Champions League Matchday 6 happens on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. In our earlier blog, we laid out odds, analysis, and made picks for Tuesday’s CL games. In this blog, we take our shot at picking winners for Wednesday’s matches. Top contests include Barcelona versus Bayern, Lille facing off against Wolfsburg, and Man United hosting the Young Boys.
Top UCL Games to Watch and Bet On Matchday 6 (Dec. 8th)
Chelsea -188 vs FK Zenit Saint Petersburg +460
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
Chelsea has already secured a spot in the next round, which could mean they’re prime for an upset loss versus Zenit. But although the Blues may not go all out to win on Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel’s squad knows only how to play hard.
Also, Chelsea allowed West Ham United to rally for a victory in their last. Expect the Blues to take this by at least 2 goals.
Champions League Pick: Chelsea
Malmo FF +1 ½ (+131) vs Juventus -1 ½ (-175)
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
Juventus is such a favorite that we must lay the -1 ½ at -175, meaning it will take $175 to make $100 in profit. Can Juvy beat Malmo by 2 goals?
Of course, they can. Juventus can beat Malmo by 3 or 4 goals. But the odds don’t justify a bet because like Chelsea, Juvy has already stamped their ticket. A 1-goal victory is possible, which means the road squad is a great play at above even money and getting 1 ½.
Champions League Pick: Malmo FF
FC Barcelona +295 vs Bayern Munich -144
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
Bayern is second choice to win the Champions League. Only Man City offers lower odds.
Not only that, but Bayern has 15 points in the group. Barcelona has just 7, which means Barca must pick it up in this to ensure they hold off Benfica with 5. Bayern should win.
With nothing to play for, though, it’s tough to back Munich at -144. Barcelona can pull off the upset. Because of the odds, taking a shot on the road dog makes sense.
Champions League Pick: Barcelona
Lille OSC +210 vs Vfl Wolfsburg +120
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
Wolfsburg has lost 3 straight while Lille has won 3 with a couple of draws in their last 5. Lille took the French Ligue 1 title last season.
Another reason to like Lille is because of the odds. Wolfsburg should be the chalk, but their form implies they play a dud on Wednesday. At +210, Lille is the play.
Champions League Pick: Lille
Villareal CF +285 vs Atalanta -126
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
2020 Europa League winner Villareal isn’t in great form. Villareal has a victory and 3 losses in their last 5.
Atalanta has won 3-of-5 with a draw. Not only that, but this is a huge match because Villareal shows 7 points and Atalanta shows 6. The Serie A squad must step it up to ensure they move to the next round. Atalanta takes this.
Champions League Pick: Atalanta
Young Boys Bern +1 ½ (-140) vs Manchester United -1 ½ (+106)
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 8
With 10 points, Man United should have no trouble moving to the next round. But to ensure they do so, United will go all out to dominate the Young Boys.
Since the manager change, Man U has played like one of Europe’s better club teams. The Young Boys are a quality soccer squad. But YB has nothing to play for and they’re on the road. That should set things up for a nice Man United victory by at least 2 goals.
Champions League Pick: Manchester United