After months and months of ancitipation, the Champions League is back—with the second iteration of the extended league phase that replaced the old style group stage.
UEFA were quick to label their change of format a success in the aftermath of its conclusion earlier this year, although some will continue to raise debate over the excessive demands that are being put on players.
Nevertheless, the 36 participating teams are in for another eight-game slog that will only eliminate a third of the competition, with the knockout playoff round offering salvation for potentially those that underperform during the initial phase, as eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain did last term.
Gameweek 1 is scheduled a little differently to the rest, with 18 games played over three days, as opposed to two. Thus, we can kick back for the entire midweek and enjoy the finest club competition on earth play out its traditional mayhem.
Here are predictions for the opening matchday—Tuesday’s action, specifically— of the league phase.
Athletic Club vs. ArsenalPSV Eindhoven vs. Union Saint-GilloiseBenfica vs. QarabagJuventus vs. Borussia DortmundReal Madrid vs. MarseilleTottenham Hotspur vs. VillarrealMatchday 9/16 Predictions
