Basel to draw with Arsenal – 13/5

Arsenal are in a peculiar position for this game. In the knowledge that they can top the group if they better Paris Saint Germain’s result, the Gunners’ approach will be intriguing. PSG are unlikely to drop points at home to Ludogorets and Arsene Wenger may accept resting a few players in the knowledge that finishing top or runner-up is of little relevance to the draw this year.

Basel, who are hosting the Gunners, have their own motivation. Conversely, they will be boosted by the fact that Ludogorets are unlikely to take anything from their game. Basel know that if they can better the Bulgarians’ result they will secure a place in the Europa League.

Rotation and the rather odd Group A circumstances make this a potentially strange affair, which could easily see it dwindle into a stalemate.

Benfica to beat Napoli – 8/5

With Besiktas travelling to Dynamo Kyiv, this is possibly the most influential fixture in this round of Champions League games. Only one point separates the three top sides in Group B, with Benfica holding home advantage.

When they met earlier in the competition, the side from Naples came out on top in a thrilling 4-2 encounter, but things are likely to play out markedly differently at the daunting Stadium of Light. Benfica will have been fired up yet further after suffering their first league loss of the season at the weekend, too.

While Napoli will be buoyed from their 3-0 thrashing of Internazionale last weekend, Benfica have the quality to trouble the Serie A side and should be able to squeak a vital victory.

Manchester City to beat Celtic – 9/25

Manchester City will be angered after their defeat to Chelsea. A game that ended with testosterone-fuelled hostility will leave Pep Guardiola and his players determined to prove they can finish chances and Celtic might just be the side on the end of a heavy thrashing at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite Brendan Rodgers’ side causing endless havoc for Manchester City earlier this season, it is hard to see a similar outcome. Although neither team has anything to play for on matchday six, Manchester City’s players will feel they have a point to prove – they must find a way to get back on track.

While anything can happen in these types of fixture, an unleashed Sergio Aguero makes Manchester City understandably strong favourites at home.

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