2023-24 UEFA Champions League picks, predictions for Matchday 1: Manchester United lose, PSG win, and extra

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, and by the top of Wednesday, all 32 groups may have gotten by means of their first matches of the event. This 12 months we have a mixture of conventional powerhouses like Actual Madrid, Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich vying for the title that Manchester Metropolis are defending. Moreover, Manchester United make their return to the competition, Serie A powerhouses like AC Milan, Inter and Napoli purpose to construct on their robust performances, whereas Arsenal and Newcastle be a part of the social gathering from the Premier League.

Tuesday’s slate is highlighted by Paris Saint-Germain internet hosting Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle touring to AC Milan whereas Wednesday Bayern Munich sq. off towards Manchester United.

As all the time you possibly can catch all of the motion throughout CBS Sports activities, CBS Sports Network, CBS Sports activities Golazo Community and Paramount+.
Listed here are our predictions for every match and extra:

UCL 2023-24 teams

• Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
• Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
• Group C: Napoli, Actual Madrid, SC Braga and Union Berlin.
• Group D: Benfica, Inter, Purple Bull Salzburg and Actual Sociedad.
• Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Celtic.
• Group F: Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Milan and Newcastle United.
• Group G: Manchester Metropolis, RB Leipzig, Purple Star Belgrade and Younger Boys.
• Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Antwerp.

Matchday 1 TV schedule

All occasions Jap

Morning Footy UCL Matchday 1 picks

You realize them, you’re keen on them, now you possibly can see what they assume will occur in each Champions League match all season lengthy. And, after all, remember that Morning Footy is also now a podcast so that you by no means need to miss an episode. 

CBSSports.com writers Matchday 1 picks

PSG vs. Dortmund

By Jonathan Johnson

One matchup to look at: Ousmane Dembele vs. Ramy Bensebaini — This one guarantees to be a pleasant watch with summer season arrival Dembele more likely to be up towards Bensebaini on PSG’s proper and Dortmund’s left. Each switched golf equipment this summer season and are nonetheless discovering their toes. Dembele is a part of a new-look Parisien assault which might characteristic Randal Kolo Muani or Goncalo Ramos by means of the center and Kylian Mbappe out huge on the left. Though Dortmund haven’t made one of the best of begins within the Bundesliga, PSG will probably be made to work arduous to interrupt them down.

Almost definitely to attain a objective: Kylian Mbappe — It’s tough to see previous the French famous person getting a objective or two right here. Though PSG have rejigged their assault it’s nonetheless Mbappe scoring lots of their objectives for the second and that’s more likely to proceed within the Champions League as a part of a testing run of video games for Luis Enrique’s aspect. PSG might do with a quick begin to keep away from this group getting difficult for them so anticipate to see them go for it from the off.

Man of the Match choose: Manuel Ugarte — The Uruguay worldwide is incomes rave evaluations for his midfield performances to this point in Paris so anticipate him to play a central position once more right here. Ugarte was an enormous cash summer season signing from Sporting and he has now taken over from Marco Verratti because the lynchpin in the course of the park for PSG. The South American will probably be essential to the hosts asserting their dominance as early as attainable on this sport and group as an entire.

Match prediction: 2-0 — PSG can not afford to get off to a gradual begin on condition that Milan and Newcastle will probably be difficult opponents — particularly if underneath early stress. A house conflict with Dortmund who’re arguably probably the most weak aspect form-wise together with Newcastle is a perfect opener which the French champions can not afford to waste.

AC Milan vs. Newcastle

By Francesco Porzio

One matchup to look at: Sandro Tonali vs. Ruben Loftus-Cheek: All eyes will probably be on Sandro Tonali, who regardless of slightly damage, is predicted to be on the pitch towards his former membership. The Italian midfielder, if out there, will lead the English crew’s midfield and can play towards his former teammates, but additionally towards some new faces akin to Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who will lead the Rossoneri midfield line within the opening sport at San Siro. 

Almost definitely to attain a objective: Olivier Giroud: The Frenchman stays probably the most harmful striker on the roster for the Italian aspect, even after the arrival of recent forwards like Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic. The expertise and the report of objectives scored throughout his profession are simply what AC Milan must win these sorts of video games, and he normally does not miss on these events. 

