Champions League January Fixtures: New Betting Opportunities

The Champions League returns with its first-ever January fixtures, offering a unique betting opportunity as several teams enter matchday seven following an extended winter break.

The New Format Presents New Challenges

This season’s revamped Champions League format features an extended group stage, leading to January fixtures for the first time in the competition’s history. While clubs from Europe’s top leagues have maintained match fitness with domestic fixtures, teams from smaller leagues have faced a long layoff and could struggle to regain their competitive edge.

This disparity in match readiness presents a compelling betting angle, as teams returning from a winter break may find it challenging to match the intensity of sides in full competitive flow.

Key Matches to Watch

Atalanta vs Sturm Graz

Atalanta are seeking redemption after a recent 3-2 defeat to Napoli, extending their winless run to five matches. However, they have an excellent chance to bounce back against Sturm Graz, who have not played a competitive fixture since December 11th. Sturm Graz’s lack of sharpness could be a major issue, as they have already lost five of their six Champions League games, averaging just 0.67 goals per match.

Betting tip: Atalanta to win with a -1.5 handicap.

Slovan Bratislava vs Stuttgart

Slovan Bratislava’s clash with Stuttgart marks their first game since December 14th. Their lack of match practice is expected to be costly against a Stuttgart side that has hit the ground running after a brief winter break. Stuttgart have won all three of their league games since the restart, including an emphatic 4-0 victory over Freiburg.

Betting tip: Stuttgart to win and over 2.5 goals.

Shakhtar vs Brest

Shakhtar face Brest after a month-long break from competitive action, with only a 4-0 friendly win over Ludogorets to their name. In contrast, Brest have been one of the standout sides in the competition, sitting 7th in the group stage standings and looking to secure a last-16 spot.

Betting tip: Brest to win or draw (Double Chance).

Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg

Real Madrid welcome RB Salzburg to the Bernabeu, with the Austrian side potentially in for a rough night. Their last competitive match was on December 14th, and a 6-0 friendly defeat to Bayern Munich suggests they may struggle against Europe’s reigning champions. Madrid, led by the in-form Kylian Mbappe, will be eager to climb the table from their current 20th place.

Betting tip: Real Madrid to win and Kylian Mbappe to score.

Conclusion

The introduction of January Champions League fixtures creates new betting opportunities, with teams returning from long winter breaks potentially struggling against match-fit opponents. Punters should look to exploit these disparities when placing their bets.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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