Best Champions League Picks for Wednesday, Jan 28
By Darragh Culhane in Soccer News
Published:
- All 36 teams play on Wednesday in the final round of the UEFA Champions League group stage
- Every game kicks off at 3:00 pm ET
- Check out my picks and predictions for a mammoth final day of action
The Champions League group stage draws to a close on Wednesday with all 36 teams in action in what promises to be an epic final day.
UEFA bosses changed the format last season to bring more jeopardy into the final stages of the group phase, and we are promised just that, with three points separating third-placed Real Madrid and 15th-placed Juventus.
Reigning champions PSG take on English Premier League side Newcastle in the marquee fixture. Below are my Champions League picks for today’s action, alongside the best sportsbook odds for each pick. I also give my rationale for a couple of the big fixtures,
Champions League Picks and Predictions (Wednesday, Jan 28)
Odds as of 12:04 ET, January 27th.
Liverpool v Qarabag: Both Teams to Score (+116 at)
Even if Liverpool suffers a shock loss tonight, they have already likely secured safe passage to the Round of 16 and can expect a stern test from Qarabag, who will want a favourable draw in the play-off round.
The Azerbaijan Champions are no slouches, impressing in every stage of the tournament and are averaging just under two goals per game in the group stages.
Although Liverpool boast one of the better defences in the Champions League this season, they have been sloppy in the Premier League, as seen in their 3-2 loss to Bournemouth at the weekend and a disappointing draw to relegation-doomed Burnley a week previous.
With a playoff spot all but assured, expect Qarabag to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at Liverpool and grab a goal or two.
PSG v Newcastle: PSG to win (-190 at)
Picking reigning champions PSG to win a game at -190 isn’t exactly a spectacular insider pick, especially since they are one of the favourites to defend their crown, but the price still represents good value.
In what will be a tense affair with both sides needing a win to secure automatic qualification to the Round of 16, this is undoubtedly the game of the night.
Luis Enrique’s side have not yet hit the dizzying heights of the 2024/25 season, but with a do-or-die style match-up and at home, expect them to take care of Newcastle.
The Magpies have also failed to replicate their form from last season, failing to win any of their last four domestic games and needing a 102nd-minute goal to beat Leeds earlier this month.
Ajax v Olympiacos: Olympiacos to win (+125 at)
Dutch giants Ajax are not the force they once were and have struggled so far this campaign. Sitting on six points, a win could qualify them for the play-off stages, but they will need a number of results to go their way.
The Amsterdam-based outfit have shown some signs of life with a recent win against Villareal, but a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup seemed like a crisis point for the club.
Olympiacos have shown themselves to be tough opposition this campaign, losing a 4-3 thriller to Real Madrid and beating Bayer Leverkusen, so don’t be surprised to see an away win.
