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These weekly Champions League matches have been an absolute treat. However, with the international break looming, this is set to be the final matchday until the last week of November.
Let’s make the most of it.
Liverpool (+105) at Atalanta (+215), Draw (+250); Nov. 3 @ 3 p.m. ET
Perched atop Group D after two games, Liverpool face arguably their toughest test of the group stage as they head to Bergamo on Tuesday. The free-scoring Italians present a daunting task for Jurgen Klopp’s makeshift backline, which will likely feature Rhys Williams and Joe Gomez in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, and Joel Matip.
Atalanta boast an abundance of attacking quality, and we know they won’t just sit back and defend under Gian Piero Gasperini. Their aggressive style will give Liverpool fits, which Klopp will take into consideration with his team selection as the Reds face a crucial trip to the Etihad on Sunday. There’s excellent value here in backing the hosts, with Liverpool still in a comfortable position to progress even in defeat.
Pick: Atalanta (+215)
Bayern Munich (-300) at Salzburg (+625), Draw (+425); Nov. 3 @ 3 p.m.
It’s been a frustrating start to the group stage for Salzburg, who were unlucky not to claim three points against Lokomotiv before being undone by a late Atletico goal in Madrid. Sitting on one point through two matches, they can’t afford a defeat to Bayern if they’re to have any hopes of progressing.
It’s a tall order given Bayern have won 13 straight Champions League matches, but Salzburg aren’t a side to sit back against the defending champions, which works to their advantage here. We saw Salzburg give great games to Liverpool and Napoli last season, while Bayern have been made to sweat away from home, narrowly beating Lokomotiv last week and Olympiacos last season. Bayern visit Signal Iduna Park this weekend, and should they be caught looking ahead, Salzburg are well-equipped to take advantage.
Pick: Draw (+425)
Borussia Dortmund (-180) at Club Brugge (+400), Draw (+305), Nov. 4 @ 3:00 p.m.
Dortmund, who make up the other half of Der Klassiker, will welcome Bayern to northern Germany on Sunday. It’s one of the bigger derbies between the Bundesliga rivals – which are tied at 15 points atop the table – in years, so it’s sure to grab some of Dortmund’s focus from a midweek trip to Belgium. Striker Erling Haaland missed Dortmund’s game this past weekend, and he certainly won’t be risked here with Lucien Favre ensuring his availability against Bayern.
Dortmund have just two goals from open play through two Champions League matches, with Haaland scoring both of them. His absence will leave a gaping hole atop the visitors’ attack against a Brugge side that’s capable defensively and potent on the counter. Both of these clubs have quite similar approaches, which will make for a tense encounter Wednesday. Dortmund left Belgium with a 1-0 win courtesy of a very late goal when these clubs met in the group stage two seasons ago, but with Brugge more experienced this time around, they are good value to secure a point.
Pick: Draw (+305)
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.