UEFA Champions League Match Previews & Predictions – September 9, 2026
The UEFA Champions League returns with another huge night of European football on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as some of the continent's biggest clubs begin their league-phase campaigns.
Six Champions League matches are scheduled for Wednesday, with Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP and Galatasaray among the major names in action.
The opening games of a Champions League campaign always carry extra importance. With the league-phase format rewarding consistency across every fixture, dropping points on Matchday 1 can immediately increase the pressure ahead of the remaining European schedule.
Wednesday's programme provides an intriguing mixture of heavyweight clashes and potential upset opportunities.
Barcelona begin their European campaign at home against Feyenoord, while Liverpool welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield in one of the biggest fixtures of the evening.
Arsenal travel to Italy for a difficult encounter with Napoli, defending European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain host Slovan Bratislava, Sporting CP meet Galatasaray in Lisbon, and VfB Stuttgart face Norwegian side Viking FK.
Here is our complete UEFA Champions League match preview for September 9, 2026, including analysis, key players, tactical battles and predictions for every match.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
Barcelona vs Feyenoord
VfB Stuttgart vs Viking FK
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Napoli vs Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava
Sporting CP vs Galatasaray
All six fixtures form part of the opening round of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.
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BARCELONA VS FEYENOORD MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
Barcelona begin their latest UEFA Champions League campaign with a home fixture against Feyenoord in a match in which the Spanish giants will be expected to control possession and spend significant periods attacking.
European nights in Barcelona carry enormous expectations.
For a club with Barcelona's Champions League history, simply competing in the tournament is never considered enough. The objective is to progress deep into the knockout rounds and ultimately challenge for the trophy.
Feyenoord, however, arrive in Spain with little reason to play cautiously from the opening whistle.
The Dutch club understand that they enter the contest as underdogs, but that can sometimes provide freedom in matches of this nature. Rather than being burdened by expectations, Feyenoord can focus on defensive discipline, transitions and exploiting whatever opportunities Barcelona allow.
BARCELONA'S APPROACH
Barcelona are likely to attempt to establish territorial dominance immediately.
Expect the hosts to circulate the ball patiently from defence before accelerating once spaces appear between Feyenoord's midfield and defensive lines.
Width should also be important.
By stretching Feyenoord across the pitch, Barcelona can create openings centrally for their attacking midfielders while giving their wide players opportunities to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations.
The biggest danger for Barcelona could arrive when possession is lost.
An aggressive attacking structure naturally leaves space behind advanced players. Feyenoord will therefore look for moments when Barcelona commit numbers forward before attempting to break quickly.
FEYENOORD'S CHALLENGE
Feyenoord cannot afford to defend passively for 90 minutes.
If they simply retreat towards their own penalty area, Barcelona could eventually overwhelm them through repeated attacks.
The visitors need periods of possession themselves.
Keeping the ball, even briefly, would allow Feyenoord's defensive unit to move higher up the pitch and reduce Barcelona's constant attacking pressure.
Set pieces could also become extremely important.
Against technically superior opposition, corners and attacking free kicks often represent some of the best opportunities for an underdog to score.
KEY BATTLE
Barcelona's attacking movement vs Feyenoord's defensive organisation.
Feyenoord must maintain concentration when Barcelona rotate positions around the penalty area. Losing track of runners for even a few seconds could prove costly.
BARCELONA VS FEYENOORD PREDICTION
Barcelona possess home advantage and should have considerably more of the ball.
Feyenoord have enough quality to make the contest uncomfortable, particularly on counterattacks, but Barcelona should create the greater number of clear opportunities.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Feyenoord
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VFB STUTTGART VS VIKING FK MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart
One of the most fascinating fixtures of Wednesday's Champions League programme takes place in Germany as VfB Stuttgart host Norwegian club Viking FK.
This may not carry the same worldwide attention as Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid or Napoli vs Arsenal, but it could be one of the most tactically interesting games of the evening.
Stuttgart will enter the match knowing that home fixtures against opponents outside Europe's traditional elite represent valuable opportunities to collect three league-phase points.
Viking, meanwhile, have an opportunity to announce themselves on the European stage.
STUTTGART'S HOME ADVANTAGE
Stuttgart should attempt to impose a high tempo.
