Champions League expert picks, predictions, best bets on Matchday 8: Man City, PSG qualify; Barca top Atalanta

The UEFA Champions League league phase is coming to a thrilling conclusion on Wednesday with 18 games scheduled to kick off at the same time. With only nine teams already through to the knockout rounds, the remaining clubs are fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the next stage. Seeding is crucial, as it will determine the matchups in the knockout rounds, adding even more drama to the final matchday.

Among the teams already through are Liverpool and Barcelona, who have secured their places in the round of 16. However, several teams are still vying for a top-eight finish, while others are fighting for a spot in the top 24. This means that Wednesday’s games are filled with significance, with high-stakes matches like Manchester City vs. Club Brugge and Paris Saint-Germain vs. Stuttgart on the schedule.

As we gear up for this pivotal week in Champions League action, the CBS Sports team has provided their picks and predictions for the upcoming matchday. Don’t miss any of the Champions League action, with coverage available on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network throughout the season.

Here are some expert picks for the upcoming matches:

Barcelona vs. Atalanta:
Player to watch: Raphinha – With an impressive record of 23 goals and 11 assists, Raphinha is a key player to watch in this matchup.
Man of the match: Mateo Retegui – With Ademola Lookman sidelined due to injury, Retegui will be under the spotlight to deliver for Atalanta.
Prediction: Barcelona 2, Atalanta 2 – Expect an entertaining and high-scoring game with both teams level at the end.
Best bet: Robert Lewandowski to score and Raphinha to score or assist (+176) – A parlay bet showcasing the dominance of both players in the Champions League.

Brest vs. Real Madrid:
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe has been in fine form for Real Madrid, scoring seven goals in his last four games.
Man of the match: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham will be looking to make an impact in a crucial match for Real Madrid.
Prediction: Brest 1, Real Madrid 3 – Real Madrid are expected to secure a convincing victory against Brest.
Best bet: Kylian Mbappe to score (-115) – With confidence high after a hat trick in his last game, Mbappe is a strong bet to find the back of the net against Brest.

With the league phase coming to an end, expect fireworks and drama as teams battle it out for a place in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League. — Chuck Booth

UEFA Champions League: What do Real Madrid need do on Matchday 8, scenarios, schedule, where to watch

Chuck Booth

Manchester City vs. Club Brugge

Player to watch: Matheus Nunes — For good or ill, Nunes is seriously impacting City matches at the moment. His run from right back to center forward forced the equaliser against Chelsea at the weekend, but that only went some way to making amends for his struggles against Bradley Barcola. If Christos Tzolis can get going at the Etihad, Club Brugge will feel they have a chance. — James Benge

Man of the match: Erling Haaland — This is the kind of match the Norwegian striker has to deliver, and after signing the new nine-year deal with the Citizens, scoring and winning the tie against Club Brugge need to have the signature of Haaland. Despite the disappointing first part of the season for Guardiola’s men, he scored 24 goals in 30 games played so far. — Francesco Porzio

Prediction: City 2, Brugge 0 — Although City were poor in Paris and threw away a two-goal lead which could have qualified them for the knockout phase already, Brugge is an ideal do-or-die opponent at home with the Belgians set to switch places with City in the likely event that Pep Guardiola’s men win here. — Jonathan Johnson

Best bet: Manchester City to lead at 20 minutes (+145) — The best way to deal with pressure is by scoring quickly and City will come out from the first kick with the intent to put as many goals past Brugge as quickly as possible. It wouldn’t shock me to see the first goal come in the first 10 minutes of the match so it makes sense to double that and still grab a City goal at plus odds. Things haven’t been in City’s favor for most of the season but they’ll have more than enough to get ahead of Brugge early on. — Chuck Booth

Man City Champions League scenarios and permutations: Live stream, where to watch, start time, TV channel

Man City Champions League scenarios and permutations: Live stream, where to watch, start time, TV channel

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Chuck Booth

Stuttgart vs. PSG

Player to watch: Angelo Stiller — If Stuttgart are to hold firm at home then they can ill afford to lose the midfield battle as Manchester City did last week. That means that the highly rated Angelo Stiller needs to do what he does best, setting the tone for the contest with his precise and penetrative passing. Do that and there is a real chance here for Stuttgart. — James Benge

Man of the match: Ousmane Dembele — While PSG fans are waiting to see Kvicha Kvaratskhelia playing in the Champions League as well (he will only be able to do that in February as his January arrival means he’s not on PSG’s registered list), all the pressure is on their most talented players, including Dembele, who needs to make a performance that will qualify the French giants for the playoffs. — Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Stuttgart 1, PSG 2 — With the hardest part done in Paris, Luis Enrique’s men should be able to complete the job in Germany. It might be tight in a game in which ultimately a draw suits both well, but do not be surprised if Les Parisiens see off their hosts by a goal or so. — Chuck Booth

PSG Champions League scenarios and permutations: Live stream, where to watch, start time, TV channel

The upcoming Champions League match between these two teams is set to be an exciting one, with both sides having the opportunity to secure a spot in the next stage of the competition. While a draw could potentially be enough for them to advance, a victory would guarantee their progression, making it a high-stakes game.

One key factor to consider when placing your bets is the likelihood of there being over 2.5 goals scored in the match. With neither team known for their strong defensive capabilities, an early goal could open the floodgates for more scoring opportunities. This makes the over 2.5 goals bet an attractive option, especially considering the potential for quick goals from both sides.

In terms of watching the game live, fans can tune in to the live stream on their preferred platform to catch all the action. The start time and TV channel information will also be provided closer to the match date, ensuring that viewers don’t miss out on any of the excitement.

Overall, this match is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter with plenty at stake for both teams. Whether you’re a fan looking to support your favorite side or a punter looking for a lucrative bet, this game promises to deliver on all fronts. Stay tuned for more updates and information as the match day approaches.