champions League matches.

Match Prediction for Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt: both teams to score (yes)

Club Brugge vs Marseille

An intriguing battle for a playoff spot, with Marseille seen as the favorite considering the current form of the teams. However, the away game for Roberto's team is a challenge.De Zerbi is expected to face a tough challenge regardless, so we don't believe in a "clean sheet" from Geronimo Rulli. Club Brugge at home can put up a fight against anyone, so we anticipate goals from both sides. This bet has won in 6 of the last 7 matches involving the "black and blues".

Prediction for Club Brugge vs Marseille: both teams to score (yes)

Barcelona vs Copenhagen

Barcelona needs a win to secure a spot in the Round of 16. Can Copenhagen prevent them from achieving this victory, considering the match will be held at Camp Nou? It's very hard to imagine such a scenario. The Catalans are extremely prolific in home matches, scoring more than two goals in 17 of the last 18. In our opinion, the outcome here is obvious.

Prediction for Barcelona vs Copenhagen: Barcelona's individual total over 2.5 goals

Borussia Dortmund vs Inter

A high-profile match in terms of names, but insignificant from a tournament perspective, as both teams are already in the playoffs. What to expect from the coaches is unclear. There might be rotation. Therefore, we won't delve into the outcome here but will simply hope for an entertaining, end-to-end game. The "Bees" have scored more than 1.5 goals in their last five home matches, and the "Nerazzurri" have consistently scored in 14 consecutive away games.

Prediction for Borussia Dortmund vs Inter: both teams to score (yes)

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho will face Real Madrid. Even a victory over the "Whites" does not guarantee the "Special One's" team a playoff spot. And what playoff spot can we talk about if Benfica has lost 3 of their last 5 matches, only managing to beat the Primeira's outsiders? Meanwhile, Madrid under Arbeloa is gaining more confidence. The visitors will play for the win, and in our opinion, they will achieve it.

Prediction for Benfica vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid to win

Bayer vs Villarreal

Unlike Villarreal, Bayer is fighting for a playoff spot. They desperately need a win. But looking at the "Pharmacists'" results in the new year, three points in the upcoming match are highly doubtful. In this case, we prefer a bet on the small market, focusing on the consistently hitting total of under 10.5 corners in matches involving both teams. This bet has won in 6 of the last 7 "Submarines'" matches in the Champions League, as well as in five consecutive "Pharmacists'" matches in all competitions.

Prediction for Bayer vs Villarreal: total under 10.5 corners

Eintracht vs Tottenham

Two teams meet, from whom much more was expected this season. However, Eintracht is completely failing in all competitions, while Tottenham, contrary to expectations, looks convincing in the Champions League.To advance directly to the Round of 16, a single point in Frankfurt will not suffice for the "Spurs," so they are heading to the depleted "Eagles" solely for a victory. However, the outcome may be influenced by the lack of squad depth, as both teams have a significant number of injured players. In such a situation, it is logical to focus on the current form of the opponents.

Match Prediction Eintracht vs Tottenham: total over 2.5 goals

Liverpool vs Qarabag

This season, Liverpool has been extremely inconsistent: in one match, the team scores three goals, and in the next, concedes the same amount. Therefore, a potential goal from Qarabag at Anfield should not surprise anyone, especially considering how the Azerbaijani club has performed in the tournament's group stage. Meanwhile, the "Reds" are not yet guaranteed a place in the Round of 16, and such an opponent – albeit a challenging one – must be defeated given the current form of the hosts.

Match Prediction Liverpool vs Qarabag: Liverpool to win with handicap (-2)

Manchester City vs Galatasaray

The "Citizens" have complicated their task significantly by unexpectedly losing in Norway. As in the previous season, Manchester City risks ending up in the playoff matches, although a victory in this round could directly send the team to the Round of 16. The Turkish club has no chance of making the top eight, and one point at the Etihad will be enough to secure a playoff spot. The hosts have numerous personnel losses, and Erling Haaland has scored only one goal in nine matches. The Norwegian giant clearly needs to wake up.

Match Prediction Manchester City vs Galatasaray: Manchester City to win with handicap (-1.5)

Monaco vs Juventus

The "Monégasques" need three points to contend for a playoff spot, while Juventus has already secured a place in the knockout stage. The "Old Lady" is in good form and particularly reliable in defense, having conceded only three goals in the last ten matches. Monaco is struggling in Ligue 1, but in the Champions League, they can compensate with a playoff appearance and substantial prize money. However, Sébastien Pocognoli's team has serious issues with scoring.

Match Prediction Monaco vs Juventus: Monaco's individual total under 1.5 goals

Napoli vs Chelsea

The Neapolitans have noticeably stalled, with only one victory in the last six matches. Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, has gained momentum and is on a three-match winning streak. The "Blues" are outside the playoff zone and need all three points. The "Blues" are in eighth place and are striving to secure a spot in the top eight to avoid playoffs. Chelsea has both scored and conceded in seven consecutive away matches, making the choice of bet obvious.

Prediction for the Napoli vs Chelsea match: both teams to score (yes)

Pafos vs Slavia

Pafos retains incredibly slim theoretical and mathematical chances of making it into the top 24. Slavia, on the other hand, has long lost its tournament motivation and will come to simply play football, aiming to deliver a respectable result and end the campaign with a victory for their fans – the team has nothing to worry about anymore. Under these conditions, it is logical to expect a high-scoring match. Both teams have scored in the last five games of the "red and whites".

Prediction for the Pafos vs Slavia match: both teams to score (yes)

PSG vs Newcastle

The central match of the entire game day will take place at the "Parc des Princes". The Parisians have complicated their path with a defeat in Portugal. The "Magpies" have a chance to send PSG to the Round of 16, although they have often dropped points in away matches at this stage. Considering the attacking potential of both teams, it's unlikely the match will end without goals.

Prediction for the PSG vs Newcastle match: total over 2.5 goals

PSV vs Bayern

Eindhoven, as a team still holding onto chances of continuing in the tournament, is less fortunate than others – they face Bayern, who play to win under any circumstances. On Saturday, the Munich team suffered their first defeat in the Bundesliga in 19 rounds, but this is not a club that allows two consecutive losses, especially considering the fight for the second spot. Kompany's team is unlikely to allow another slip-up.

Prediction for the PSV vs Bayern match: Bayern to win

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Atalanta

The Bergamo side unexpectedly lost three points in a home match against Bilbao and fell out of the top 8. The theoretical chance to return remains, but it is minimal. Union has lost all their home matches, but they are not backing down, as they also retain faint hopes for the playoffs. Both teams need a win, which means goals are expected.

Prediction for the match: both teams to score (yes)