Champions League Wednesday Predictions: Can Chelsea and City win their final group matches?

The Champions League 2022/23 group stage concludes on Wednesday – here, football expert Greg Lea offers his top tips and Champions League predictions for the action across the continent.

Chelsea v Dinamo Zagreb

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Chelsea collected just one point from the first six available in Group E, but three wins on the bounce mean they have secured qualification for the round of 16 with a game to spare.

With a crunch London derby against Arsenal to come this weekend, Graham Potter would be forgiven for prioritising his team’s next Premier League encounter, especially after his side were thumped 4-1 by Brighton last time out.

Even a weakened Chelsea team would fancy their chances of overcoming Dinamo Zagreb, notwithstanding the Croatians’ defeat of the Blues on matchday one. Dinamo could yet finish third and progress in Europe via the Europa League, but Chelsea will probably prove too strong at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: Chelsea to win to nil @ 2.18

Juventus v PSG

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

This has been a dismal campaign for Juventus, who might not even finish third in Group H. Currently level on points with Maccabi Haifa, the Italian giants will miss out on the Europa League if the Israeli outfit better their result on Wednesday.

PSG are safely through to the knockout stage but they still have something to play for. Christophe Galtier’s side are level on 11 points with Benfica, so only a win would guarantee them top spot. I therefore expect PSG to take this game seriously.

Juventus have let in eight goals in Champions League first halves this term, which is more than PSG and Benfica have conceded overall. The French side will try their best to exploit that flaw.

Prediction: PSG to win the first half @ 1.95

Manchester City v Sevilla

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Manchester City have once again made light work of the Champions League group stage. A goalless draw with Borussia Dortmund last week means Pep Guardiola’s side have already wrapped up first place in Group G. Meanwhile, Sevilla are guaranteed a place in the Europa League after Christmas, so this is one of matchday six’s dead rubbers.

The lack of pressure increases the chances of an entertaining encounter, though. Sevilla are now managed by the attack-minded Jorge Sampaoli, a Marcelo Bielsa disciple whose teams always try to play on the front foot. Even with Erling Haaland not available for City – the Norway international missed Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Leicester too – this promises to be a goal-laden affair.

Prediction: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.04

Shakhtar Donetsk v RB Leipzig

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

If you are looking for drama on Wednesday, this could be the match for you. The winner at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw will advance to the round of 16, while the loser will drop down into the Europa League. The stakes could not be higher.

RB Leipzig hold a three-point advantage as things stand, so a draw would be enough for them to progress. A club whose on-field identity is built upon speedy transitions and incisive counter-attacks will look to soak up pressure and spring forward with pace when the ball changes hands. It is a strategy that should help Leipzig get the result they need.

Christopher Nkunku has scored in each of his last three matches in all competitions, including last week’s victory over Real Madrid. Back the Frenchman to extend that streak in Poland.

Prediction: Christopher Nkunku to score anytime at 2.68

Champions League predictions

Chelsea v Zagreb: Chelsea to win to nil @ 2.18
Juventus v PSG: PSG to win the first half @ 1.95
Man City v Sevilla: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.04
Shakhtar v Leipzig: Christopher Nkunku to score anytime @ 2.68