Champions League expert picks, predictions, best bets: Arsenal vs. PSG, Leverkusen vs. Milan too close to call

The UEFA Champions League returns with another round of riveting league phase fixtures this week that will ask a handful of Europe’s top teams to prove their worth just weeks into the competition.

The headlining act of Matchday 2 is Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Arsenal, where the French champions will take part in a meaningful litmus test of their post-Kylian Mbappe plans against the well-drilled English side. It is not the only match that might be hard to predict – a clash between Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan could be closely contested, as could Aston Villa’s faceoff with Bayern Munich.

Teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool, meanwhile, aim to build upon their strong starts to the campaigns, while injury-ridden sides like Manchester City and Barcelona eye their first wins of the European season.

Before the action begins, here’s a look at expert picks and predictions from the CBSSports.com team.

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Here are our expert picks for this matchday:

Tuesday

Leverkusen vs. Milan

Player to watch: Florian Wirtz — He’s been as good a forward as almost any across Europe so far this season and even in quiet games he finds a way to make an impact on the scoresheet. Will the right flank anchored by Emerson Royal be able to keep its discipline and positioning when Wirtz goes marauding? If it isn’t, expect the 21 year old to rip them to pieces. — James Benge

Man of the match: Christian Pulisic — The USMNT winger had an incredible start of the season, as he scored five goals and provided two assists in his first seven games of the season in all competitions. Pulisic has probably had the best start to as season of his career so far and there are many reasons to think he can continue  against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. — Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Leverkusen 2-1 Milan — The general consensus is that the hosts will not lose and score at least twice. Although a high-scoring draw should not be ruled out, Leverkusen should shade this one. The Germans opened with a win on the road while the Italians let a lead slip before going down to Liverpool. Do not be surprised if this ends up level, but Xabi Alonso’s men should have just about enough to edge it. — Jonathan Johnson

Best bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (-135) — It’s hard to pick a side in this match, but there will be goals. Milan and Leverkusen are both able to turn up the attacking pressure but their defenses have also been suspect to begin the season. With Florian Wirtz and Christian Pulisic in top form, you even have stars to look for to get the attack rolling which could see this match go over with both teams finding the back of the net. — Chuck Booth

Arsenal vs. PSG

Player to watch: Gabirel — Can anyone stop the man mountain in Arsenal’s defense? At both ends he is bullying opponents, quelling forwards big and small before rumbling upfield to drive home yet another goal off a corner. Then again, officials have been less sympathetic to Arsenal physicality in Europe than in the Premier League. If that remains true on Tuesday then it might be much harder for Arsenal to get what would be a valuable win. — James Benge

Man of the match: Bukayo Saka — After scoring only one goal in the first eight games of the season so far, we are all waiting for Saka’s first European goal of the season and the clash against PSG might be the best moment for it. The English forward needs to step up against the French giants, who won’t be counting on Ousmane Dembele after he was left out of the squad on Monday. — Franesco Porzio

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG — Most of the panel fancy a tight contest with a goal or so in it so be prepared for a fairly low-scoring affair based on that. It would not be a huge surprise to see the Gunners benefit from Ousmane Dembele’s surprise absence and in Bradley Barcola, PSG still have the tools to hurt Arsenal. However, Mikel Arteta’s men have history on their side with Paris generally struggling against English opponents which Luis Enrique experienced first hand last year with a heavy loss away at Newcastle United. — Jonathan Johnson

Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (+112) — When it comes to top teams squaring off in Champions League, I’m targeting unders. Arsenal and PSG can both run up the score, but playing multiple matches in a week is a taxing proposition which allows defenses to win out. Neither team needs to actually win this match to finish in the top eight of the league stage either, which is why it could be a good under opportunity. — Chuck Booth

Wednesday

Lille vs. Real Madrid

Player to watch: Jonathan David — The striker has started his pre-agency season in just the fashion needed to convince those who have not yet taken the plunge on the Canadian. Through six Ligue 1 games he has five goals, add some big contributions to get Lille to the league phase and you have a player who really should be on the radars of top sides. Perhaps a goal against the European champions would be all it takes to convince potential suitors. — James Benge

Man of the match: Jude Bellingham — With Kylian Mbappe still in doubt for the game as he’s recovering from his injury, English midfielder Jude Bellingham has to step up and drive his team to the win against Lille. Bellingham still hasn’t scored in his first six games of the season, and the matchup against the French side is the best opportunity to score his first one. — Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Lille 0-2 Real — There is no surprise that Real are strong favorites to come away with the win here. There is no French return for Kylian Mbappe for now as he is out injured so expect there to be less of a sense of occasion around this one. LOSC can make life tricky for opponents but suffered a poor loss last time out and will be bracing for another defeat here. — Jonathan Johnson

Best bet: Real Madrid to win and over 2.5 goals (+115) — Finding value in betting on Real Madrid matches can be hard but it’s always safe to assume two things. First, Real Madrid will win, and, second, there will be goals. Being able to get both of these things combined for plus money is a bet that I’m going to take every time. — Chuck Booth

Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich

Player to watch: Michael Olise — The winger ought to fancy this one. The last time he ran into Aston Villa he and his Crystal Palace teammates exposed vulnerabilities in Unai Emery’s defense that don’t seem to have been addressed over the summer. The French international has hit the ground running with Bayern, three goals and two assists in his last three games putting him in the perfect position to excel on his return to the country where he was born. — James Benge

Man of the match: Harry Kane — The English striker has already scored four goals in the opening Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, when Bayern Munich were able to win 9-2 against the Croatian team. There is no reason to think he can’t score again against his former Premier League rivals. — Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Villa 1-2 Bayern — Overall, the German giants are favorites to win and make it six points from six. However, Villa got a good win last time out and this will be a huge European night at Villa Park given this fixture’s European Cup history. Goals for both sides will be expected, but Bayern’s superior continental pedigree could end up being the difference come he end of 90 minutes. — Jonathan Johnson

Best bet: Bayern Munich to win (-140): Coming off a league draw with Bayer Leverkusen, Vincent Kompany will want Bayern to come out of the gate quickly to get to six points in league phase play. Aston Villa are tough customers at home, but when it gets down to it, defending Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise will be too much.