Man of the Match choose: Rafael Leao: The Portuguese winger is trying to take one other step in his profession this season, after extending his cope with the Rossoneri in the summertime. He is the face of the crew and probably the most proficient participant within the aspect and when that occurs the expectations begin rising exponentially 12 months after 12 months. He already confirmed what’s able to over the previous Champions League marketing campaign, when his unbelievable performances led AC Milan to the semifinals. 

Match prediction: AC Milan 2, Newcastle 1: The Rossoneri are anticipated to win the opening sport of the UEFA Champions League group stage, however it positively will not be a simple sport for Stefano Pioli’s crew, who will face probably the most difficult group stage of the competitors with PSG and Borussia Dortmund. 

Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United

By Chuck Sales space

One matchup to look at: Harry Kane vs. Andre Onana: Harry Kane got here to Bayern with one objective, to win trophies and fill the one void in his illustrious profession. However to try this, he’ll want to make sure that the German giants can advance by means of the competitors. With the primary match coming towards a Premier League aspect that Kane is aware of effectively, he’ll know what makes United tick, and which means probably ending up in a 1-on-1 battle with their new keeper Onana. Given Onana’s playstyle, will probably be fairly the watch, however finally will probably be Kane that wins the battle.

Almost definitely to attain a objective: Harry Kane: In his brief time with Bayern, Kane has already scored 4 objectives and assisted one other, solely having one league match throughout which he did not register a objective contribution. With loads of creativity round him, all Kane has to deal with now’s ending probabilities which can be created for him, a a lot easier process than his earlier UCL runs with Tottenham. 

Man of the Match choose: Alphonso Davies: The flanks are United’s weak spot which is sort of a difficulty when Davies is without doubt one of the greatest wing backs on the planet. Already with three assists this season, Davies is again to creating issues occur as he is totally wholesome which is not what United will wish to see within the match. Establishing two objectives will probably be enogh for Davies to take dwelling man of the match honors.

Match prediction: Bayern 2, United 1: Lack of depth on the wings will show to be an excessive amount of for Manchester United to recuperate from within the match. Being overpowered by Davies and Leroy Sane will give Kane a simple time within the center as Bayen kicks off their Champions League marketing campaign on the suitable foot.

Arsenal vs. PSV

By James Benge

One matchup to look at: Sergino Dest vs. Arsenal’s winger: The US worldwide might theoretically line up on both flank, having been used as each a left and proper again by Peter Bosz this season. Whoever the Arsenal ahead he finally ends up towards proves to be, Dest is in for a check of defensive credentials that, it could be truthful to say, will not be probably the most spectacular. Gabriel Martinelli particularly has begun the season in electrical kind, a relentless menace for opposing fullbacks, however he is now a doubt for the match after limping off towards Everton on Sunday with an obvious hamstring damage. So, whereas, this could possibly be the spot the place the Gunners win the sport, Dest may also relaxation straightforward that it may need been worse.

Almost definitely to attain a objective: Bukayo Saka: With Gabriel Jesus nonetheless recovering from damage, the striker place is a query mark for this Gunner aspect forward of a busy week which incorporates each their return to the Champions League and the small matter of a North London Derby on the weekend. If the striker place is not sure there are not any doubts that, if he’s match, Saka will begin. Even in a comparatively off begin to the season he has delivered objectives and assists, anticipate him to glitter on the large nights.

Man of the Match choose: Declan Rice: Expectations have been excessive for the £105 million man on his arrival in north London, even so Rice is perhaps outperforming the requirements that have been set for him. The 24-year-old has functioned as a one-man midfield at his greatest for Arsenal, plugging gaps when opponents look to counter however not being afraid to get ahead to assist the assault. His energy and precision ought to make all of the distinction on this competitors.

Match prediction: Arsenal 2, PSV 0: Mikel Arteta’s aspect may need misplaced by this scoreline in Eindhoven final season however that was an Arsenal B crew towards a PSV aspect that had not but misplaced Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Ibrahima Sangare. The Eredivisie runners-up confirmed they don’t seem to be to be taken with no consideration in crushing Rangers on their solution to the group stage however the Gunners have began the brand new marketing campaign in spectacular style and may have sufficient to get the job carried out.