UEFA Champions League predictions, picks, schedule, live stream: Liverpool-Atleti, PSG-Leipzig square off

The UEFA Champions League is back this week with Matchday 3 as eight games take place on Tuesday followed by eight more on Wednesday. There are plenty of enticing showdowns as always, with this week’s slate highlighted by Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid, Manchester United vs. Atalanta and Ajax vs. Borussia Dortmund. Following this week’s games, the 32 remaining teams will be at the halfway point of the group stage with just nine more points up for grabs ahead of the knockout stage. 

 All matches are available to stream on Paramount+. Below, our CBS Sports soccer experts have you covered with our predictions:

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Besiktas vs. Sporting

Time: Tuesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Thomas Rongen: Both teams will be desperate to come out on top, since neither team has picked up a point from games against Ajax and Borussia Dortmund. Either team pose a threat in the final third and are capable of causing each other some serious defensive problems. But the visitors will edge out the home side. Pick: Besiktas 1, Sporting 2

Fabrizio Romano: The quality of the Portuguese can make a difference, but it is a very balanced game. It can end in a draw. Pick: Besiktas 1, Sporting 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Two teams with two losses each who have collectively scored two goals so far to start the group stage. In these cases, I see nothing but a stalemate. Pick: Besiktas 0, Sporting 0

Jonathan Johnson: The hosts to win the battle of these two winless sides in Group C. Pick: Besiktas 1, Sporting 0

James Benge: The Turkish champions have wobbled a bit of late in Turkey and have been underwhelming in the Champions League whilst Sporting look to be a solid enough outfit. This is a crucial match for both sides but only in the fight for the Europa League. Pick: Besiktas 1, Sporting 2

Roger Gonzalez: Two teams that have shown very little so far against superior opponents. I like the draw as both attacks have struggled. Pick: Besiktas 1, Sporting 1

Mike L. Goodman: Sporting are the better team, but Istanbul is always a grueling away trip. These sides are likely competing for third place in Group C and a Europa League spot, so a draw will suit Sporting just fine. Pick: Besiktas 0, Sporting 0

Club Brugge vs. Manchester City

Time: Tuesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Thomas Rongen: Brugge claimed an impressive 2-1 win over RB Leipzig, but masterminding a victory over Guardiola’s men may be a step too far for Clement. City will break Brugge’s resistance in a comfortable fashion. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 3

Fabrizio Romano: Different level for Guardiola’s team, more than favorite for this Champions League round; especially after losing in Paris. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 3

Luis Miguel Echegaray: This one doesn’t need to be long. Brugge’s loss to RB Leipzig gave us more of an example of what they will be like in the tournament as opposed to their win against PSG. City will want to rectify the loss THEY had against the French team, and it begins here. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 2

Jonathan Johnson: This Belgian ides will give Pep Guardiola’s men a tougher test than many expect. Pick: Club Brugge 1, Manchester City 2

James Benge: Brugge have proven that they are not to be taken lightly but Manchester City are a step up in collective quality to what they have faced so far. On the evidence of recent games Pep Guardiola’s side might make heavy weather of this outing but they should get the win they deserve. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 2

Roger Gonzalez: City show PSG how it is done in Brugge, getting a dominant victory thanks to Kevin De Bruyne. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 3

Mike L. Goodman: City remain one of — if not, the — best team in the world. Brugge have been a surprisingly difficult team to handle, but City won’t be caught unawares like RB Leipzig and PSG were. Pick: Club Brugge 0, Manchester City 2

Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Real Madrid

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Thomas Rongen: Shakhtar are more than capable of picking up a positive result, but Real Madrid’s quality will just shine through in order to claim an important three points. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 0, Real Madrid 1

Fabrizio Romano: Shakhtar play excellent football, but Karim Benzema is in extraordinary condition and Real must win. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 0, Real Madrid 2

Luis Miguel Echegaray: This one will be tight but Shakhtar will find comfort after their 0-0 result against Inter Milan. No way we see Real Madrid lose again to the Ukrainian side, right? Especially after their historic loss to Sheriff? No. Real Madrid rectify things here. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 1, Real Madrid 3

Jonathan Johnson: A reasonably straightforward win for the Spanish giants. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 0, Real Madrid 2