Playing at the MHPArena gives the German side an opportunity to push aggressively from the opening stages and force Viking into defending deeper than they would prefer.
Quick ball circulation will be important.
If Stuttgart move possession slowly, Viking could settle into a compact defensive block. Faster combinations, switches of play and overlapping runs would make the visitors' defensive task significantly more difficult.
VIKING'S OPPORTUNITY
Viking are unlikely to dominate possession for extended periods, meaning efficiency will be crucial.
When opportunities to counterattack appear, the Norwegian side must move forward decisively.
Their first pass after winning possession could be particularly important.
If Viking can bypass Stuttgart's initial press, space may become available further up the field.
The visitors must also avoid giving away unnecessary fouls close to their penalty area.
Champions League games can be decided by extremely small details, and set-piece situations may prove decisive.
KEY BATTLE
Stuttgart's pressure against Viking's ability to escape the press.
If Stuttgart consistently recover possession high up the pitch, Viking could face a long evening. If the visitors can play through that pressure, however, the game could become far more open.
STUTTGART VS VIKING FK PREDICTION
Home advantage and Stuttgart's ability to dictate the tempo make the German side favourites.
Viking should remain competitive, but Stuttgart may eventually create enough chances to secure all three points.
Prediction: VfB Stuttgart 2-0 Viking FK
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LIVERPOOL VS ATLETICO MADRID MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool against Atletico Madrid is arguably the headline match of Wednesday's Champions League schedule.
It brings together two clubs with very different footballing identities and a history of intense European meetings.
Anfield should provide the perfect setting.
Liverpool traditionally attempt to transform Champions League home matches into high-tempo contests, using aggressive pressing and crowd energy to put visiting teams under immediate pressure.
Atletico Madrid are unlikely to be intimidated.
The Spanish side have extensive experience of difficult European away nights and understand how to survive periods without possession before attacking when the opportunity arrives.
LIVERPOOL'S GAME PLAN
Liverpool will want to control the rhythm.
The home side's ability to win the ball quickly after losing possession could become one of the defining features of the match.
Atletico cannot be allowed comfortable possession when Liverpool's defensive structure is transitioning.
Liverpool will also look to use Anfield's width.
Stretching Atletico's defensive shape could create gaps between defenders, particularly if Liverpool can quickly switch attacks from one side to the other.
PATIENT ATTACKING MAY BE REQUIRED
One danger for Liverpool would be forcing the issue too quickly.
Atletico are generally comfortable when opponents become impatient.
Liverpool therefore need a balance between intensity and control.
There may be periods where recycling possession rather than attempting a low-percentage final pass is the better option.
ATLETICO MADRID'S THREAT
Atletico's attacking threat should not be underestimated.
Julian Alvarez provides quality in the final third and can punish defensive mistakes.
The visitors may not require many opportunities to score.
That makes Liverpool's defensive positioning particularly important whenever their full-backs or midfielders advance.
An Atletico counterattack against an unbalanced Liverpool defence could quickly become dangerous.
THE ANFIELD FACTOR
Champions League nights at Anfield are famous for their atmosphere.
Liverpool will hope to use that energy immediately.
An early goal would completely change the tactical landscape because Atletico would then be forced to take greater attacking risks.
If the visitors keep the score level deep into the second half, however, frustration could become Liverpool's biggest enemy.
KEY BATTLE
Liverpool's attacking pressure vs Atletico Madrid's defensive structure.
This game may ultimately be decided by whether Liverpool can create high-quality opportunities rather than simply accumulating possession around Atletico's penalty area.
LIVERPOOL VS ATLETICO MADRID PREDICTION
This should be extremely competitive.
Liverpool's home advantage gives them a slight edge, but Atletico have the tactical experience and attacking quality to score.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
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NAPOLI VS ARSENAL MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
Napoli vs Arsenal has everything required to become one of Matchday 1's most entertaining fixtures.
Two technically strong teams meet in Naples with both possessing ambitions of making a significant impact in this season's Champions League.
Arsenal travel to Italy knowing that this will be a major early examination of their European credentials.
Napoli, meanwhile, have the advantage of playing in front of their own supporters at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The atmosphere should be exceptional.
