Aston Villa vs. Celtic (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Aiming to book a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League, Aston Villa will welcome Scottish giants Celtic to Villa Park for a Battle of Britain on Wednesday night in UEFA's elite club competition.
The Villans come into this clash following a share of the points with West Ham United in the Premier League, whilst the Bhoys have been afforded nearly a week to bask in the glory of their victory over Young Boys on matchday seven of the League Phase.
We say: Aston Villa 1-0 Celtic
With plenty on the line for both Villa and Celtic on Wednesday night, we are expecting a nervy contest as the two sides battle it out for a potential top-eight spot.
The Villans will have more quality on the pitch and in reserve, and we feel that a moment of magic from the hosts will lead to a narrow success on the final night of the league phase.
> Champions League preview: Aston Villa vs Celtic
> Decimated frontline? Celtic predicted XI vs. Aston Villa
> Injury crisis worsens? Aston Villa predicted XI vs. Celtic
Barcelona vs. Atalanta (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Barcelona will attempt to maintain their unbeaten record in 2025 when they play host to Atalanta BC in Wednesday's Champions League encounter.
The Blaugrana, who have already sealed a top-eight spot, could still finish the league phase in first place, while seventh-placed Atalanta will attempt to secure an automatic last-16 berth on matchday eight.
We say: Barcelona 3-2 Atalanta BC
Atalanta certainly possesses enough firepower to cause Barcelona problems in Wednesday's Champions League clash, but given the fact the Catalan giants have scored at least three goals in their last six European games, we think they will outscore the visitors to claim all three points.
> Champions League preview: Barcelona vs Atalanta
> Will Pedri be fit to start? Predicted Barcelona XI vs. Atalanta
> Update on Olmo's availability: Barcelona injury, suspension news vs. Atalanta
B. Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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With automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 at stake for Bayer Leverkusen, they will hope to beat visitors Sparta Prague on Wednesday at BayArena and advance to the next stage.
Leverkusen are eighth in the final automatic qualification spot with 13 points but their 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid on January 21 means they head into the final Champions League matchweek level on points with the five teams below them, while Sparta are 29th with four points and have already been eliminated.
We say: Bayer Leverkusen 5-1 Sparta Prague
Given Sparta have already been eliminated from the competition, it would be surprising if they put up much resistance against their hosts.
Leverkusen could score multiple goals on Wednesday considering the visitors have been poor defensively in the Champions League, and they should be confident of qualifying automatically for the round of 16.
> Champions League preview: B. Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague
Dortmund vs. Shakhtar (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Borussia Dortmund will hope to qualify automatically for the Champions League round of 16 when they welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.
Dortmund are 14th with 12 points and have qualified for the playoffs at minimum despite their 2-1 loss against Bologna on January 21, whereas their opponents are in 27th place with seven points and have a slim chance of qualifying for the round of 16 playoffs.
We say: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
With Dortmund's future uncertain following the dismissal of Sahin, they may not play to their full potential on Wednesday.
Additionally, Shakhtar are likely to pose a significant challenge to BVB given they have to win, and it is difficult to see the hosts coming through their clash unscathed considering they are low on confidence.
> Champions League preview: Dortmund vs Shakhtar
Brest vs. Real Madrid (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Separated by just one point and three places in the Champions League league phase table, Brest and Real Madrid square up to one another on the final matchday at the Stade Francis Le-Ble.
Both sides could still crack the top-eight positions with a victory on Wednesday, but they would also require an astonishing set of results to go their way for that scenario to come to fruition.
We say: Brest 1-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid have discovered their taste for goals again, and even though they might be lamenting the absence of Vinicius yet again, Ancelotti's men should run into few obstacles in France.
Brest's stellar home record is unlikely to count for much against the holders, although both sides should enter the playoff pot regardless of Wednesday's result.
> Champions League preview: Brest vs Real Madrid
> Who replaces suspended Vinicius? Predicted Real Madrid XI vs. Brest
> Is Vinicius available? Real Madrid injury, suspension news vs. Brest
> Kylian Mbappe's record vs. Brest
Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Seeking a sixth straight Champions League win, thereby confirming their place in the last 16, AC Milan will visit Dinamo Zagreb for Wednesday's frantic league-phase finale.
The teams convene at Stadion Maksimir, with Milan having already secured at least a place in the playoffs; Dinamo are still in contention to progress, but they need maximum points.
We say: Dinamo Zagreb 1-2 AC Milan
Milan have scored at least three times on each of their previous visits to Stadion Maksimir, but this should be a more closely fought encounter.
