UCL Matchday 2 betting preview, free tips & predictions

Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League features a host of top-drawer fixtures. Here are our free soccer betting picks for the key encounters this week in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain

Wednesday, October 2 – 5am AEST – Emirates Stadium

Arsenal will be eager to secure their first Champions League win of the season against visiting PSG, who beat Girona in Matchday 1. Impressive against Manchester City and Leicester City in the EPL, expect the Gunners to cruise to victory on home soil.

Barcelona v Young Boys

Wednesday, October 2 – 5am AEST – Barcelona Olympic Stadium

La Liga leaders Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways following their 4-2 defeat to Osasuna. Robert Lewandowski has netted seven times in eight Liga appearances for Barca, and leading sports betting sites are paying +240 for the Polish striker to score first against Swiss champions Young Boys.

Slovan Bratislava v Manchester City

Wednesday, October 2 – 5am AEST – Tehelne Pole

Held to a goalless draw with Inter Milan in Matchday 1, Premier League champions Manchester City will be eager to secure all three points against Slovan Bratislava. Online bookmakers are paying +187 for the red-hot Erling Haaland to strike first against the Slovakians, who were thrashed 5-1 by Celtic in their UCL opener.

Aston Villa v Bayern Munich

Thursday, October 3 – 5am AEST – Villa Park

Triumphant in their openers, both Aston Villa and Bayern Munich will be eager to secure a win on Thursday. With four goals from his Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb, back Bayern’s Harry Kane to score any time at -105.26 with top soccer betting sites.

Lille v Real Madrid

Thursday, October 3 – 5am AEST – Pierre Mauroy Stadium

Holders Real Madrid will be looking to secure another win against Lille, who lost their opener to Sporting Lisbon. Expect Carlo Ancelotti’s men to cruise to victory in France.

Liverpool v Bologna

Thursday, October 3 – 5am AEST – Anfield

Liverpool, 3-1 winners over AC Milan in Matchday 1, will be looking to secure maximum points against Bologna, who registered a goalless draw with Shakhtar Donetsk. Expect the searing Reds to dominate at home.

Sports betting tips