Matchday 2 of the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League concludes with a number of key group clashes early Thursday morning Australian time.
First round winners Juventus and Sevilla play off for top spot in Group D, while Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach attempt to salvage their campaigns in the same pool.
We’re offering the best odds on all eight remaining games on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League!
FK Astana vs Galatasaray
The lowest ranked team in the 2015/16 Champions League tournament, Astana suffered an expected defeat to Benfica on Matchday 1 but were far from disgraced, particularly away from home. Turkish giants Galatasaray deserve to be favourites in this fixture but this is also Astana’s best chance of a win this campaign and cannot be written off.
Manchester United vs Wolfsburg
Popular English force Manchester United have found slick form in the Premier League through recent weeks, and in perfect time for their second Champions League fixture having dropped all the points to PSV first-up. Wolfsburg have also started to find a good rhythm and offer great value in win-draw-win markets, but will have to dominate possession from the outside to beat the Red Devils.
Footy Freaks
Wayne Rooney scores and Manchester United wins: $3.25
Bas Dost scores and Wolfsburg wins: $10
CSKA Moscow vs PSV Eindhoven
Champions League mainstays CSKA Moscow suffered a disappointing loss to Wolfsburg in their first match this campaign, but will be confident of translating their winning form in the Russian League onto the European stage against PSV. Eindhoven were impressive in beating Manchester United away last time and have proven they are more than capable of success anywhere.
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City
Manchester City have failed to make anything of an impression in the Champions League in recent seasons and got their 2015/16 campaign off to a typically slow start in losing to Juventus in Week 1 of competition. Charged with travelling to Germany, the Sky Blues are tasked with overcoming a Monchengladbach side who will do everything in their power to overcoming a disappointing loss to Sevilla first-up.
Footy Freaks
Josep Drmic scores and Monchengladbach wins: $11
Kevin De Bruyne scores and City wins: $6
Juventus vs Sevilla
Italian giants Juventus reached the decider last campaign and are clear favourites to progress to this year’s knock-out phase from Group D. Having comfortably seen off Manchester City away two weeks ago, Juve probably face a tough task in fellow first round winners Sevilla but are an absolute force at home.
Malmo FF vs Real Madrid
Swedish champions Malmo face an absolutely monumental task in Real Madrid on Matchday 2 of the Champions League. Gallant in defeat away to PSG last start, Malmo look a side capable of big things on their day, but Real Madrid will realistically be too much, too soon, even at home. Karim Benzema has been scoring for fun and will look to expose Malmo’ defence.
Footy Freaks
Karim Benzema scores and Real Madrid wins: $2
Markus Rosenberg scores and Malmo wins: $29
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Paris St-Germain
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk were delivered a 4-0 hiding by Real Madrid last time but are undoubtedly offered a far-better chance for success at home to PSG. PSG have spent plenty of money through recent season but are arguably yet to reach genuine world class status and are still capable of a shocker on their day. Donetsk offer exceptional value for money at current odds and we’re confident they can post an upset.
Atletico Madrid vs Benfica
In what could very well figure as the most tightly-contested fixture on Matchday 2 of the Champions League, Atletico Madrid play host to the ever-dangerous Benfica. Both sides enjoyed strong victories in their first matches and the result of this game will likely play a key role in who eventually tops the group. Fernando Torres appears to have found his groove back playing in his homeland and will be a huge task for the Benfica defence to keep quiet.
Footy Freaks
Fernando Torres scores and Atletico wins: $3.75
Jonas scores and Benfica wins: $15