UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 Predictions Including Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

Pafos lineup is unheralded, Croatia’s Mislav Orsic is here, Anderson Silva from Brazil is the main striker, he was a Turkish transfer, Bruno Felipe, Portuguese player Pepe, former PSV defender Derrick Luckassen, and Spanish centreback David Goldar are also names. This lineup would love to make history and earn Pafos’ first points in the Champions League, but Olympiacos experience and an imposing home environment have them favored. Prediction: Olympiacos 2 Pafos FC 1

Bodo/Glimt at Slavia Prague

The pride of Norway, Bodo/Glimt reached the semifinals of the Europa League last season and have built a squad that is reliable. Czech champions Slavia Prague are back in the Champions League after five years, Bodo/Glimt is on debut. Given Slavia Prague struggled in the Europa League last season, and Bodo/Glimt are well into their league season, the team from Norway is actually starting from a positive position. Without top scorer Kasper Hogh though, it’s hard to see where the goals could come from for Bodo. Jens Petter Hauge will try to step up, but at least two, possibly three, key starters being out for Bodo in an away match is a steep challenge.

Lukas Provod and Lukas Vorlicky are players to watch for Slavia, while Christos Zafeiris, a Norwegian, is another key man. Expect some chances for both teams, and a possible draw in the end. Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Inter Milan at Ajax

Ajax are back in the Champions League, under John Heitinga, early returns are not great for a Dutch side that finished second in the league last season after a late season collapse. Inter Milan also lost a lot after reaching the Champions League final, being thumped by PSG, and fumbling the Serie A title race to Napoli. After a disappointing Club World Cup, and defeat on the weekend against Juventus, there are real questions being asked of Inter as well, now under the management of Cristian Chivu, a former player.

One of these teams could turn around their early season, and the hosts will hope that the stadium weight gives them an advantage, although Inter has a far more expensive and famous squad. Mika Godts led the scoring for Ajax in their last game, Davy Klaasen is the experienced midfielder, along with the tall striker Wout Weghhorst.

Inter calls upon the magic of their top scorer Lautaro Martinez, while Denzel Dumfries is always capable of coming forward and finding the goal. Even on the road, this Inter side should be capable of shutting down Ajax’s limited attack, even though Inter’s early defending has been poor this season, after a strong start in the Champions League defensively last season. While an aging Inter squad is in trouble in the Italian league, Ajax lacks the firepower to exploit them. Prediction: Inter Milan 2 Ajax 1

Atletico Madrid at Liverpool

Liverpool’s new sports car squad host the consistent, but perhaps not quite elite Atletico Madrid at Anfield. It’s Champions League or bust for the Premier League winners, Arne Slot continues to trust Mohamed Salah and has continually been rewarded for it. For this game, Liverpool may be able to debut the new signing from Newcastle Alexander Isak, who chose Liverpool and wants to show the world why.

Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone have struggled in the early returns in La Liga, but they play a reliable, defensive style in Europe that doesn’t give anything easily. There are questions about the fitness of up to four Atletico Madrid starters, including David Hancko, and possibly Argentine star striker Julian Alvarez. With Jan Oblak in goal, Atletico will have faith, but if Liverpool can unlock any of their attacking stars, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, or Cody Gakpo, they will have the upperhand. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are also now in this squad that was the best in the Premier League last season.

Playing at home, with a lot to prove, Liverpool should have enough firepower to slide past Atletico. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Atletico Madrid 1