James Benge: Having had their La Liga game postponed to aid in their preparations this week, expect Madrid to make short shrift of Shakhtar. They may have wobbled against Sheriff but they made more than enough chances to thrash the Moldovan champions; in two group stage matches they have registered 43 shots, a tally only bettered by Liverpool. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 0, Real Madrid 2

Roger Gonzalez: Los Blancos rebound from that loss to Sheriff by getting a narrow in in Ukraine. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 1, Real Madrid 2

Mike L. Goodman: This is not a vintage Real Madrid team, but it’s also not a vintage Shakhtar team. And Madrid always find a way to get the results they need. Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk 1, Real Madrid 2

PSG vs. RB Leipzig

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+) 

Thomas Rongen: This PSG side will need no second invitation to pile more misery on Leipzig. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will get the job done. Pick: PSG 2, RB Leipzig 0

Fabrizio Romano: It will not be a comfortable and easy match, but PSG have too many solutions not to win this match. Pick: PSG 2, RB Leipzig 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Part of me sees a shock result here, given the fact that Jesse Marsch needs something, anything to get things going in the tournament. But PSG might just be too much, especially if Nkunku is out. Pick: PSG 3, RB Leipzig 1

Jonathan Johnson: Mauricio Pochettino’s men will do just enough with their star men back against a desperate German outfit. Pick: PSG 2, RB Leipzig 1

James Benge: PSG’s big three are looking less like the Miami Heatles and more like Steve Nash on the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that (sacrilege though it is to say it) might be better off by subtracting some star power. If they are going to keep sneaking games in underwhelming fashion they surely, sooner or later, they will slip up. Pick: PSG 1, RB Leipzig 1

Roger Gonzalez: Jesse Marsch is in serious trouble after this one as Lionel Messi and company blow the doors off of them. Pick: PSG 4, RB Leipzig 1

Mike L. Goodman: The French superteam has gotten off to a decidedly more mortal start this season. But Leipzig’s defense has yet to settle under new American manager Jesse Marsch. It might be just the kind of affair that Messi and co. need to get them going. Pick: PSG 3, RB Leipzig 2

Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: Jurgen Klopp’s fired-up Attacking trident can exploit their hosts’ defensive deficiencies as Diego Simeone is forced to rejig his backline. That should help to propel the Reds to another European win. Pick: Atletico Madrid 1, Liverpool 2

Fabrizio Romano: A superb match primed for high intensity and a lot of tactics at Wanda Metropolitano, which can end in a draw. Pick: Atletico Madrid 1, Liverpool 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Liverpool to me are the best team in Europe right now and Mohamed Salah, currently the best player in the continent and dare I say, the world. Atletico will need all their weapons, especially former Red Luis Suarez, to be clicking. Two very good teams who are pretty similar in mentality, cancel each other out. Pick: Atletico Madrid 2, Liverpool 2

Jonathan Johnson: This one will be fiery and eventually finish all square. Pick: Atletico Madrid 1, Liverpool 1

James Benge: Jurgen Klopp is right. Mohamed Salah is the best player in the world right now. That Liverpool front three, whether it is Roberto Firmino or Diogo Jota lining up alongside the Egyptian and Sadio Mane, is the most devastating attack in this competition. Even Diego Simeone won’t be able to keep them at bay. Pick: Atletico Madrid 0, Liverpool 2

Roger Gonzalez: They meet again in UCL, and while I think this Liverpool team is much better, they settle for a decent point on the road. Pick: Atletico Madrid 1, Liverpool 1

Mike L. Goodman: Liverpool are absolutely at the peak of their powers right now. Atleti, despite winning La Liga last season have been in fairly indifferent form this year even though the sit fairly comfortably in second place in Group B. Pick: Atletico Madrid 0, Liverpool 2

Inter Milan vs. Sheriff

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: Sheriff have been outstanding in the competition this season but might come up just short in this match. Inter will be desperate to get their Champions League campaign up and running following two disappointing results, and the Italian champions will stake their claim with a win. Pick: Inter Milan 3, Sheriff 1

Fabrizio Romano: Inter have a hard time scoring in the Champions League, but all they need is victory and there are huge possibilities. Pick: Inter Milan 1, Sheriff 0

