Another shoddy weekend, and like a few Premier League managers right now, I feel like I’m fighting for my job as I try to turn the tide on a terrible start to the season. The winners have dried up, the confidence has taken a hit, and I haven’t even had a play yet in the Champions League. So this midweek slate is all about doing everything I can to turn things around and get back aboard the winners train.
Time to steady the ship.
Odds provided by Stake.com.
Atletico Madrid v Manchester United
Champions League, Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain, 9pm CET, Tuesday 13th October
Prices: 1.90 Atletico Madrid, 3.90 Draw, 3.80 Manchester United
United are a mess. The structure isn’t there, they’re conceding too many chances, and they look fragile whenever they’re pressed. Carrick’s side are still searching for any kind of consistency, and this is a horrible fixture for a team low on confidence.
Atleti, by contrast, have won four on the spin and sit second in La Liga. Jan Oblak remains rock solid in goal, Cristian Romero has added bite and quality at centre‑back, and Alejandro Grimaldo gives them real threat and delivery from the left. Marcos Llorente offers energy and versatility, while Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman give Simeone proper firepower up top.
They do need to respond after the defeat to Liverpool in Matchweek 1, but this is exactly the kind of game Simeone’s side usually handle well: organised, aggressive, and happy to punish any weakness. United’s current level makes this a very tough test for them.
Tip: Atletico Madrid to win @ 1.90. 1 unit.
Manchester City v PSG
Champions League, Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, 9pm CET, Wednesday 14th October
Prices: 2.15 Manchester City, 3.90 Draw, 3.00 PSG
City put in a good performance at Anfield. They controlled large parts of the game, moved the ball well, and looked comfortable even before Liverpool went down to ten men. The machine is starting to hum again.
But PSG are a different kind of test. They’ve got pace and chaos in wide areas, think of the way Dembélé or Kvaratskhelia can turn a game on its head in one moment, and they’re slowly knitting things together in midfield. When there are goals in a game, Tommy’s instinct is always to look for the side that thrives in chaos, and PSG fit that profile more than City in this spot.
City will have plenty of the ball, but PSG’s ability to break quickly and exploit space behind the full‑backs makes them dangerous. With the draw onside, I’m happy to take the European champions.
Tip: PSG Draw No Bet @ 2.25. 1 unit.
Bodo/Glimt v Borussia Dortmund
Champions League, Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway, 9pm CET, Wednesday 14th October
Prices: 3.25 Bodo/Glimt, 4.00 Draw, 2.00 Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga but somehow contrived to throw away a 2–0 lead against Werder Bremen in the 85th minute at the weekend. That kind of collapse is ugly, but it doesn’t erase the broader picture: they’re creating chances, they’re getting into good positions, and they’ve started the season strongly.
Bodo/Glimt were smashed 5–0 by Bayern in Matchweek 1. They’re much stronger at home and always well‑drilled, but there’s still a clear gap in quality. Over 90 minutes, Dortmund should have enough control, enough territory and enough chances to get this done.
At around even money, I’m happy to back the German side to continue their 100% start in Europe.
Tip: Borussia Dortmund to win @ 2.00. 1 unit.
Check out Tommy the Punter’s tipping record here.