Champions League predictions: The Special One comes home in busy week for Premier League clubs

It’s another blockbuster week in the Champions League for Premier League clubs with four trips to the continent and one mega homecoming to look forward to.

Liverpool have a tough test on the back of defeat at Crystal Palace while Newcastle need a win.

Here’s how the games that matter are shaping up.

Tuesday

Chelsea v Benfica (20:00 BST)

Jose Mourinho won three Premier League titles with Chelsea in two spells and is back in his latest incarnation as manager of Benfica.

The Blues won the Club World Cup just a few short months ago but have not started the season well and were soundly beaten by Brighton at the weekend. A few more defeats and the pressure will really ramp up on Enzo Maresca.

Jose has won the Champions League with Porto and with Inter but has won four of 14 games against Chelsea in his career.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica

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Bodo/Glimt v Tottenham (20:00 BST)

Spurs made the trip to the frozen north earlier this year, winning in the Europa League semi-finals, so at least know what to expect.

The Norwegians have never beaten an English side and faced 26 shots in their opening Champions League game against Slavia Prague, suggesting they could be somewhat open against Spurs.

Tottenham were not at their best on the first night but got a win and expect more of the same here.

Prediction: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham

Galatasaray v Liverpool (20:00 BST)

This is a real test. Liverpool’s Champions League group stage form has been exemplary in recent years but they have never won in Istanbul against Galatasaray.

Will Alexander Isak shine? Can he play with Hugo Ekitike? Will they somehow keep scoring in the last few minutes of every match?
There are plenty of questions for Arne Slot to ponder with this one.

Prediction: Galatasaray 1-1 Liverpool

Wednesday

Union Saint-Gilloise v Newcastle (17:45 BST)

You’d be forgiven for not knowing too much about Belgian side USG as this is just the fifth time they have faced an English side.

The Magpies have only won one of their last nine games in the Champions League and need a good result to kickstart their campaign. Eddie Howe’s rebuilt attack needs to step up.

Prediction: USG 1-3 Newcastle

Arsenal v Olympiakos (20:00 BST)

The Gunners found a late winner at Newcastle on Sunday and will be relieved to be at home in midweek. Hit with injuries again, Mikel Arteta does now at least look to have a strong enough squad to compete on all fronts.

Olympiakos are familiar faces after the sides met in the last 16 last season and have won at the Emirates and Villa Park in recent years. It won’t be easy – but the Gunners should have enough.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos

Monaco v Manchester City (20:00 BST)

Monaco have good record at home to Premier League sides with Arsenal in 2015 the only English side to win their in the Champions League.

But City are starting to show signs that they are getting back to peak form – playing more direct than in previous incarnations perhaps.

One constant is the goals of Erling Haaland who reached 50 Champions League goals last time out.

Prediction: Monaco 1-2 Man City