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Sheriff had a fantastic, historic victory against Real Madrid last time around so we have to wonder, as they lead the group in perfect form, can they keep going? I think the international break came at the wrong time for them and Inter take advantage. Pick: Inter Milan 2, Sheriff 0

Jonathan Johnson: The Italians will leave it late to edge past the minnows. Pick: Inter Milan 1, Sheriff 0

James Benge: Inter have looked defensively vulnerable of late — in their last five games they have given opponents shots worth a combined 9.3 expected goals — and Sheriff have the sort of counterattacking weapons to punish any mistakes at the back. The Moldovan champions might have needed a sizeable chunk of good fortune to get past Real Madrid last time out but they do have a defense that can hold firm. This could be the moment they take a real stride to the knockout stages. Pick: Inter Milan 1, Sheriff 1

Roger Gonzalez: The Sheriff story is something else, but I have a feeling Edin Dzeko comes to the rescue here and helps Inter get their first win. Pick: Inter Milan 2, Sheriff 1

Mike L. Goodman: Sherriff are the underdog of the tournament so far, after their away victory against Real Madrid. After what happened in Madrid though, Inter won’t be caught by surprise. Pick: Inter Milan 1, Sheriff 0

Ajax vs. Borussia Dortmund

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: Home advantage and an abundance of attacking options can help Ajax exploit their visitors’ defensive deficiencies. Dortmund certainly pose a threat of their own on the break, but may be caught out when pushing forward and can be picked off in wide areas by the hosts. Pick: Ajax 2, Borussia Dortmund 1

Fabrizio Romano: Ajax are doing better and better, but Anthony may not be enough against a Borussia that convinces more and more in the Champions League. Pick: Ajax 1, Borussia Dortmund 2

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Ajax are on a formidable run right now. Seven goals scored, conceded one. Two wins as they lead the group. They have tasted defeat in the league since then, however, without being to score. A first this season. But at home, in front of their fans, they’ll maintain their run, even if we do see an Erling Haaland brace. This one has the chance of many, many goals. Pick: Ajax 3, Borussia Dortmund 2

Jonathan Johnson: It promises to be fun and filled with goals given the Dutch giants’ start in Group C. Pick: Ajax 2, Borussia Dortmund 2

James Benge: This could be the game of the day, one in which every result seems feasible. Erik ten Hag’s side play their particular brand of classic Ajax football in remarkably effective fashion, creating a boatload of chances and goals game in, game out. We have not quite seen if that can carry on against a higher calibre of European sides but the way in which they swotted aside Besiktas and Sporting augurs well. Pick: Ajax 2, Borussia Dortmund 1

Roger Gonzalez: A chance to be the game of the day, expect multiple goals from each. A draw seems fair though as spectators get to see so many of the game’s top young attackers. Pick: Ajax 2, Borussia Dortmund 2

Mike L. Goodman: Dortmund have so much young talent, but Ajax have started the European season playing like one of the best teams in the world. Domestically they have a +30 goal difference through 9 matches, and they’ve batted away Sporting and Besiktas like flies in the Champions League. Pick: Ajax 3, Borussia Dortmund 1

Porto vs. AC Milan

Time: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Thomas Rongen: Porto were blown away by Liverpool 5-1 last time out, expect an injury-hit Rossoneri – on a high from their dramatic win over Verona – to do enough to come away with a point from the Estadio do Dragao. Pick: Porto 0, AC Milan 1

Fabrizio Romano: AC Milan have many key players not available (Theo Hernandez, Ante Rebic and Mike Maignan) and Porto are really good side when they play at Dragao. Huge chances for a draw. Pick: Porto 1, AC Milan 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Another intriguing fixture as these two have not met for almost 20 years. Porto feel good after a 5-0 win this past weekend but I think AC Milan, with all their weapons might be too much for the Portuguese club. Pick: Porto 1, AC Milan 3

Jonathan Johnson: The Italians to get their first points on the board in Portugal. Pick: Porto 0, AC Milan 1

