By Wednesday night, the UEFA Champions League league phase will reach its halfway point, leaving each team four matches to secure a knockout-stage berth. Following a high-scoring Matchday 3, Matchday 4 promises more drama as several underdogs take on European heavyweights.
A panel of CBS Sports experts — James Benge, Francesco Porzio, Pardeep Cattry, Chuck Booth, and Roger Gonzalez — have submitted their score predictions for Wednesday's fixtures. The slate includes Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool, AEK Athens vs Real Madrid, Lens vs Como, Dortmund vs Real Betis, RB Leipzig vs Manchester City, Porto vs Napoli, PSV vs Club Brugge, Slavia Prague vs Arsenal, and Viking vs Sabah.
Game of the Day: RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
The standout fixture pits RB Leipzig against Manchester City. The experts lean heavily toward the visitors: Benge predicts 0-2, Porzio 2-3, Cattry 0-3, Booth 1-2, and Gonzalez 1-5 in favor of City.
Player to Watch: Antonio Nusa
James Benge highlights RB Leipzig's 21-year-old winger Antonio Nusa, who has registered six assists and four goals in the Bundesliga this season. Benge suggests a strong performance against Manchester City's defense could attract Premier League interest.
Man of the Match: Erling Haaland
Francesco Porzio backs Erling Haaland to be decisive. The Norwegian striker has four goals in two Champions League appearances this season and will be eager to rebound after Manchester City's weekend loss to Brighton. Haaland's previous encounters with Leipzig during his Borussia Dortmund days add further intrigue.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 0, Manchester City 3
Pardeep Cattry argues that Leipzig's poor start to the season makes this a difficult assignment, while Manchester City, despite being a work in progress under Enzo Maresca, should overpower their opponents with relative ease.
Best Bet: Erling Haaland to Score First (+290)
Charles Booth recommends backing Haaland to open the scoring. After a seven-match Premier League scoring streak ended against Brighton, Haaland's Champions League form — four goals in two games — makes him a prime candidate for an early goal as City seeks a fast start.
