The 2016-17 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with Matchday 1 of the group stage.
Sportsnet’s soccer panel of broadcasters, writers and pundits offer their picks and predictions below…
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. ARSENAL
James Sharman, Sportsnet: With Ludogorets and Basel rounding out this group, it is no surprise that all eyes are on this match. That is probably a slap in the face to those two teams, especially Basel who have a fine record against English sides in Europe, but let’s be honest: PSG and Arsenal are the big favourites.
Both have made stuttering starts to their domestic campaigns, although Saturday’s win against Southampton courtesy of a Santi Cazorla penalty in injury time eased some of the pressure off Arsene Wenger. Newcomers Lucas Perez and Shkodran Mustafi both earned debuts in that win, with the German defender looking especially strong. In fact, Arsenal defended very well against the Saints, something they will need to do against PSG even as it struggles to find an identity since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
PSG and Arsenal are both feeling the heat early on this season, so expect a pragmatic approach from both teams despite their preferred style of going all out in attack.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain wins 1-0
BENFICA vs. BESIKTAS
John Molinaro, Sportsnet.ca: The reigning Portuguese and Turkish champions trail their city rivals by two points in the early stages of their respective domestic leagues, so they both come into this one needing a win to put some wind in their sails.
There’s some Canadian content in this one, too. Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson is a key figure for Besiktas, and you just know he’ll be aiming to make a big splash on European club soccer’s biggest stage, especially after the recent disappointment of Canada being knocked out of World Cup qualifying.
Benfica has the edge in terms of experience—they haven’t sat out a Champions League since 2009, which is also the same year that Besiktas last competed in the group stage. Also, Benfica has won five of their last six games against with Turkish opposition in Lisbon.
Prediction: Benfica wins 1-0.
MORE ON THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 10 players to watch in the first round || 8 matches to watch in the first round || Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson set to play in Champions League || Champions League: What you need to know this week || Sportsnet’s Champions League predictions for Matchday 1 || Celtic never stood a chance vs. ruthless Barca || Barca, Bayern make big opening statements
REAL MADRID vs. SPORTING CP
Peter Galindo, Sportsnet.ca: The major storyline surrounding this match is Cristiano Ronaldo facing his former club. While the homecoming in Lisbon later on in the group stage will be more emotional, this is still a crucial game for both teams. Real Madrid is off to a strong start in La Liga, winning its first three matches by a combined score of 10-3. Ronaldo also returned this past weekend against Osasuna and scored in the 5-2 victory, so Zinedine Zidane’s side earned a much-needed boost ahead of Wednesday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Sporting has also been on a roll domestically. Jorge Jesus’ men have won their first four games, including a 2-1 win over FC Porto on Aug. 28. There is still some uncertainty surrounding the Portuguese side, though. It made a plethora of attack-minded signings this summer after selling two of the team’s best players in Joao Mario and Islam Slimani. Newcomers Bas Dost and Joel Campbell are the pick of the lot, but will that be enough to counter the current European champions?
Prediction: Real Madrid wins 3-1.
JUVENTUS vs. SEVILLA
Dan Riccio, Sportsnet 590 The FAN : Juventus comes into this season’s Champions League as one of the top favourites. Not among the second tier teams like in the past, but as a genuine favourite alongside Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The summer buy of Gonzalo Higuain would indicate that Juve is going for it—the hope is that the Argentine striker, bought for a club record fee from Napoli, will be the final piece of the puzzle for the Italian champions to conquer Europe.
Higuain has delivered so far in Serie A, with three goals in three appearances while making just one start. This is a team that is primed for a lengthy run in Europe, and you can expect them to start against Sevilla. The Spanish side is no pushover, but if the Bianconeri are who they say they are, then this should be three points at home.
Prediction: Juventus wins 2-0.
Sportsnet’s Soccer Central podcast (featuring James Sharman, Thomas Dobby, Brendan Dunlop and John Molinaro) takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues.