James Benge: Since about halfway through their group stage opener against Liverpool, Stefano Pioli’s men have looked like they belong in Europe. Certainly this group does not seem to intimidate them. The fighting spirit they showed to come from two goals back to beat Verona suggests they won’t think their goose is cooked on getting out of this group. Pick: Porto 1, AC Milan 2

Roger Gonzalez: That weekend comeback over Verona has Milan in a good spot to get their first UCL win of the campaign. Expect Zlatan Ibrahimovic to find the net. Pick: Porto 1, AC Milan 3

Mike L. Goodman: Milan have played in some hard luck in the Champions League this season, but they sit second in Serie A where they’ve only conceded seven goals all season. Look for that defense to remain stout here. Pick: Porto 0, AC Milan 1

Red Bull Salzburg vs. Wolfsburg

Time: Wednesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Thomas Rongen: Wolfsburg are hardly full of confidence and cannot expect to blow their hosts away, but Van Bommel’s side can take advantage of Salzburg’s injury problems and youthful nature to end their rut and blow Group G wide open. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 1, Wolfsburg 2

Fabrizio Romano: A lot of balance, high rhythms and a match that can end in a draw in Salzburg. Watch out for Adeyemi, true talent. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 1, Wolfsburg 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: This group is still up for the taking but with Salzburg at home and still undefeated in the season, I have to go with the Austrian side taking all three points in a tight game. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 2, Wolfsburg 1

Jonathan Johnson: The Austrians will continue their impressive run of form with an important victory. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 1, Wolfsburg 0

James Benge: It has been more than a month since Wolfsburg won a game in all competitions and have looked extremely underwhelming in the Champions League. Salzburg have an unwelcome habit of making games harder for themselves than they might need to be but they ought to have the talent to cut through an opposition defense that isn’t as robust as it looked to be earlier in the season. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 1, Wolfsburg 0

Roger Gonzalez: A little upset in Austria as Brenden Aaronson gets the winning assist. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 2, Wolfsburg 1

Mike L. Goodman: Wolfsburg’s defend and occasionally counterattack approach is enough to earn a dreary draw on the road, exactly as they plan. Pick: Red Bull Salzburg 0, Wolfsburg 0

Barcelona vs. Dynamo Kiev

Time: Wednesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Thomas Rongen: Ronald Koeman’s woes are still present, but the Dutchman’s side enter this match on a high from their win over Valencia and can keep their strong run of form against Dynamo going with a professional performance. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 1

Fabrizio Romano: The serenity seems to have returned for Barça, the first victory of these group stages in the Champions League can arrive. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Barcelona are slowly, very slowly, picking themselves up again and thanks to the return of key players such as Ansu Fati and Sergio Aguero, suddenly, Ronald Koeman can exhale a little bit. More importantly, they NEED a win here, otherwise the knockout stage could be just wishful thinking. They’ll get it in an imposing win. Pick: Barcelona 3, Dynamo Kiev 0

Jonathan Johnson: Ronald Koeman’s men will just about get off the mark at Camp Nou. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 1

James Benge: If part of you still feels like there are further depths to be plumbed by Barcelona in the Champions League a rational look at that squad suggests they ought to have the quality to win what ought to be the easiest game of the group stages. Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay look to be developing an understanding at the top of the pitch that offers Barca the attacking weapons they need to keep play away from their shaky defense. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

Roger Gonzalez: Barça have a little momentum now ahead of El Clasico and get their first UCL win of the campaign. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 1

Mike L. Goodman: Barcelona are an utter mess, but they’ve still got more than enough talent to get by Kiev at home. It’s a must win if Barca want to have any shot at avoiding an embarrassing group stage elimination from the Champions League. Pick: Barcelona 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

Lille vs. Sevilla

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Thomas Rongen: The confidence in the hosts’ camp is not exactly sky-high. Sevilla’s hopes of a win at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy have also been diminished with their recent injury woes, expect another low-scoring draw. Pick: Lille 1, Sevilla 1

Fabrizio Romano: Julen Lopetegui has a lot of quality in his forwards, they can really make a difference. Pick: Lille 1, Sevilla 3

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Sevilla quietly go about their business but they also haven’t won a game yet in the tournament. Lille are only a point behind but I feel, overall, the Spanish side has better weapons. A narrow victory. Pick: Lille 0, Sevilla 1

