Champions League tips, odds & predictions | Matchday 7 preview

Matchday 7 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League promises several exciting encounters as the race to secure knockout qualification intensifies. Below are our free soccer betting picks for the key encounters in the penultimate round of the league phase.

Liverpool v LOSC Lille

Wednesday, January 22 – 7am AEDT – Anfield

Champions League leaders Liverpool will be eager to extend their perfect record in the competition against Ligue 1 side Lille, who are eighth on the table. Darwin Nunez grabbed a brace during Liverpool’s late win over Brentford in the Premier League, and leading sports betting sites are paying $2.05 for the Uruguayan to find the back of the net against Lille.

Atletico Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen

Wednesday, January 22 – 7am AEDT – Wanda Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid’s 15-game win streak in all competitions came to an end against Leganes on the weekend, and they face a stern test against a Bayer Leverkusen outfit coming off 12 consecutive victories across the board. With four goals from his first six Champions League games, back Atleti’s Julian Alvarez to add to his tally at $3 with top soccer betting sites.

Real Madrid v Red Bull Salzburg

Thursday, January 23 – 7am AEDT – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Sitting 20th after suffering three defeats in the league phase, holders Real Madrid will be looking to bolster their chances of progressing with a win over Salzburg, who have five defeats in six Champions League outings. On target during Madrid’s La Liga victory at the weekend, online bookmakers are paying $3.25 for the red-hot Kylian Mbappe to strike first against the Austrians.

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City

Thursday, January 23 – 7am AEDT – Parc des Princes

Manchester City are 22nd on the UCL table with eight points, while PSG are three positions lower with one less point. The Citizens are on an upward trajectory and should be able to secure maximum points in France.

AC Milan v Girona

Thursday, January 23 – 7am AEDT – Giuseppe Meazza Stadium

Beaten 2-0 by Juventus in the Serie A on Saturday, AC Milan will be aiming to bounce back against Spanish side Girona, who lost to Sevilla at the weekend. Expect the Rossoneri to cruise to victory against the struggling Champions League debutants.

Sports betting tips