As Dinamo have nothing left to lose, they could prove dangerous opponents for the hit-and-miss Rossoneri, so there may be only one goal in it.
> Champions League preview: Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan
Bayern vs. Slovan Bratislava (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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On Wednesday, Bayern Munich will be looking to climb the Champions League standings when they lock horns with Slovan Bratislava in the final round of league phase fixtures.
The hosts are sitting in 15th spot and one point adrift of the top eight, while the visitors are down in 35th position without a point to their name, leaving them with just pride to play for against the German giants.
We say: Bayern Munich 3-1 Slovan Bratislava
Slovan have conceded three or more goals in six of their seven matches in the league phase, and we think they could experience another difficult evening when they go up against a Bayern side that have won each of their last four competitive home matches, scoring 17 goals across those four victories.
> Champions League preview: Bayern vs Slovan Bratislava
Salzburg vs. Atletico (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Atletico Madrid will look to seal a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League when they travel to Austria for Wednesday's meeting with Red Bull Salzburg.
In contrast to the visitors, Salzburg only have pride to play for in the final match of the league phase, having taken just three points from seven matches.
We say: Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico may have experienced frustration in their last two La Liga outings, but had no such trouble in recent Champions League fixtures, and we think the Spanish side will have the quality required to claim a fifth consecutive European victory with a relatively comfortable win over Salzburg.
> Champions League preview: Salzburg vs Atletico
Girona vs. Arsenal (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Needing just a point to ensure their rightful place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Arsenal's final league phase encounter takes them to Girona's Montilivi base on Wednesday evening.
The third-placed Gunners eased to a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb last time out in Europe, but their hosts lost 1-0 to AC Milan on matchday seven and have already been consigned to an early exit.
We say: Girona 0-2 Arsenal
Girona's lack of Champions League goals do not tell the full story - they have amassed 8.9 Expected Goals but have only made the net ripple four times - suggesting that they may not be in their current predicament had they been a touch more clinical.
However, Arsenal appear to be rediscovering their defensive steel, and Arteta's men should have no problem breaching their hosts' injury-hit backline on multiple occasions as they sail through to the last 16.
> Champions League preview: Girona vs Arsenal
> Nwaneri starts, is Odegaard fit? Predicted Arsenal XI vs. Girona
> Can Odegaard battle back from bug? Arsenal injury list for Girona clash
Inter Milan vs. Monaco (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Inter Milan and Monaco meet at San Siro on matchday eight of the Champions League league phase with both clubs still seeking to ensure a direct route into the last 16.
All of the teams from third to 13th are still in with a chance of making or missing the top eight, including these two, but the hosts are in a very comfortable position, with Monaco needing a big night.
We say: Inter Milan 2-0 Monaco
Considering that 17 of Inter's last 22 Champions League games have seen two goals or less, including six of their seven this season, another tight encounter is on the cards, but one that should go in favour of the hosts.
Monaco have recovered from a poor start to 2025, but this will be their biggest challenge for quite some time, and the visitors may have to settle for a spot in the playoffs.
> Champions League preview: Inter Milan vs Monaco
Juventus vs. Benfica (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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With playoff places on the line, two former European Cup winners meet on Wednesday evening, as Juventus and Benfica clash in the Champions League.
Coming into the league-phase finale, Juve have already confirmed a place in the knockout rounds but are one point shy of the top eight, while last week's incredible loss to Barcelona means Benfica could still be eliminated.
We say: Juventus 2-1 Benfica
Benfica are averaging two goals per game in this season's Champions League, but Juventus can usually keep things tight - it is just a matter of whether they find any rhythm in the final third.
If the hosts are able to break through a suspect visiting defence, then they should go on to win, leaving the endangered Eagles awaiting news from elsewhere.
> Champions League preview: Juventus vs Benfica
Lille vs. Feyenoord (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Lille and Feyenoord, separated by just one spot in the Champions League standings, are set to face off on Wednesday night in the final matchday of the league phase.
The hosts are 12th with 13 points from seven games, while the visitors are 11th also with 13 points, leaving both still in the hunt for a top eight finish.
We say: Lille 2-2 Feyenoord
Both teams will be eager to secure all three points as they aim to secure a top eight finish on the final day, setting the stage for a highly competitive encounter between two evenly matched sides, leading us to believe it will end all square.
> Champions League preview: Lille vs Feyenoord
Man City vs. Brugge (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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At risk of an incredibly premature elimination from the Champions League, Manchester City's final league phase encounter pits them against Belgian outfit Club Brugge at the Etihad on Wednesday evening.
