Champions League Matchday One Tips

The Champions League returns on matchday one and we're here with a NEW format with games being played on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this season. It's a sharp change for clubs and means that more games have to be fit in their schedule. English teams are likely to suffer with two Cup competitions but on matchday one, they have no excuses!

It's England Vs Milan in two of the opening games as AC host Liverpool and Inter travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City, in a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final. City won on that day 1-0, thanks to a goal from Rodri. Pep Guardiola and his men would be more than happy for that to happen again on the 18th.

Liverpool Vs AC Milan has been a Champions League final on two occasions but when the two sides faced off in 2021, Liverpool won both fixtures by one goal. AC have only beaten Liverpool once and that was 2-1 in the 2007 Champions League final after two goals from Filippo Inzaghi.

Arsenal's return to the Champions League was halted last season by Bayern Munich but this year they begin their campaign with their first trip to Italy in over five years to face a team, they have never faced before - Atalanta.

Meanwhile, the headline for English football will be Aston Villa's return to Europe's top competition for the first time since 1983. Their campaign begins against Young Boys in Switzerland where they will hope to pick up three points before their home fixture against the feared Bayern Munich.

Matchday One Betting Tips

Another thrilling edition of Europe’s premier club competition starts this week, with a staggering 18 Champions League matches taking place between Tuesday and Thursday.

All five British participants are in action, with reigning Premier League champions and 2022-23 winners Manchester City starting their European bid at home against Inter in a repeat of the 2023 final.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face a tricky trip to Europa League victors Atalanta on Thursday night while Aston Villa - playing in their first Champions League competition - begin their tournament with a trip to Swiss side Young Boys.

Tip 1: Under 2.5 goals in Atalanta v Arsenal @ 11/10

Five of Arsenal’s last six away matches in all competitions have seen no more than two goals scored and that theme could continue when the Gunners face Atalanta on Thursday.

The Italian side have won only one of their last three matches, however they have lost just one of their last seven at home in all competitions and they could frustrate an Arsenal team whose last three continental away days have produced no more than two goals.

Tip 2: Liverpool to win v AC Milan @ 19/20

The Reds suffered defeat for the first time this season on Saturday but Arne Slot’s side could bounce back against AC Milan, who have started their Serie A campaign poorly.

The Rossoneri have won just one of their opening four matches this season and have conceded at least twice in three of those games. With their defence showing cracks, the talents of Mohamed Salah and co should shine.

Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score in Young Boys v Aston Villa @ 7/10

Aston Villa’s Champions League debut against Young Boys could be a close-run affair, with both sides in decent form heading into this encounter, and so the goals markets may provide the more lucrative betting options.

Three of Villa’s four matches this season have provided winners in both the over 2.5 goals and both teams to score markets, while the same is true for three of Young Boys’ four home fixtures in all competitions.

Tip 4: Celtic to win to nil v Slovan Bratislava @ 57/50

Celtic have conceded just one goal in their opening six matches in all competitions this season and home advantage could see the Scottish champions get off to a winning start.

Slovan Bratislava have never won an away game in this competition after the qualification rounds and are worth taking on.

Tip 5: Manchester City to win and both teams to score v Inter @ 9/5

Manchester City are a perfect four from four so far this season and their winning start will be expected to continue against an Inter side without a win in their last three away matches.

However, Pep Guardiola’s men have kept only one clean sheet this season and their defensive vulnerability could allow the Italian team to get on the scoresheet - as they have done in 29 of their last 30 matches in all competitions.

Champions League First Matchday Fixtures