*UCL: Manchester United to Win & Under 4.5 Goals (-118) vs Villarreal
Manchester United have had a difficult time over the past three or four games. Especially when looking at the 2-1 loss to Young Boys in the first game of this group. But that loss just makes this match even more important for the red devils and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who’s job has been in question by the media in recent weeks. Solskjaer will put a team out there that includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pobga, Bruno Fernandes in a game where that creativity will be needed. This Man Utd/Villarreal matchup has ended in a 0-0 draw four out of the last five times these two have played. There’s no doubt Villarreal have the defensive stability to hold off United, we’ve seen it several times now, so the under 4.5 goals is justified. But, this is a must win for Manchester United if they want to be in any kind of control of this group. While many believe yet another 0-0 scoreline is in order, the attacking talent at United will win them this game. The match will also take place at home, so United did not have to travel but will have to impress the loud, judgmental Old Trafford crowd. Also, the Manchester United players will surely be up for this one as it was Villarreal that beat them in penalties at the end of last season in the Europa League final. Take United to win this revenge match, in a somewhat low-scoring affair.
*UCL: Chelsea Win & Under 3.5 Goals (+170) vs Juventus
Originally I planned on going with Chelsea Double Chance and Under 3.5 Goals (-154) due to the fact that Chelsea are away from home… but realized that I was just playing it too safe (if you want a safer pick, take that!). Chelsea simply rarely concede goals. They have kept clean sheets in four out of six Premier League games this season with the two goals coming against Liverpool and Manchester City. They now face a struggling Juventus side that are without Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata who are both influential to the Juve attack. Chelsea also haven’t scored more than three goals in a match so far this season, where Juventus sit in tenth in Serie A and are yet to keep a clean sheet. Juventus are really struggling at the moment, and although it will be tough for Chelsea playing in Turin at Allianz Stadium, the terrible form of Juve and the exceptional form of Chelsea will write the story. Expect Chelsea to sneak a 1-0 or 2-0 victory today.
*UCL: Sevilla Win (+160) vs Wolfsburg
Sevilla are in great form to start the season, they are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions. They also haven’t conceded more than one goal in any of those games and have scored in six out of the seven. Sevilla are the far more experienced side in European competition, and with an underwhelming draw last time out, they will want to get back on track and take control of this group. With Wolfsburg conceding 17 shots against a weaker Lille side in the first group game, I expect Sevilla to take control of this game and create chances that will lead to goals based on the gap that suspended centre back, John Brooks will leave in the Wolfsburg defence. As Sevilla are so defensively sound and have been for many years, expect the upcoming Wolfsburg side under Mark Van Bommel to be exposed at the back and ultimately lose this game.