Jonathan Johnson: More misery for the French champions as Julen Lopetegui’s men take the points. Pick: Lille 0, Sevilla 2

James Benge: Sevilla have not quite come to life in Europe but contrast their league form to that of Lille, who lost to Clermont at the weekend, and it is clear who should be considered favorites on Wednesday. Perhaps the key question is whether Julen Lopetegui’s side can muster enough attacking threat to exploit Lille’s weaknesses, they have not registered more than 1.5xG in any of their last seven matches. Pick: Lille 0, Sevilla 1

Roger Gonzalez: A second-half penalty for the Spanish side rescues a point on the road. Pick: Lille 1, Sevilla 1

Mike L. Goodman: Lille’s difficult season continues as they run into a more talented Sevilla side. Pick: Lille 0, Sevilla 1

Manchester United vs. Atalanta

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+) 

Thomas Rongen: Solskjaer’s side experienced all sorts of problems at the back in the loss to Leicester and Atalanta have perhaps found their rhythm, but the home side will have the Old Trafford faithful behind them and know that they cannot afford to lose this game, so expect a high-scoring draw. Pick: Manchester United 3, Atalanta 3

Fabrizio Romano: Atalanta play fearlessly on all fields, but Manchester have something more in their singles: Cristiano, of course. Pick: Manchester United 2, Atalanta 1

Luis Miguel Echegaray: I’m going to be crude and honest here. This has the promise of being a complete shit show for good and bad reasoning. United are a mess at the back and haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet since Aug. 29. Atalanta lead the group but have shown inconsistency in Serie A. This can only mean one thing: A lot of goals with a narrow United victory, only because, the Red Devils need a response after losing 4-2 to Leicester City. Pick: Manchester United 3, Atalanta 2

Jonathan Johnson: This Italian side will heap more pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a narrow away win. Pick: Manchester United 1, Atalanta 2

James Benge: We all know how this works by now, right? Things start getting bad for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and you get the feeling that two or three more defeats might really be it for him… and then United get back on form. They’re relatively effective at playing through teams that press them high up the pitch; this may be a game that suits them. Pick: Manchester United 1, Atalanta 0

Roger Gonzalez: The game of the day. Six total goals and another blown opportunity for the Red Devils. Pick: Manchester United 3, Atalanta 3

Mike L. Goodman: The pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to boil as United once again can’t quite find a result. Atalanta’s open style leads to goals, but it also leads to them exposing the fragility of United’s current setup. Ronaldo scores, but he doesn’t press, and that puts the Red Devils on the back foot for most of the match. Pick: Manchester United 2, Atalanta 2

Zenit vs. Juventus

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: The hosts have lost three of their last six matches, while Juventus are in the midst of a winning streak having been victorious in each of their last six fixtures. Expect a win by the visitors. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 2

Fabrizio Romano: These matches are the specialty of Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri: he rarely makes a mistake, meanwhile Dybala is back and could score. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 2

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Max Allegri has Juventus returning to form with six straight wins in all competitions. This continues against a Zenit side who have lost the last two before heading into this one. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 2

Jonathan Johnson: Massimiliano Allegri’s men will continue to improve and return from Russia with the points. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 1

James Benge: There is still work to be done in attack but at least in defense Juventus are beginning to look relatively stingy even if they had to survive an onslaught of offense against Roma on Sunday. Zenit have looked to be a strong side at both ends of the pitch in their two games so far but Juventus ought to have enough to make it three from three. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 2

Roger Gonzalez: Juve build off of the win over Roma to take care of Zenit, scoring twice on set pieces. Pick: Zenit 1, Juventus 3

Mike L. Goodman: Juventus seem to have righted the ship, though it took a little bit of good fortune and some complicated refereeing to defeat Roma their last time out in Serie A. Still, they should have enough to get a goal and strangle the game against Zenit in Russia. Pick: Zenit 0, Juventus 1

Benfica vs. Bayern Munich

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: In eight head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Bayern Munich hold the clear advantage, having won five games and drawn three. The Bundesliga giants are in great form and will comfortably get all three points. Pick: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 3

