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Icardi continues to be lethal for Gala
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Sevilla struggling again
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Ignore Napoli result and go for goals
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Di Maria is rolling back the years
Galatasaray v FC Copenhagen (Wednesday, 17:45)
With Manchester United in poor form, the Group A underdogs Galatasaray and Copenhagen, will have their eye on the possibility of last-16 qualification.
Getting off to a good start will be crucial in a group that also includes Bayern Munich and it is Galatasaray that have the home advantage here. The Turkish giants are unbeaten in ten games this season (W8 D2), with Okan Buruk now having a squad full of talented players at his disposal, following a busy summer in the transfer market.
Mauro Icardi was signed permanently after last season's loan. He scored 23 in 26 games in 2022-23 and already has eight goals in as many matches during this campaign. With that sort of record and Copenhagen not being defensively secure, even against limited opposition, Icardi looks much too big at 10/111.91 to score.
Sevilla v Lens (Wednesday, 17:45)
The Europa League holders Sevilla begin their Champions League journey on Wednesday, when they host Lens.
That Europa League success was an unlikely ending to a season that saw the club have to change managers twice. It was Jose Luis Mendilibar who delivered that trophy, but he is now struggling, with his side's 1-0 win over Las Palmas over the weekend, the first victory following three defeats in LaLiga.
With that sort of form, it's best to avoid the result here, especially as Lens are also having a difficult time in Ligue 1, with just one point from their first five games (D1 L4). Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals has landed in three of Sevilla's four league games and is available at 6/52.20.
Braga v Napoli (Wednesday, 20:00)
Napoli will be looking to get their season back on track when they travel to Braga.
After winning their first two games in Serie A, Napoli have lost at home to Lazio and then drew 2-2 with promoted Genoa at the weekend. It's also been a mixed start for Braga, who have only won two of their five games in the Primeira Liga (D1 L2). Yet to reach this stage, the Portuguese club had to come through qualifiers against TSC and Panathinaikos, winning all four legs.
Napoli are rightful favourites, but 8/111.73 is too short to back them to win, considering their recent form. Instead, go for both teams to score, over 2.5 goals and Victor Osimhen to score at odds of 15/82.88.
Benfica v RB Salzburg (Wednesday, 20:00)
In Group D, Benfica are expected to get off to a winning start against RB Salzburg.
Since losing their opening Primeira Liga game, they have won four on the bounce, beating Vizela 2-1 over the weekend. Salzburg dropped their first points with a 2-2 draw at Sturm Graz, after winning their previous five games. Yet the Champions League is of course a massive step up from the Austrian Bundesliga, with Red Bull only winning of their six group games last season.
Benfica should win, but odds of 1/31.33 in our Match Odds 90 market, do not appeal, even within a Bet Builder. Instead, take a chance on Angel Di Maria to score at 7/42.75. The veteran has found the net five times in six games, since rejoining Benfica in the summer.
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