Matchday 2 of the Uefa Champions League concludes on Wednesday night when our focus is on Union Saint-Gilloise v Newcastle, Barcelona v PSG and Monaco v Manchester City
Union Saint-Gilloise 5/2 Draw 29/10 Newcastle evens
Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise were very much the underdogs for their visit to PSV on Matchday 1 but on their UCL debut they put in a terrific display to come away with a 3-1 win. Promise David scored an early penalty and Anouar Ait El Hadj made it 2-0 before half time. Kevin Mac Allister wrapped up the win with a late third goal before PSV grabbed a consolation.
After 9 rounds of Pro League matches Union have a 6 point lead at the top of the log with an unbeaten record which comprises of 7 wins and 2 draws. They have won all 4 of their home agmes, scoring 12 goals in total without conceding.
Newcastle took on Barcelona at St. James Park in their opening game and they ran into Marcus Rashford on the wrong day as he scored twice in the second half before Gordon's late goal saw the Geordies go down 2-1.
Newcastle also lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal on Sunday, a game they led 1-0 and they have just 6 points to show from as many games in the EPL. They have scored just 4 league goals this season whilst conceding 5.
The Verdict
I'll admit to knowing very little about the Belgian side but that was a great win at PSV and they could give Newcastle a scare. Promise David would appear to be one of the more likely goalscorers if the hosts are to breach this Newcastle defence.
Bets: Anytime goalscorer Promise David at 21/10 with Sportingbet
Note prices quoted are subject to change
Barcelona 9/10 Draw 33/10 PSG 2.65/1
The Rashford super show got Barca off to win a winning start at Newcastle and they now take aim at the defending champions.
Barca are unbeaten in La Liga with 6 wins and 1 draw and they are 1 point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the standings. They have scored 21 goals in those 7 matches whilst conceding 5.
PSG scored twice in each half as they thumped Atalanta 4-0 on Matchday 1. Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia put them in charge and they also missed a penalty before further goals from Mendes and Goncalo Ramos.
PSG have won 5 and lost 1 of their first 6 Ligue 1 matches and they top the standings ahead of Lyon on goal difference.
The Verdict
Whatever happens here you would expect to see both of these sides in the top 8 by the end of the league phase and I would suggest the value in the match result market lies with the draw.
Bets: Match result draw at 33/10 with Betway
Note prices quoted are subject to change
Monaco 6/1 Draw 44/10 Manchester City 4/10
Monaco were thumped 4-1 away to Club Brugge on Matchday 1. They conceded 3 goals in a 10 minute spell late in the first half and another in the second half before Ansu Fati's late consoloation.
Monaco have won 4 and lost 2 of their Ligue 1 matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding 10 and they are in fourth spot in the standings, 3 points off the pace.
City welcomed de Bruyne back to Manchester in Round 1 where they saw off Napoli 2-0. Their task was simplified when Napoli were reduced to 10 men after 21 minutes and second half goals from Haaland and Doku saw City home and dry.
City thrashed Burnley 5-1 in the EPL on Saturday and with 10 points from 6 matches they are in seventh spot, 5 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The Verdict
Monaco were poor at Brugge and I'm with City to score 2-3 goals in their multi goal market.
Bets: Man City multi goals, 2-3 at even money with Sportingbet
Note prices quoted are subject to change