The countdown towards an absolutely crucial set of Champions League group stage matches is on as teams fight for a spot in the Round of 16. While the teams are in their local leagues this weekend, matchday five and six will see a number of teams clashing for a chance to advance next week, including the highly anticipated showdown between Roma and Manchester City. The action gets underway on Tuesday, Dec. 9 with eight games on the slate. Wednesday presents us with another wave with eight more match-ups to bet on.
We’ve done the dirty work and sifted through the card for you. Here are the best Champions League match-ups to keep your eye on next week:
Roma vs. Manchester City — Wednesday, 2:45 PM ET
Betting Odds: Manchester City +151, Roma +167, Draw +238
Roma and Manchester City will get together at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. City has to win and hope that CSKA Moscow loses in order to have a chance to advance but if they lose, they are out of Europe altogether. Meanwhile, Roma can advance to the Round of 16 for the second straight year with a victory. If they draw, they would need Bayern to either win or draw against CSKA Moscow to advance.
The main question for this match-up is which Roma team will show up? The one that beat Moscow 5-1 or the one that lost to Bayern 7-1? Those were two wildly differing efforts. Roma has won their last three home matches against Premier League teams while City has never won in Italy where they have posted a 0-2-2 record. However, Sergio Aguero has been on an absolute tear while both David Silva and Vincent Kompany could return, which will give them a boost. A healthy City team will have a chance to steal a win on the road and considering the magic that Aguero has produced in recent games, it wouldn’t be a major surprise if they emerged victorious and found their way to the Champions League. They’re a slight favorite in this game even though they’re on the road. Pick: Manchester City[divider] Chelsea vs. Sporting Lisbon — Wednesday, 2:45 PM ET
Betting Odds: Chelsea -154, Sporting Lisbon +421, Draw +268
Sporting Lisbon is holding down the second spot in the Group G standings but they are in a tough spot taking on a tough Chelsea team in their group stage finale. Lisbon has zero wins to show for their last four road games against Premier League opponents and while the Blues have already booked their spot in the next round, manager Jose Mourinho would love nothing more than to continue his bid to become the first coach to win the European Cup with three different teams by guiding his side to an emphatic home win. Chelsea has been outstanding both in the Premier League and on the Champions League stage. Sporting Lisbon is in need of a miracle in this one but it’s unlikely. Chelsea will remain hot with another big win at Stamford Bridge. Pick: Chelsea[divider]Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain — Wednesday, 2:45 PM ET
Betting Odds: Barcelona -215, Paris Saint Germain +528, Draw +339
Even though both teams have already booked their spots in the Round of 16, this weekend’s game at Camp Nou will determine which team takes first place in Group F and which drops to second. The French champions have lost just two of their last 11 UEFA Champions League road games, but this contest could have a much different feel with Lionel Messi and company defending their home field. Beating Barca at Camp Nou is next to impossible. They’ve lost just once in their last 29 Champions League home games. As per usual, they’re a sizable home favorite and while this won’t be a blowout, it’s hard to imagine PSG getting the win here. Look for Barcelona to find a way to secure a victory and clinch top spot in their group for the eighth straight season. Pick: Barcelona
