Champions League predictions podcast: Every UCL score in 60 seconds

Here at Squawka, we’ve released our predictions for the second round of fixtures in the league phase of the 2024/25 Champions League. 

Week one featured some interesting results, including Liverpool coming from behind to win 3-1 away at AC Milan, Aston Villa winning 3-0 at Young Boys in their return to Europe and Bayern Munich crushing Dinamo Zagreb 9-2. Celtic thrashing Slovan Bratislava 5-1 should also not go unmentioned.

But now, all eyes will be on the next round of fixtures, which represents a chance for some to build on a good start, or for others, the opportunity to get going after an iffy opening.

We’ve predicted the outcome of every game in 60 seconds, so read on below for three of the standout fixtures or watch the full podcast above for the entire breakdown.

Arsenal vs PSG

Arguably the standout fixture this week is last season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal against perennial French champions PSG. The Gunners took a 0-0 draw away at Atalanta last time out thanks to some heroics from goalkeeper David Raya, while PSG had to wait until the 90th minute for a Paulo Gazzaniga own goal to take them past Girona.

Podcast presenter Rimedi is an Arsenal fan, so you probably won’t be surprised to see who he’s backing for this one.

“I feel that home advantage really helps us in the Champions League,” he said, adding: “At home, we have the energy, the fans. I feel our players are a lot more free in the Champions League. We tend to put up high-scoring performances.

“Against PSG, we are going to fall into our shape at some points in the game and if we fall back into our shape, I don’t think any team is going to break us down.”

Squawka prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG

Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich

Villa made a triumphant, long-awaited return to the Champions League with a 3-0 win away at Young Boys in week one, but this time they face a whole different sort of animal in Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians have a point to prove under new boss Vincent Kompany, who takes over after they slipped to third in the Bundesliga last season. However, they’ve opened the new domestic campaign with four wins and a draw, coming from behind to take a point against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. They also opened their Champions League campaign with a stunning 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb.

Even with Harry Kane a doubt, Bayern have a formidable strike force. Can Villa handle them?

“I think Villa will face a few issues in getting a playoff spot,” said Squawka’s Dean Smith, elaborating: “This is their toughest test by far. They’ve struggled at home against some of the better sides since the turn of the year. They’ve lost to Newcastle, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd and Arsenal. So, I think they’ll come up just short, I think Bayern will have a little too much for them. [But] it’ll be a great game.”

Squawka prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Bayern Munich

Liverpool vs Bologna

Liverpool have looked fantastic under Arne Slot so far, that shock 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest aside. They certainly turned a few heads when they came from behind to beat AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro in their Champions League opener.

Up next is another Italian opponent in Bologna, who are a shock addition to this season’s tournament but showed they have some battling qualities by grinding out a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their opener — although failing to win at home was a disappointment.  Liverpool will be the heavy favourites at Anfield, but Bologna are a tidy defensive unit that may take some patience to break down.

Do the Reds have what it takes?

“I think Liverpool will be dominant here,” said Smith. “Bologna were unable to find a way past Shakhtar in matchday one. There seems to be a bit of a gap in quality between these two teams.”