Defeat here for sides who lost in the opening round of fixtures could prove catastrophic, and so there will be an element of desperation even at this early stage of the competition.
So who make up the pick of the Champions League betting tips?
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
These two sides were drawn together in the group stage of the Champions League last season, and that pair of fixtures both ended up 2-2.
Nobody is particularly surprised that given the modus operandi of both of these sides is goals, and so far in 2017/18 they have continued to sing from the same hymn sheet.
Dortmund have blasted 19 in their six Bundesliga outings so far, and yet were blown off the park by Tottenham in their opening fixture. If they lose here, their Champions League hopes could be up in smoke, and that will ensure an element of chaos in their play here.
Real Madrid have been uncharacteristically slack in defence this term, shipping in each of their last five La Liga games. Dortmund won’t need a second invitation to play on the front foot.
Recommended Bet
Over 3.5 Goals (Evens with Paddy Power)
Correct Score: 2-2 (10/1 with William Hill)
Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
This is one of those classic ‘English teams playing in alien conditions in Eastern Europe’ style Champions League matches.
It’s not that cold in Moscow yet, fortunately, but the key narrative could be Spartak’s plastic pitch. This is a bit of a leveller, and could derail Liverpool’s adventurous attacking play.
But the hosts are pretty poor defensively, conceding two or more goals in four of their last six domestic matches, and while the Reds are equally abject at the back they will fancy their chances of outscoring the Russians.
Spartak have a handy couple of attacking players in Quincy Promes and Luiz Adriano, and they will be expected to find the net.
Recommended Bet
Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score (11/10 with Paddy Power)
Napoli vs Feyenoord (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Napoli are absolutely romping along in Serie A, scoring at nearly four goals per game on average in their six straight wins.
Obviously, their 1-2 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk was a surprise, but they are back on home soil here and will be looking to rack up another comprehensive victory.
The Italians have shipped in five of their seven outings this term, and while Feyenoord have actually lost their last three games, the Dutch side have every chance of finding the net against ultra-attacking Napoli.
Recommended Bet
Napoli to Win & Both Teams to Score (6/4 with Betfred)