Fabrizio Romano: It can be one of the games with the most goals of this round. Two very strong attacking teams, Bayern still have a different level. Pick: Benfica 2, Bayern Munich 4

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Bayern Munich are a goal-machine, led by the great Robert Lewandowski. They put five past Bayer Leverkusen this past weekend and even though it won’t be that high against Benfica, I still see a comfortable win. Pick: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 3

Jonathan Johnson: The German powerhouse will keep their prolific form going in Portugal. Pick: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 3

James Benge: This Bayern team are a ludicrously effective attacking force, having just scored five goals on their nearest Bundesliga rivals it really does seem like a question of how many they can rack up against all but the very best teams in Europe. Benfica, it should be noted, have looked like a really strong defensive outfit so far in the Champions League (holding out PSV Eindhoven in the playoffs when down to 10 men) but I just don’t see them stopping Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Pick: Benfica 0, Bayern Munich 2

Roger Gonzalez: There is no stopping this Bayern team here. Benfica have so much quality and talent, but Bayern are on another planet. Pick: Benfica 0, Bayern Munich 4

Mike L. Goodman: Bayern are in God Mode right now. They scored five in the first half against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga over the weekend. Going to Portugal should pose no problem. Pick: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 4

Chelsea vs. Malmo

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)    

Thomas Rongen: Chelsea will be confident of making it three successive victories at home to a Malmo side who have looked out of their depth in this year’s Champions League to this point, and it may simply become a case of how many the Blues can score. Pick: Chelsea 4, Malmo 1

Fabrizio Romano: You can’t go wrong with this match in a group like Chelsea’s one, which is why Tuchel will prepare it best for a comfortable win. Pick: Chelsea 3, Malmo 0

Luis Miguel Echegaray: Chelsea, the kings of conventional victories, gets another against Malmo. At home, they’ll comfortably do the job. Pick: Chelsea 2, Malmo 0

Jonathan Johnson: A straightforward win for Thomas Tuchel and his defending titleholders. Pick: Chelsea 4, Malmo 0

James Benge: There are some relatively significant deficiencies in the Chelsea defense that will be worrying Thomas Tuchel even if they will probably not come back to bite them against Malmo, who look a fair way off most other teams in the Champions League. Instead this could be the sort of game where Romelu Lukaku gets back into the scoring groove. Pick: Chelsea 2, Malmo 0

Roger Gonzalez: The Blues score twice in each half and cruise to three, simple points. Pick: Chelsea 4, Malmo 0

Mike L. Goodman: A nice easy win for Chelsea at home is just what the doctor ordered to help them right a ship which has been surprisingly mediocre of late. Pick: Chelsea 2, Malmo 0

Young Boys vs. Villarreal

Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Thomas Rongen: Villarreal may not be in the best form right now, but they have still lost just once in five away matches this season. Young Boys will test them and have been strong at home, but expect Unai Emery’s side to hang on for yet another draw. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 1

Fabrizio Romano: We will have to suffer for the Spaniards, but they remain the favorites for this game. Arnaut Danjuma is in super form. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 2

Luis Miguel Echegaray: If Young Boys win and Atalanta lose or draw, the Swiss side will go top of group F, but Villarreal are desperate for a result of their own, as they sit bottom. A contentious draw awaits. Pick: Young Boys 2, Villarreal 2

Jonathan Johnson: A tricky test for Unai Emery’s Europa League champions in Switzerland which will finish level. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 1

James Benge: Villarreal could learn a lot from how Atalanta penned Young Boys back high up the pitch, testing the distribution skills of a defense that were found to be seriously lacking. Equally the Wankdorf’s synthetic pitch does seem to discombobulate opposition and Unai Emery’s side are still without a road win. This could go any way. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 1

Roger Gonzalez: Villarreal have the technical quality to do damage, but going on the road in UCL is never easy. Young Boys, boosted by their home fans, steal a point from the Yellow Submarine. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 1

Mike L. Goodman: Young Boys surprisingly find themselves in the hunt to advance from Group F and a home win against a Villarreal side coming off an ugly 2-1 home defeat to Osasuna in La Liga will make the second half of the group very interesting. Pick: Young Boys 1, Villarreal 0

Thanks for checking us out, and good luck with your picks!