Champions League Predictions: How will Liverpool and Spurs fare on Wednesday?

It’s make-or-break time for several sides in the Champions League, including Liverpool and Tottenham – Greg Lea previews four big games on Wednesday and provides his Champions League predictions.

Ajax v Liverpool

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

After two steps forward with back-to-back 1-0 victories over Manchester City and West Ham, Liverpool took a step back at the weekend. A lacklustre display at the City Ground led to a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest, who had not won a match since August. Liverpool seem unable to generate momentum this term.

They have at least performed well in the Champions League since an opening-day thrashing by Napoli. Three wins from three since then means Liverpool only need a point on Wednesday to qualify for the round of 16.

The problem, though, is that Jurgen Klopp’s side have been poor on the road in 2022/23, winning just one of their seven games away from Anfield. Ajax could take advantage.

Prediction: Ajax or draw @ 2

Atletico Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Atletico Madrid have work to do in Group B. Without a win since matchday one, they trail second-placed Porto by two points and can no longer catch Club Brugge in top spot. This is a must-win encounter for Diego Simeone’s side.

The long-serving Atletico boss never needs an excuse to enact a cautious game plan, but the state of the group means Wednesday’s match is particularly unlikely to be an exhibition of free-flowing football.

A 1-0 win would suit Atletico just fine, while Bayer Leverkusen’s struggles in the Bundesliga mean their minds may be elsewhere. Goals could be at a premium at the Civitas Metropolitano.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.99

Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Barcelona’s hopes of advancing to the round of 16 are hanging by a thread. A 3-3 draw with Inter two weeks ago has left the Blaugrana on the brink of elimination. If Inter beat Viktoria Plzen at the San Siro, the outcome of this match in Catalonia will be redundant.

Even so, Barcelona will not want to exit the competition with a whimper. They actually performed well in the reverse fixture against Bayern Munich, but some profligate finishing ultimately proved costly as the Bundesliga champions fought their way back into the match in the second half.

Bayern have a 100% record so far, but a draw with Inter on matchday six will be enough for them to win the group regardless of what happens here. Short of motivation, they could come unstuck at Camp Nou.

Prediction: Barcelona to win @ 2.4

Tottenham v Sporting 

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League have harmed Tottenham’s title chances. But beyond the results, Antonio Conte will be most disappointed with how his side performed against Manchester United and Newcastle. Shaky at the back and limp in attack, Spurs did not look like a team capable of challenging for major prizes this season.

Conte’s side will at least secure their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League  with a victory over Sporting CP, although nothing can be taken for granted – especially as Spurs lost the reverse fixture 2-0.

Sporting have scored in three of their four Champions League games to date, while Tottenham have not been convincing defensively in recent outings – goals at both ends is a distinct possibility in North London on Wednesday.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.85

Champions League predictions

Ajax v Liverpool: Ajax or draw @ 2
Atletico v Leverkusen: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.99
Barcelona v Bayern: Barcelona to win @ 2.4
Tottenham Hotspur v Sporting CP: Both teams to score @ 1.85