UEFA Champions League Picks Today: UCL Predictions for October 20

I’m surprised by the decent odds available for Fenerbahce to win against Slavia Prague at home. Turkish sides are usually very good in Europe in front of their own crowd, but there are other reasons to consider this bet.

For a start, Fenerbahce was humiliated against Aston Villa in the previous round and will be looking to bounce back. There’s only one way to make up to your fans for a 6-0 defeat: win an important match!

The game against Slavia is a great opportunity to bounce back, as the Czech side has lost both matches in the tournament so far. I didn’t expect the away defeat against Sabah in the second round, to be honest, but it shows once again how big home advantage when underdogs meet in the Champions League.

Furthermore, Fenerbahce’s last four results in all competitions, if we exclude the Villa fiasco, produced four victories with a combined score of 16-0. This team is solid and should be able to win at home against Slavia Prague, so I’m backing Fenerbahce here.

Man City have endured a weird season so far, but one thing is certain: they know how to score goals! The team has delivered 19 goals in 7 EPL games and 4 goals in 2 UCL games.

The Champions League number doesn’t look so impressive until you realize that City played reigning UCL champs PSG and Porto away from home. Both games are quite tough, so averaging two goals is impressive.

City’s next opponent in Europe is much easier, as AEK Athens is simply not on the same level. The Greek side will come to the Etihad and try to defend, but I’m not optimistic about the team’s chances.

AEK’s stats in the domestic league look good, as they have only allowed 3 goals there. However, Manchester City is a completely different beast compared to what this team has faced so far. In fact, AEK allowed three goals against Shakthar in their only Champions League away game so far, so containing City will be a problem.

I expect some rotations from the hosts, but the attacking talent at Maresca’s disposal is formidable. I can easily see City scoring even five or more here, so backing them to get at least four goals at plus odds is one of the best Champions League bets today.