The UEFA Champions League is back this week as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all back in action in Europe’s most glamorous competition. Here is all you need to know about matchday four’s biggest clashes.
Malmo v Chelsea
Chelsea could take a giant leap toward the knockout stages with a victory over Malmo. The two sides met in matchday three at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues ran out as 4-0 winners, but they lost forwards Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner to injury. Both are set to miss out on this return fixture. Malmo need to get a victory to keep their Champions League dream alive as they are yet to record a single point in the group stage so far.
Where: Eleda Stadium, Malmo
When: Tuesday 2 November, 5:45pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: Malmo have lost their three games against Chelsea in European competition by an aggregate of 9-1.
Betfred odds: Over 3.5 goals for Chelsea is available at 9/4
Atalanta v Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earned himself some breathing space with the 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, but they almost tasted defeat when they played Atalanta at Old Trafford and they will face a tougher challenge away from home. Cristiano Ronaldo will be fired up to be the hero once again for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their position at the top of Group F.
Where: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
When: Tuesday 2 November, 8pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: Atalanta have only lost two of their last eight home games in the Champions League (W3 D3), while they won 1-0 against Young Boys on MD2 this season. The Italian side have only won consecutive home games once previously in the competition, beating Dinamo Zagreb and Valencia in 2019-20.
Betfred odds: Over 2.5 goals for Manchester United is available at 11/4
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid
When these two sides squared up at the Wanda Metropolitano a fortnight ago, Liverpool came out as 3-2 winners with Mohamed Salah’s penalty proving the difference between the two sides. Antoine Griezmann’s brace gave Diego Simeone’s side some life but the forward was sent off for a high challenge on Roberto Firmino and the Argentine boss will have to cope without the Frenchman. With Jurgen Klopp’s men five points clear at the top of Group B, they are in a very strong position to reach the knockout stage.
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
When: Wednesday 3 November, 8pm
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Sportsman stat: Atletico are unbeaten in their previous two games against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League (W1 D1), including a 3-2 victory in the Round of 16 on their last trip there in March 2020.
Betfred odds: Liverpool to win and BTTS – 11/5
Manchester City v Club Brugge
Pep Guardiola’s side were victorious in Belgium as they attained a comfortable 5-1 victory on matchday three, and they are going to be the favourites when they meet again at the Etihad Stadium. City are currently second in Group A with six points, one behind Paris Saint-Germain as the two look likely to be the sides who will progress to the knockout stage. After a disappointing home defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Guardiola will be determined to respond with a positive result on home soil.
Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
When: Wednesday 3 November, 8pm
How to watch: BT Sport 3
Sportsman stat: Man City have won 80% of their home games in the Champions League since Guardiola took charge of the club (20/25).
Betfred odds: Over 4.5 Man City goals is available at 10/3
Full Champions League fixtures 2nd-3rd November
Tuesday
Malmo v Chelsea
Wolfsburg v RB Salzburg
Villarreal v Young Boys
Juventus v Zenit
Bayern Munich v Benfica
Sevilla v Lille
Dynamo Kyiv v Barcelona
Atalanta v Manchester United
Wednesday
Real Madrid v Shakhtar Donetsk
AC Milan v Porto
Sporting CP v Besiktas
Borussia Dortmund v Ajax
Sheriff Tiraspol v Inter Milan
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid
Manchester City v Club Brugge
RB Leipzig v PSG
