Champions League betting guide: Three opening-day selections to consider

Arthur Wandji, a Cameroonian sports journalist and betting expert, has identified three matches for a Champions League accumulator, with both teams to score, Raphinha to score and more than 1.5 first-half goals among his selections.

Real Madrid v Inter Milan – 8 September, 19:00 GMT

Recommended bet: Both teams to score (odds: 1.47)

Real Madrid’s attacking strength could make this an open contest at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Kylian Mbappe continuing his pursuit of Raul’s Champions League scoring record. Raul scored 66 goals in the competition for the Spanish club.

Real Madrid have been consistently productive in Europe, scoring 11 goals across their past five continental matches. Their attacking options should provide enough pace and quality to trouble an Inter Milan defence that will face a demanding evening in Madrid.

Inter, however, arrive with an impressive record of their own. They are unbeaten in their past 20 competitive matches, while 13 of those games have produced more than three goals. Lautaro Martinez remains a key threat, and Inter’s creative midfielders could take advantage of the gaps created by Real Madrid’s absences in midfield.

The combination of Real Madrid’s home attacking record and Inter’s current form in front of goal makes both teams scoring the preferred option.

Valencia v Barcelona – 9 September, 16:45 GMT

Recommended bet: Raphinha to score (odds: 1.60)

Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign at Spotify Camp Nou in outstanding form, having followed a 5-0 victory over Valencia with a perfect domestic record. They have also shown considerable firepower in Europe, averaging 2.88 goals per match in the competition.

The Catalan side will be without important players, including the suspended Eric Garcia and the injured Frenkie de Jong. Even so, Barcelona’s record at home and their established tradition of making strong starts to European campaigns underline their status as favourites.

The match preview also concerns Feyenoord Rotterdam, who return to Europe’s premier club competition with realistic ambitions but a difficult away record. They have failed to win any of their past 11 European matches away from home.

Feyenoord remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst must manage a number of notable absences. Smal, Nieuwkoop and Beelen are unavailable, while the defensive unit has often struggled against leading opposition.

That situation could create opportunities for Raphinha, who has made an influential start to the season. The Brazil international has already scored six goals in Liga and is considered well placed to find the net again.

Paris Saint-Germain v Slovan Bratislava – 9 September, 19:00 GMT

Recommended bet: More than 1.5 first-half goals (odds: 1.64)

Paris Saint-Germain begin the defence of their Champions League double at Parc des Princes, but they do so after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Monaco in the league.

Luis Enrique’s side nevertheless retain a formidable European home record in the group stage. They can call on the experience and quality of players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, while their home matches have generally started at a high tempo.

Several major summer signings are still adapting, but PSG’s early-match statistics at home point towards an aggressive approach from the opening whistle. They are expected to try to settle the tie quickly.

Slovan Bratislava, managed by the celebrated Yaya Toure, face a historic challenge despite recently losing in their domestic league. The Slovakian side have shown strong form away from home, winning six of their most recent matches on the road.

Three of those victories came in the Champions League qualifiers, and Slovan scored twice in each of them. Their willingness to attack, combined with PSG’s desire to respond immediately after their defeat by Monaco, could produce a high-scoring first half.

Odds are subject to change.