By Wednesday night, the UEFA Champions League league phase will be halfway over, leaving four games for each team to aim to cement their spot in the knockout stages. After a wild, goal-filled Matchday 3, Matchday 4 figures to bring even more excitement with numerous smaller clubs looking to punch above their weight against some of Europe's giants. But how will each game play out?
Here are our expert picks for this matchday: Every match streams live on Paramount+, your home for every Champions League game all season long, plus replays, highlights, and studio coverage breaking down the race for the top eight. Player to Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa -- The Senegal striker is in an outstanding run of form lately, his eight goals coming from shots worth barely half that value in xG, not bad for a player who had something of a reputation as a minus finisher whose greatest skill was getting chances at volume. Jackson will fancy his chances against Barcelona's high line.
If he keeps up his hot streak, he might only need one opening to score. - James BengeMan of the match: Raphinha, Barcelona -- Another impressive start of the season for the Brazilian striker who has already scored 17 goals in the opening 12 games in all competitions, also delivering three assists. He's in great form and alongside his team they are hoping to show also their potential outside Spain where they are expected to be one of the candidates for the final win of the tournament. -- Francesco Porzio Prediction: Barcelona 2, Aston Villa 1 -- Aston Villa will be eager to face an understaffed Barcelona and will probably have their moments in what should be a thoroughly entertaining matchup. Barcelona, though, have enough attacking firepower to get out of the challenges Villa might pose.
Expect players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal to step up to the occasion. -- Pardeep Cattry Best bet: Ross Barkley to have 1+ shots on target (+130): There has been a resurgence under Unai Emery as Barkley has been popping up from deep in midfield to wreak havoc. While Barcelona has plenty of firepower in attack, the lack of defensive depth will mean that Villa will have chances to make things happen, and Barkley is someone who will have a chance to put a few shots on target. There's also the added benefit of him being one of the Villa players on penalties, which adds to the opportunities. -- Charles Booth Here are our expert picks for this matchday: Player to Antonio Nusa, RB Leipzig -- With six assists and four goals in the Bundesliga this season, the 21-year-old Nusa has the look of a player who may be establishing himself as one of Europe's best young attackers.
Prove what he can do against Matheus Nunes and the rest of the Manchester City defense, and the Premier League clubs will surely be clamoring. -- James BengeMan of the match: Erling Haaland, Manchester City -- This is one of those games when the Norwegian striker delivers. He already faced RB Leipzig multiple times when he played at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Manchester City. Haaland, who has scored four goals so far in the two Champions League matches played this season, needs to lead his team to victory after a disappointing defeat against Brighton over the weekend at the Etihad Stadium. -- Francesco Porzio Prediction: RB Leipzig 0, Manchester City 3 -- RB Leipzig have started the season in a rough patch, which makes a meeting against Manchester City very untimely for them.
Enzo Maresca's side are still a work in progress, but that is unlikely to be an issue on Wednesday, when they should be able to overpower their opponents with relative ease. -- Pardeep Cattry Best bet: Erling Haaland to score first (+290): After failing to score against Brighton over the weekend, Haaland saw a seven-match scoring streak come to an end in Premier League play, and what better way to move on from that than by continuing his Champions League one. While Haaland didn't play against AEK Athens, he has four goals in only two Champions League appearances and will be a focal point yet again in an away trip to face the German side, and as City looks for a fast start, the Norwegian will be able to provide it. -- Charles Booth
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