Andrew Wilsher
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We’re in the final week of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stage, and while some teams have already secured their place in the next round and others have already been eliminated, there are still plenty of clubs fighting to make it through to the Round of 16. Among those teams is Manchester United, who must beat Bayern Munich and hope other results go their way if they are to advance. We have a best bet from that game as well as the matchup between Union Berlin and Real Madrid, with both games scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm ET on Paramount+. You can also read our soccer predictions for more Champions League picks as well as our EPL best bets each week.
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich best bet: Bayern Munich ML & Both Teams To Score (+260)
Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich endured humiliating defeats at the weekend and will be eager to make amends when they clash in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Manchester United were stunned 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Bayern Munich were dismantled 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt. Both results raised eyebrows but Bayern’s defeat was arguably more eye-catching as Thomas Tuchel’s men fell 3-0 behind after only 36 minutes.
It was, however, an anomalous result in what has otherwise been a near-perfect season for Bayern, who have won 10 of their 13 games in the Bundesliga and 4 of their 5 games in the Champions League. They are already guaranteed a spot in the Champions League knockout stage as Group A winners and do not need anything for this week’s visit to Old Trafford, although Tuchel will demand a response from his players. Bayern should have the quality to secure the win, but given the German club’s struggles in defense at the weekend, don’t be surprised if United are also able to find the net.
Union Berlin vs Real Madrid best bet: Real Madrid ML & Both Teams To Score (+200)
Real Madrid sealed top spot in Champions League Group C with something to spare and they can finish the group stage with a perfect record of 6 wins from 6 games. However, they can approach this matchup in a relaxed mood while boss Carlo Ancelotti can be expected to rotate his team for this trip to the German capital. That shouldn’t stop the 14-time European champions from winning this contest, but it could give their hosts a glimmer of hope and we predict Union Berlin to at least get on the scoresheet on Tuesday.
Union have had a miserable campaign following their 4th-placed finish in the Bundesliga last season, and they have won just 1 of their last 17 league games. That came at the weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach and that 3-1 should give them a timely confidence boost. They can still seal an unlikely 3rd place in the group (and a possible Europa League place) but it’s expected that the Spanish giants will be too strong.
