Champions League Predictions for October 20: PSG vs Barcelona, Man City and Liverpool Fixtures

Champions League Matchday 3 Preview

The third round of the Champions League group stage will provide more clarity as teams start to distinguish themselves. Last week saw an explosion of goals, with 78 scored on Matchday 2 alone, bringing the season total to 147 goals across 36 matches—averaging over four goals per game. This level of scoring brings a nostalgic feel reminiscent of earlier European Cup days, possibly influenced by the tournament’s recent format changes.

Fenerbahçe vs Slavia Prague

• Prediction: Fenerbahçe 3–1 Slavia Prague
• Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
• Stadium: Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)

Fenerbahçe suffered a heavy loss against Aston Villa in their last match but are celebrating their first Champions League appearance since 2008–09. They have a squad that can challenge Europe’s middle tier. After a draw with Roma, they aim to secure their first Champions League win in nearly two decades, having last beaten Chelsea in a round of 16 first leg. Meanwhile, Slavia Prague has struggled this season, including recent defeats to Lens and Sabah, suggesting another tough outing ahead.

Sabah vs Borussia Dortmund

• Prediction: Sabah 1–2 Borussia Dortmund
• Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
• Stadium: Olympic Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas (ESP)

After claiming their first Champions League win, debutants Sabah host Dortmund. The German club, finalists three seasons ago, have not won in their last three matches and face pressure after losses and draws domestically and in Europe. Niko Kovač’s side is chasing vital points, but the spirited home team won’t make it easy.

Liverpool vs Villarreal

• Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Villarreal
• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)

Liverpool continue adjusting under new coach Andoni Iraola. Their results have been promising despite performances needing improvement, with vulnerabilities exposed recently by Brentford. Bradley Barcola’s hat trick against LASK gave hope, and the Reds may shine more in Europe. Villarreal, who recently won a long-awaited Champions League match, visit Anfield with Iñigo Pérez facing his former boss in a reunion since the 2021–22 semifinals.

Manchester City vs AEK Athens

• Prediction: Man City 3–0 AEK Athens
• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)

Manchester City’s winning streak in the Premier League reached seven games but was interrupted in the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, who led 3–0 at halftime before edging 4–2. The upcoming match against AEK Athens, who lost their last game to Shakhtar Donetsk, offers City a chance to regroup. Manager Enzo Maresca might rest key players at the Etihad.

Porto vs PSV Eindhoven

• Prediction: Porto 1–1 PSV
• Location: Porto, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio do Dragão
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)

PSV Eindhoven’s dominance in Dutch soccer is being challenged, with recent losses in the Eredivisie piling pressure on coach Peter Bosz. Their Champions League campaign has been mixed, featuring a draw against Shakhtar and a narrow loss at RB Leipzig. Porto, meanwhile, look for a strong result after losing to Man City and Real Betis, boosted by striker Samu Aghehowa’s return to scoring.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona

• Prediction: PSG 4–3 Barcelona
• Location: Paris, France
• Stadium: Parc des Princes
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)

This fixture features arguably the two most exciting European teams currently. PSG defeated Barcelona 2–1 last season in Montjuïc, and now host them at Parc des Princes. Both teams deal with injuries at fullback but promise high-level football. Barcelona are setting records in La Liga, aiming for a third consecutive title. PSG showed glimpses of brilliance last week in Manchester, making this an unmissable match.

Roma vs Slovan Bratislava

• Prediction: Roma 4–0 Slovan Bratislava
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Stadium: Stadio Olimpico
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI)

Roma suffered a late collapse against Real Madrid last week but bounced back with a Serie A win over Genoa. They face struggling Slovan Bratislava, who lost all league phase matches two seasons ago and have been heavily defeated this season. Roma should dominate at Stadio Olimpico.

Napoli vs Bodø/Glimt

• Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Bodø/Glimt
• Location: Naples, Italy
• Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez (ESP)

Bodø/Glimt have proved they can win away in Europe, defeating Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan last season. Napoli, meanwhile, have struggled to impose themselves in recent Champions League campaigns and have suffered back-to-back defeats. Both sides will be eager for points, making a draw likely.

Stuttgart vs Atlético Madrid

• Prediction: Stuttgart 0–1 Atlético Madrid
• Location: Stuttgart, Germany
• Stadium: MHPArena
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)

Stuttgart started well in the group stage with two wins but have struggled in the Bundesliga, suggesting they aren’t ready to face Europe’s top teams. Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, have won six consecutive matches and will be tough opposition.

Matchday 3 Predictions Summary

• 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET - Fenerbahçe vs Slavia Prague: 3–1
• 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET - Sabah vs Borussia Dortmund: 1–2
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Liverpool vs Villarreal: 2–0
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Man City vs AEK Athens: 3–0
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Porto vs PSV Eindhoven: 1–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - PSG vs Barcelona: 4–3
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Roma vs Slovan Bratislava: 4–0
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Napoli vs Bodø/Glimt: 1–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Stuttgart vs Atlético Madrid: 0–1