Champions League Chaos; Who's In, Who's Out?: Accumulator Tip for January 29

There's a great week ahead of us and I've analyzed the best three games happening on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League to give you nothing but the best insights. So let's get into the predictions for these thrilling matches and win big!

Aston Villa vs. Celtic

Aston Villa have seen a significant decline in their performance. They started off the new year with three consecutive wins but currently find themselves winless in their last three matches across all competitions (D2, L1).

In their recent outing, the Villans were held to a 1-1 league draw against West Ham. This comes after a 1-0 away defeat to Monaco in the Champions League which saw them drop out of the top-eight to ninth place in the league phase standings. 

Since a 3-0 away derby defeat to Rangers FC after New Year's, Celtic bounced back splendidly. They have gone six matches across all competitions without defeat recording five wins and a solitary draw.

A win among those happened in the Champions League beating Young Boys 1-0 at home last week. Thanks to that result the Bhoys qualified for the knockout stages in this competition for the first time in 12 years. 

Both sides still have something to play for and a win here could possibly catapult them into the top-eight. Aston Villa is considered the favorite team but I'm not taking any chances in the full-time market because Celtic can at times be unpredictable. The home team is struggling on the defensive front conceding in ten of their last 11 games. I'm expecting the visitors to get on the scoreboard here. 

• Bet Type: BTTS

Juventus vs. Benfica

Juventus currently find themselves in a rut as they come into this match with just one win in their last seven games (D4, L3).

In their recent outing, the Old Lady was beaten 2-1 on the road against league leaders Napoli in the Serie A. This came after holding Club Brugge to a goalless draw in the Champions League and this was enough to see the Old Lady secure their spot in the knockout phase play-off.

Despite dropping their first game in the New Year against Braga, Benfica managed to bounce back with a four match winning run. However, they've seen a decline since then as they currently find themselves on a two-match losing streak. 

A loss among those happened in the Primeira Liga where their defensive woes came to light again as they lost 3-1 to Casa Pia on the road. This comes after wasting a two-goal lead against Barcelona in the Champions League to lose 5-4 at home. They've yet to guarantee their place in the knockout phase play-off and failure to win here could spell the end of their journey.

Juventus are considered the draw specialists. They have drawn 16 of their last 31 games this season and won't come as a surprise if they settle for another draw here. This is why I'm supporting the visitors in the double chance market to win or draw. The reasoning behind this pick is that they have beat Juventus twice in the Champions League and could make it three here.

• Bet Type: X2

Manchester City vs. Club Brugge

Manchester City has been impressive since the turn of the year. They've won four of their last six matches across all competitions (D1, L1) and come into this match off the back of a convincing 3-1 home league win against Chelsea over the weekend. 

In their recent outing in the Champions League, the Citizens wasted a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-Germain and found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline. They are outside the top 24 occupying 25th place in the 36-team table and will need to win this match if they are to progress to the competitions knockout phase play-off. 

Club Brugge have started the new year on an impressive note. They have yet to suffer defeat in their last six matches recording four wins and two draws. This was to be expected from a side that concluded 2024 on a high going unbeaten in 14 games (W11, D3).

In this competition, the Blauw-Zwart were held to a goalless draw against Juventus leaving them in 20th place in the 36-team table. A draw will be enough to see them progress to the competitions play-off phase. 

Club Brugge's record against teams from England in this competition has not been impressive. They have lost four of their last five matches and two of those defeats have come against Manchester City (outscored 9:2). I don't see them winning this one which is why I'm going with the home team to score over 2.5 goals in what will turn out to be a one-sided affair. 

• Bet Type: TT1 O2.5