ARSENAL'S MIDFIELD TEST
The central areas could determine the outcome.
Arsenal possess players capable of controlling possession and moving the ball through pressure, but Napoli's midfield contains considerable technical ability of its own.
Kevin De Bruyne is one player Arsenal will need to monitor carefully.
Allowing a player with his passing range too much time between the lines would be dangerous.
Arsenal therefore need their midfield structure to remain compact.
Declan Rice could have a major influence in controlling transitions, recovering possession and preventing Napoli from attacking an exposed defensive line.
BUKAYO SAKA'S IMPORTANCE
Bukayo Saka remains one of Arsenal's major attacking threats.
His ability to receive possession wide before either attacking the defender or moving inside creates difficult decisions for opposing defensive units.
If Napoli commit additional players to contain Saka, space could become available elsewhere.
That is where Arsenal's movement around the penalty area becomes important.
NAPOLI'S ATTACKING OPTIONS
Napoli have several ways to hurt Arsenal.
Rasmus Hojlund can provide a central reference point, while David Neres offers direct attacking qualities.
De Bruyne's creativity adds another dimension.
Napoli will look to move the ball quickly whenever Arsenal lose possession.
Rather than allowing the visitors time to reorganise, the Italian side could attempt to attack the space immediately.
ARSENAL DEFENSIVE CONCERNS
Arsenal's defensive personnel will be closely watched.
William Saliba has been listed among Arsenal's unavailable players ahead of Matchday 1, while other defenders have had fitness concerns.
That potentially creates an opportunity for Napoli.
The home team may attempt to test Arsenal's defensive communication early with crosses, diagonal runs and direct passes into the forward line.
TACTICAL BATTLE
This could become a battle for midfield superiority.
Both teams have enough technical quality to retain possession, meaning pressing triggers and transition moments could prove more important than overall possession percentages.
Whichever team reacts better after losing the ball may gain the decisive advantage.
NAPOLI VS ARSENAL PREDICTION
This is extremely difficult to call.
Napoli's home advantage should make them dangerous, while Arsenal possess enough quality to control long periods of the match.
A draw would not be surprising.
Prediction: Napoli 1-1 Arsenal
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PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS SLOVAN BRATISLAVA MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
Paris Saint-Germain begin their Champions League campaign at the Parc des Princes against Slovan Bratislava.
On paper, PSG enter this fixture as overwhelming favourites.
But Champions League football repeatedly demonstrates why reputation alone does not win matches.
Slovan's objective will be to remain organised, frustrate PSG and ensure the game stays competitive for as long as possible.
PSG EXPECTED TO DOMINATE POSSESSION
Paris Saint-Germain should control most of the ball.
The challenge will be turning that possession into clear chances.
Slovan are likely to defend with several players behind the ball, particularly when PSG establish possession inside the visitors' half.
That means quick combinations around the penalty area will be essential.
PSG must move Slovan's defensive block rather than simply circulating possession in front of it.
WIDTH COULD BE CRITICAL
Stretching the pitch may create the openings PSG require.
When a defensive team remains extremely narrow, wide players become particularly important.
Repeated switches of play could eventually isolate Slovan defenders and create opportunities for crosses or cutbacks.
SLOVAN'S COUNTERATTACKING PLAN
Slovan will understand that their attacking opportunities may be limited.
That makes decision-making crucial.
When possession is recovered, the visitors need to identify quickly whether a counterattack is possible.
If it is not, retaining possession for several passes would at least give the defence time to move away from its own penalty area.
SET PIECES
Set pieces could provide Slovan's best chance of scoring.
Corners and free kicks allow the visitors to send additional players forward without needing to break PSG's defensive structure through open play.
PSG must therefore remain disciplined.
Giving away unnecessary set pieces could introduce avoidable risk into a match they are expected to control.
PSG VS SLOVAN BRATISLAVA PREDICTION
PSG should dominate territory and possession.
If the hosts score early, the game could open considerably because Slovan would have to abandon some of their defensive caution.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Slovan Bratislava
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SPORTING CP VS GALATASARAY MATCH PREVIEW
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon
Sporting CP vs Galatasaray could be Wednesday night's hidden Champions League classic.
Both clubs possess passionate supporters, European experience and enough attacking quality to create an entertaining contest.