Pep Guardiola's side find themselves outside the top 24 after an astonishing collapse against Paris Saint-Germain last week, but their visitors are currently on course for a playoff spot after holding Juventus to a goalless draw.
We say: Manchester City 2-0 Club Brugge
Club Brugge have been no pushovers in the Champions League in recent weeks, and the Belgian giants could very well just sit back and try to absorb pressure given that a point will do for them.
However, a desperate Man City should carve their way through eventually, and with concerns over the health of Vanaken, their visitors should not respond, as Guardiola's men prolong their Champions League adventure for a little while longer.
> Champions League preview: Man City vs Brugge
> Khusanov dropped after debut disaster? Predicted Man City XI vs. Club Brugge
> Dias, Doku, Ake, Bobb latest: Man City injury, suspension list for Club Brugge clash
PSV vs. Liverpool (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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One of the few Champions League games with very little riding on it in matchday eight will see Liverpool make the trip over to the Netherlands to face Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
Both clubs sit top of their respective domestic leagues, and this will be Arne Slot's first trip back to his homeland since leaving Feyenoord for Anfield in the summer.
We say: PSV Eindhoven 0-1 Liverpool
PSV are unbeaten in 11 home games in Europe, but their last defeat here came against an English club back in 2022, against Leicester City in the Conference League.
Liverpool have never lost to PSV in six previous meetings, winning the last five, and they will be keen to make sure they end the league phase on top with a 100% record, even if there are some changes to the starting XI.
> Champions League preview: PSV vs Liverpool
> Salah, Van Dijk to be afforded a rest? Liverpool predicted lineup vs. PSV
> Two out, hope for Jones? Liverpool injury list for PSV clash
Sturm Graz vs. RB Leipzig (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Looking to end their respective European campaigns on a high note, Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig will lock horns for a Champions League clash at 28 Black Arena on Wednesday night.
Die Schwoazn are out of the competition following a heavy defeat on the road last time out, whilst Die Roten Bullen are aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the league phase.
We say: Sturm Graz 0-2 RB Leipzig
With only pride to play for and nothing tangible on the line for both teams, we could see a care-free approach from Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig.
Should such attitudes lead to an attacking affair, we expect Die Roten Bullen to come out on top, given their superior quality in midfield forward areas.
> Champions League preview: Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig
Sporting Lisbon vs. Bologna (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Sporting Lisbon will need a result when they welcome already-eliminated Bologna to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the Champions League on Wednesday.
After a superb start, Sporting's European campaign has derailed following the departure of Ruben Amorim, and that continued last midweek, with the hosts now in danger of slipping out of the top 24.
We say: Sporting Lisbon 2-0 Bologna
Only one of Sporting's last 24 Champions League home games has ended level, and that was over seven years ago, but they are very hot and cold, with 12 wins and 11 defeats.
Against a Bologna side playing just for pride though, the home team should fancy their chances of getting the point they need to advance, even though the Rossoblu stunned Dortmund last week.
> Champions League preview: Sporting Lisbon vs Bologna
Stuttgart vs. PSG (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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One of the most enticing games of matchday eight in the league phase of the Champions League will see Stuttgart welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the MHPArena in a battle to reach the playoffs.
In a scenario UEFA were hoping to avoid by playing all 18 games simultaneously this Wednesday, a draw in this one will take both sides through, barring the most extraordinary set of scorelines elsewhere.
We say: Stuttgart 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain
The bookmakers have made a draw the most likely result in this one, and even without the permutations surrounding the fixture, that would probably have been the most likely outcome anyway.
PSG are in excellent form, having now gone 12 games unbeaten, but Stuttgart have also shown their mettle, after four wins from four to start the year, despite suffering defeat in a tricky trip to Mainz at the weekend.
> Champions League preview: Stuttgart vs PSG
Young Boys vs. Red Star (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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With progression into the knockout stages impossible for both sides, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade will play for pride at Stadion Wankdorf in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
YB are still pointless in the league phase following last week's defeat at Celtic, whilst Crveno-beli were narrow losers at home to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
We say: Young Boys 0-1 Red Star Belgrade
Amid a woeful run of form in the Super League and on the European stage, we are expecting Young Boys to conclude their Champions League journey with a whimper on Wednesday night.
Red Star Belgrade remain dominant in Serbia and produced a decent display against PSV last week, so we can envisage Crveno-beli earning a morale-boosting victory at Stadion Wankdorf.
> Champions League preview: Young Boys vs Red Star
Oliver Thomas
