Champions League 2013/14: Wednesday 23rd October

Anderlecht (8) v PSG (4/9)

PSG’s fine start to the season – they are yet to be beaten – continued with a fine win at Bastia which will be famous for possibly Zaltan Ibrahimovic’s best goal yet and they can bring qualification another step closer with a comfortable win in Belgium. Laurent Blanc’s men haven’t conceded a goal so far and have the forward power to put distance between them and the Belgians.

Advice: 3 pts PSG -1 (21/20 Bet365)

Leverkusen (23/20) v Shakhtar (14/5)

Bayer Leverkisen’s ‘ghost goal’ gave them a win at Hoffenheim that keeps them apace with Bayern and Dortmund but this will be a much harder test and Shaktar – unlucky not to beat Manchester United in the other mathchday – can give them a serious test. The loss of Fernandinhio and Mkhitaryan has hurt them badly in the attacking stakes but they still carry a threat and they can get on the scoresheet at least.

 Bayern Munich (1/10) v Plzen (14)

This should be as routine as possible for Bayern Munich, who troe apart Manchester City on the second matchday with ease in a performance that served note of their transition to Pep Guardiola’s possession based style. They should overwhelm Plzen.

Advice: 1 pt Bayern to score 4 or more (8/11 Sportingbet)

Benfica (4/5) v Olympiakos (17/4)

Benfica were blown away against PSG but should still harbour plenty of hopes about getting a spot in the last 16 and they can beat Olympiakos tonight. The Greeks were superb at Anderlcht and have won well since but Benfica’s home record is a fearsome one and a 2-1 win at Estoril is a fine preparation for this test.

Advice: 3 pts Benfica (4/5 general)

Galatasaray (4/7) v Copenhagen (11/2)

Copenhagen were very lucky to scrape a point against Juventus and while Galatasaray have also been recipients of that fortune, they were far more deserving of their point and they can put their extra class and home advantage to good use to take a win here.

Advice: 1 pt Galatasaray -1 (7/5 Bet365)

Manchester United (4/6) v Real Socidedad (21/4)

Manchester United’s domestic woes continued with a sucker punch from Southampton leading to them dropping points at home yet again and significant changes to the starting eleven – with Vidic and Ferdinand removed from the back 4 and Robin Van Persie left out – may not help their cause. Sociedad were excellent against Leverkusen and can push the hosts here, albeit that I’m reluctant to side with them after a shaky league start.

Real Madrid (7/10) v Juventus (9/2)

Real Madrid have scored 10 goals in their two wins but overwhelmed a vastly inferior Copenhagen side and had the benefit of picking off Galatasaray’s overeagerness on the opening matchday. Juventus, however, have struggled in the tournament’s early stages once again and look vulnerable here if in te same defensive shape. However, at odds on, they look best avoided.