The UEFA Champions League returns for its final fixture before the New Year and the stakes are high for Europe’s heavy hitters. Wednesday’s matches include Barcelona visiting Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City taking on Juventus. Here’s what CBS Sports predicts will happen during another important week in the Champions League.
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Match of the Day: Juventus vs Man City
Notable players: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian’s return to City as a starting XI may or may not have simply fixed things. The jury was out on more points against Crystal Palace. It would be De Bruyne. –– James Benge
Man of the Match: Ilkay Gundogan – Despite the difficult moments facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Gundogan is the player the Spanish coach needs most right now due to his experience in the tournament. Juventus are not having their best moment either and Gundogan could cause plenty of problems for Vecchia Signora’s defence. — Francesco Porzio
prediction: Juve 1, City 1 — Pep Guardiola’s side continues to battle through poor form and has found life difficult in both the Premier League and Champions League. Thiago Motta’s Italians are in a similar position and don’t score too many goals in their games, so expect a fairly low score with either side able to sneak past by a goal. — Jonathan Johnson
Best way: Under 2.5 goals (-120): I will not bet on goals in games involving Juventus. I won’t bet on goals in games involving Juventus. me… You get it. Even without Bremer, this Juventus team will not give in under Thiago Motta and that will not change no matter which version of City they face. It’s not bad to throw a draw here at +240, but the under is a little safer. –Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs. dortmund
Notable players: Robert Lewandowski – that’s him, right? Back at the Westfalenstadion, he was reunited with the fans who had once loved him but now had to fear his presence in the opposition. Lewandowski has scored 27 goals in 26 games against Dortmund, but has yet to achieve that goal in a Barcelona shirt. Considering his recent form, you’d support him adding to the tally once again. –– James Benge
Man of the Match: Raphinha – The Brazilian winger has scored five goals in his first five Champions League games this season and 11 in 17 La Liga games. He is probably the best player so far for the Hansi Flick-coached team, which returns to Germany on Wednesday. — Francesco Porzio
prediction: Dortmund 1, Barcelona 1 — These two teams go into this round of fixtures neck-and-neck, with the Catalan giants slightly ahead of the Germans on goal difference despite both teams having four wins and one loss. Don’t be surprised if this match ends in a tie and gives both sides their first draw of the European campaign. However, if one side comes out on top, Barca will most likely have the upper hand. — Jonathan Johnson
Best way: Both Teams to Score (-110): Barcelona’s high line effectively shielded the defense, but it is too easy to beat the defense in open play if the offside trap is not triggered. Dortmund are an experienced team who can make Barcelona pay in attack, and Barcelona’s attack is too loaded to not score, so it feels like a fair price for both to get to the back of the net. –Chuck Booth
