Flashscore’s football betting writer Frank Monkhouse looks ahead to the second round of fixtures from the UEFA Champions League. There are nine matches on Tuesday, with the same schedule repeated 24 hours later, making it an exciting midweek for armchair fans and bettors.
This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+
Followers of Europe's most important club football competition have an incredible two days ahead. UEFA's flagship tournament enters its second week, with 18 games scheduled, each broadcast on television and the best live streaming apps. The leading online bookmakers offer over 100 pre-match and in-play markets on every fixture, allowing you to predict the winner or play one of the many specials. There are total goals, handicap, first scorer and more.
Having studied the stats, trends, form, injury news, and the latest betting odds, Flashscore's Frank Monkhouse offers his best bets. There's a good blend of teams and betting value, ensuring there's something for everyone. Keep reading as we investigate Arsenal vs. Olympiakos in London, Barcelona vs. PSG in Catalonia, a mouth-watering Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in Istanbul, and much more.
You can follow our picks and place single bets or add a few selections to your bet slip, creating a big-priced midweek accumulator.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool, Tuesday, 20:00 BST
The Turkish Super Lig champions host the English Premier League winners in a Champions League clash that'll have no problems living up to the hype. The rivals have met four times previously, with the head-to-head stats available at Flashscore showing an even spread of one win each and two draws. The home team start second from the bottom of the UCL after suffering a heavy defeat in their opening match. Galatasaray lost 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, and now face another team with a lot of confidence in attack.
Liverpool have hit the ground running under Arne Slot, and all eyes were on Anfield to see if they could build on the success of last season. Was it a new manager bounce on Merseyside, or is Slot the man to lead the club to an extended period of success? The visitors quickly moved back into pole position thanks to a stunning start. They also won at the first time of asking in the Champions League, beating Atletico Madrid by the odd goal in five in their first game. The Reds arrive in Istanbul as favourites to add another three points.
Over 2.5 goals would've landed you a profit in Liverpool's 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, and Galatasaray's 5-1 loss in Frankfurt. It was also a smart bet in each of the previous two meetings, with Liverpool winning 3-2 at home and Galatasaray returning the favour.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/9 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need this match to produce three or more goals from both teams combined.
Chelsea vs Benfica, Tuesday, 20:00 BST
Our second of three picks on Tuesday comes from Stamford Bridge in London, where Chelsea host Benfica. The Blues were thrashed 3-1 by Bayern Munich in Germany last time, a match that proved the Club World Cup champions still have plenty to work on if they are to succeed in Europe. The pressure is on Chelsea to bounce back ASAP.
Benfica opened with a winnable home match against Qarabag, but the team from Lisbon left empty-handed. Benfica raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals on the sixth and 16th minutes. Qarabag scored before the break to keep things interesting, and then added two more in the second half to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Chelsea, holding the home advantage and enjoying the backing of a sell-out crowd, will drive them to a much-needed three points. The way Benfica started their previous match was impressive, but the collapse was worrying. They'll be dangerous in the opening exchanges, but I'm siding with a simple home win.
Tip: Chelsea win @ 4/7 (bet365)
Bet explanation: The final score isn't important here. As long as Chelsea win, you win.
Marseille vs Ajax, Tuesday, 20:00 BST
It's France vs the Netherlands in our third pick from Tuesday's schedule. Marseille ran Real Madrid close in Spain on the opening week, battling hard before losing 2-1. They took the lead in that match thanks to an opening goal from Weah on 22 minutes, but Blancos got level and went on to win the game, with Mbappe grabbing a brace from the penalty spot.
Ajax entered the 2025 Champions League as a potential winner, but suffered a nightmare start when losing 2-0 at home to Inter Milan. Last season's finalists - hammered by PSG earlier this year - scored a double through Thuram, who hit the net just before the half-time whistle and just minutes into the second period. Ajax never looked like a threat.
Much more is needed from Ajax if they are to leave France with three points and get their campaign firmly back on track. The Dutch side offered very little last time, while Marseille played their part in a thrilling match with the competition's most successful team. Back Marseille at home in the match-winner betting market.
Tip: Marseille win @ 4/7 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Marseille beats Ajax, the bookmaker will boost your balance.
Arsenal vs Olympiakos, Wednesday, 20:00 BST
We're in London as Mikel Arteta aims to lead his Arsenal side to an important win over Greek opposition in Olympiakos. The Gunners have impressed in the first few weeks of the Premier League season, beating the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Manchester United without conceding a goal. They also beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in Spain.
Olympiakos aren't expected to last too long in this competition, with many respected pundits predicting the Greeks will bow out at the end of the league phase. They drew 0-0 at home to Pafos, a team they should be beating quite comfortably. The fact that Pafos played most of the match with ten men does little to inspire confidence in the visitors.
Arsenal are favourites to beat Olympiakos, and I'm confident they'll get the job done with minimal fuss. The locals have been scoring goals for fun, but just as impressive has been their sturdy defence. Arsenal will keep their opponents camped in their half for much of this game, and a home win to nil is a fantastic option for those looking for a higher return.
Tip: Arsenal win to nil @ 1/1 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Arsenal must win this match, but they must also keep Olympiakos from scoring a goal.
Barcelona vs PSG, Wednesday, 20:00 BST
The main attraction from the second round of fixtures in this season's Champions League comes from the Camp Nou, where Barcelona play the defending champions, PSG. This fixture wouldn't look out of place as the final, but which side will draw first blood? Will the Spaniards make home advantage count to cause an upset?
PSG picked up where they left off in this competition, strolling past Atalanta in Paris. They made a mockery of what had been billed as a potential banana skin, hammering their Serie A opponents 4-0, sending an early statement of intent. Marquinhos had PSG ahead inside three minutes of play, with Kvaratskhelia doubling his team's advantage before half-time.
In such a competitive and unpredictable match, it pays to trust the trends and stick with the stats. Both teams have scored at least one goal in each of the previous five meetings, a streak dating back to February 2017. In that time, the aggregate score is Barca 12-12 PSG. That encourages us to bet on both teams to score.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 4/11 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Barca and PSG score one or more goals each in this fixture, you'll bank a winner.
Villarreal vs Juventus, Wednesday, 20:00 BST
Our final pick from midweek comes from Spain, as Villarreal take aim at Juventus. La Liga vs Serie A games are always tasty, and this one will provide another spectacle. The Spaniards were beaten 1-0 in London by a Tottenham side that's still finding its feet. The beaten team had just 41% of the ball possession, and no shots on target. Will they be better at home?
Juventus aren't expected to win this season's Champions League trophy, but many experts predict the Old Lady will breeze through to the knockout rounds in the new year. Juve started their challenge in Italy, drawing 4-4 with Borussia Dortmund in a stunning game. They must be much more organised at the back if they're to go one better on Wednesday.
The fact that Juventus scored four goals against a high-ranking opponent in Dortmund, while Villarreal failed to score or get a shot on target at Spurs, makes picking the away win easy. Juve are the better and more experienced team, with fantastic odds attached.
Tip: Juventus win @ 9/5 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Juventus leave Spain with three Champions League points, you'll be counting your profits.
Discover the Best Betting Bonuses
If you're looking to take advantage of the Champions League matches for your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses page, you'll find some of the best promotions and bonus codes on the market.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.