Sporting have the advantage of playing in Lisbon.
Galatasaray, however, are accustomed to high-pressure environments and will arrive believing they can collect points away from home.
SPORTING'S HOME APPROACH
Sporting should attempt to take control early.
Playing in front of their own supporters gives them an opportunity to press aggressively and establish territorial superiority.
Their ability to create overloads in wide areas could become particularly important.
If Sporting can draw Galatasaray's midfield towards one side before switching possession quickly, spaces may open on the opposite flank.
GALATASARAY'S ATTACKING THREAT
Sporting cannot afford to become careless when pushing players forward.
Galatasaray have the quality to punish defensive mistakes.
The Turkish side are likely to look for quick transitions and moments when Sporting's defensive structure becomes stretched.
This makes the first few seconds after Sporting lose possession extremely important.
The Portuguese side must either recover the ball quickly or retreat into their defensive positions before Galatasaray can exploit the space.
MIDFIELD CONTROL
This match could become extremely competitive in midfield.
Neither team will want to allow the opponent comfortable possession.
That could create an intense contest featuring aggressive pressing, second-ball battles and rapid changes of possession.
The team that remains calmer under pressure may ultimately control the match.
SPORTING CP VS GALATASARAY PREDICTION
This looks like one of Wednesday's most evenly matched fixtures.
Sporting's home advantage provides a slight edge, but Galatasaray have enough attacking quality to score in Lisbon.
Prediction: Sporting CP 2-1 Galatasaray
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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEPTEMBER 9 PREDICTIONS
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Barcelona 3-1 Feyenoord
VfB Stuttgart 2-0 Viking FK
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Napoli 1-1 Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Slovan Bratislava
Sporting CP 2-1 Galatasaray
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MATCH OF THE NIGHT: LIVERPOOL VS ATLETICO MADRID
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Liverpool's meeting with Atletico Madrid stands out as arguably the biggest fixture on Wednesday's programme.
There are several reasons.
First, both teams possess serious Champions League ambitions.
Second, their contrasting styles should produce an intriguing tactical contest.
Liverpool are likely to attempt to create a fast, aggressive match, particularly during the opening stages.
Atletico may prefer greater control, defending compactly before exploiting spaces when Liverpool commit players forward.
The atmosphere at Anfield adds another dimension.
If Liverpool establish momentum early, Atletico could spend significant periods under pressure.
But if the Spanish side survive the opening stages, the match could become increasingly tense.
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GAME TO WATCH: NAPOLI VS ARSENAL
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For tactical quality, Napoli vs Arsenal could rival anything else taking place on September 9.
Both teams possess technically gifted midfielders.
Both can attack quickly.
Both have players capable of deciding the match individually.
Arsenal will want to demonstrate that they can control an elite European away fixture.
Napoli will want to use their home crowd and attacking talent to make the evening uncomfortable for the visitors.
The midfield duel involving players such as Declan Rice and Kevin De Bruyne could be particularly influential.
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POTENTIAL UPSET TO WATCH
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Feyenoord face a huge challenge in Barcelona, while Slovan Bratislava travel to Paris as major outsiders.
Of the underdogs playing on Wednesday, Galatasaray may have one of the more realistic opportunities to collect an away result.
Sporting are extremely difficult opponents in Lisbon, but Galatasaray possess the experience and attacking quality required to punish mistakes.
That makes Sporting vs Galatasaray a particularly interesting fixture for neutral supporters.
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KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH ON SEPTEMBER 9
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BUKAYO SAKA – ARSENAL
Saka's movement, creativity and one-on-one ability could become crucial against Napoli.
If Arsenal can consistently find him in advanced areas, the England international can create opportunities both for himself and teammates.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – NAPOLI
De Bruyne's ability to identify passes that other players do not see makes him a constant threat.
Arsenal cannot allow him time and space around the final third.
JULIAN ALVAREZ – ATLETICO MADRID
Liverpool's defenders must monitor Alvarez throughout the match.
His intelligent movement can create problems even when Atletico spend long periods without possession.
The Argentine does not necessarily require repeated opportunities to influence a game.
DECLAN RICE – ARSENAL
Rice could become one of Arsenal's most important players in Naples.
