Champions League Tips: Will Liverpool bounce back at Ibrox on Wednesday?

The Champions League continues on Wednesday with an all-British clash, as well as a meeting between two European giants. Here is Greg Lea’s preview of the action.

Napoli v Ajax

Kick-off: 5.45pm Wednesday

Napoli blew Ajax away last week with a 6-1 victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena. It was a magnificent display from Luciano Spalletti’s side, who maintained their 100% record in Group A. After that success, Napoli’s goal difference grew to a remarkable +11 courtesy of 13 goals in their three Champions League games to date this season.

Napoli are flying in Italy too - they have won seven of their first nine fixtures and have found the back of the net 22 times. In all competitions, the Serie A leaders are averaging close to three goals per game, and you should back them to maintain that ratio on Wednesday.

Prediction: Napoli to score over 2.5 goals @ 2.6

Barcelona v Inter

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage last season for the first time in 21 years. Just 12 months on and they are in danger of repeating the trick once again following two defeats in their first three matches. As a result, this game against Inter has become a must-not-lose encounter for Xavi Hernandez’s men.

Inter’s counter-attacking style worked a treat in a 1-0 defeat of Barcelona last week, yet it is difficult to imagine the Blaugrana being as flat at the Camp Nou as they were for the majority of the game at San Siro. 

With four home clean sheets from as many games in LaLiga, Barcelona will at least have confidence at the back. One goal might seal this for the Spanish side.

Prediction: Barcelona to win to nil @ 2.5

Rangers v Liverpool

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

The final scoreline was close and Arsenal’s match-winning penalty was controversial, but there was no doubt that Liverpool were second-best at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Reds looked leggy and one-paced, and were beaten by a team that played with the energy and intensity that once characterised Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Things look a little less gloomy in the Champions League after back-to-back wins over Ajax and Rangers, and Liverpool should register another victory here. Back them to make a fast start!

Prediction: Liverpool to win the first half @ 1.89

Spurs v Eintracht Frankfurt

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

It was not particularly pretty, but Tottenham got the job done against Brighton & Hove Albion in the league on Saturday. Their all-round performance was arguably better in the 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt a few days earlier, but their finishing let them down in Germany.

With four points from the first nine available, Tottenham have work to do in Group D. Conte will preach the importance of a third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, so this is unlikely to be a thriller.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.24

Viktoria Plzen v Bayern Munich

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Bayern are sitting pretty at the top of the group of death after victories over Inter, Barcelona and Viktoria Plzen without conceding a single goal. They thrashed the Czech outfit 5-0 at the Allianz Arena last week, a scoreline they may struggle to repeat in the reverse fixture.

Even so, it is hard to predict anything other than another one-sided encounter here. Back Bayern to run out comfortable winners once more.

Prediction: Bayern -2.5 Asian handicap @ 1.98

Recommended trades

Napoli v Ajax: Napoli to score over 2.5 goals @ 2.6
Barcelona v Inter: Barcelona to win to nil @ 2.5
Rangers v Liverpool: Liverpool to win the first half @ 1.89
Tottenham Hotspur v Eintracht Frankfurt: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.24
Viktoria Plzen v Bayern Munich: Bayern -2.5 Asian handicap @ 1.98