His responsibilities will extend beyond passing.
Stopping Napoli's counterattacks, winning second balls and protecting the defensive line could be equally important.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHDAY 1
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Matchday 1 creates a unique tactical situation.
Teams understand the importance of beginning positively, but nobody wants to suffer an early defeat.
That can produce contrasting approaches.
Home favourites such as Barcelona and PSG may attack aggressively because they know these are fixtures from which three points are expected.
Matches such as Napoli vs Arsenal and Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid could be more measured because both teams understand the quality of their opponents.
The league-phase format also changes how clubs think about individual results.
Every point contributes towards the overall standings.
Goal difference can become important as well.
That provides additional incentive for favourites to continue searching for goals rather than simply protecting a narrow advantage.
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WHY SEPTEMBER 9 COULD BE A HUGE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NIGHT
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Wednesday's fixtures contain almost every ingredient football supporters could want.
Barcelona bring attacking quality and European history.
Liverpool and Atletico renew a fascinating Champions League rivalry.
Arsenal face a difficult examination in Naples.
PSG begin another campaign with enormous expectations.
Sporting and Galatasaray meet in what could become an unpredictable contest.
Stuttgart and Viking have an opportunity to make an early statement.
More importantly, this is only the beginning.
Champions League Matchday 1 rarely decides which clubs will ultimately challenge for the trophy, but it can establish momentum.
A strong opening victory immediately reduces pressure.
A defeat creates difficult questions before Matchday 2.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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The UEFA Champions League fixtures on September 9, 2026 promise a compelling night of European football.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will be expected to make home advantage count, but their opponents have nothing to lose.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid should deliver intensity and tactical drama at Anfield.
Napoli vs Arsenal could become one of the most technically impressive matches of the entire opening round.
Sporting CP vs Galatasaray looks extremely difficult to predict, while Stuttgart will hope to begin their campaign by defeating Viking FK in Germany.
Champions League football is often defined by fine margins.
One defensive mistake, one brilliant individual moment or one set piece can completely change a match.
That unpredictability is precisely why the competition remains European club football's biggest stage.
For Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, PSG, Sporting, Galatasaray, Stuttgart, Feyenoord, Viking and Slovan Bratislava, the road through the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League begins here.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 – PREDICTIONS AT A GLANCE
Barcelona 3-1 Feyenoord
Stuttgart 2-0 Viking FK
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Napoli 1-1 Arsenal
PSG 4-0 Slovan Bratislava
Sporting CP 2-1 Galatasaray
FAQ – UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
Which Champions League matches are being played on September 9, 2026?
Six UEFA Champions League matches are scheduled: Barcelona vs Feyenoord, Stuttgart vs Viking FK, Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid, Napoli vs Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava and Sporting CP vs Galatasaray.
What is the biggest Champions League match on September 9?
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid and Napoli vs Arsenal are arguably the two standout fixtures. Liverpool and Atletico meet at Anfield, while Arsenal face a difficult away test against Napoli in Italy.
Who are Barcelona playing in the Champions League?
Barcelona begin their Champions League league-phase campaign against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou.
Who are Arsenal playing in the Champions League?
Arsenal travel to Italy to face Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Who are Liverpool playing in the Champions League?
Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on September 9.
Who are PSG playing in the Champions League?
Paris Saint-Germain host Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes.
What is the Barcelona vs Feyenoord prediction?
Our prediction is Barcelona 3-1 Feyenoord, with home advantage and Barcelona's attacking quality making the Spanish side favourites.
What is the Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction?
Our prediction is Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid. Liverpool's Anfield advantage could prove decisive, although Atletico should pose a significant counterattacking threat.
What is the Napoli vs Arsenal prediction?
Our prediction is Napoli 1-1 Arsenal. Both sides possess enough midfield and attacking quality to win, making this one of Wednesday's hardest matches to call.
What is the PSG vs Slovan Bratislava prediction?
Our prediction is PSG 4-0 Slovan Bratislava. PSG should dominate possession and create the majority of the scoring opportunities.
Which September 9 Champions League match could produce an upset?
Sporting CP vs Galatasaray is one fixture worth watching closely. Sporting have home advantage, but Galatasaray have enough European experience and attacking quality to make the contest extremely competitive.