Wednesday 4 November 2015 22:44, UK
Charlie Nicholas provides us with his Champions League predictions, expecting Chelsea to see off Dynamo Kiev and Bayern Munich to gain revenge against Arsenal.
The Soccer Saturday pundit was in stunning tipping form in the last round of European fixtures, landing a 70/1 accumulator in his Sky Bet tips as he backed his former side to defy the odds against Bayern.
Nicholas' hot streak stretched into Tuesday as he predicted that Wayne Rooney would be the matchwinner in a narrow win for Manchester United, though he did not forsee City's win at Sevilla.
Our man reckons Bayern will be out for revenge against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday - but fancies Jose Mourinho's beleaguered Chelsea to get back on track against their Ukrainian visitors...
Chelsea v Dynamo Kiev
Goodness me, where do we start? Is it a must win? For who? For Chelsea? For the players? For Jose? I just couldn't understand their mentality on Saturday to go one up and just drop off and defend, I know they're low in confidence but for players of that quality to do it is shocking.
However, I do think they'll sneak a win here but I can see it being a scramble. They need to just relieve this pressure, for a few days at least, and put themselves in a decent position to qualify.
I'm backing Willian, who has been their best player by a mile, to score first. He and Ramires are the only players that have turned up this season.
Charlie predicts: 2-0 and Willian to score first (35/1 with Sky Bet)
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
The way that Arsenal are defending, I am confident that it won't be one of these games where Bayern are 3-0 up at half-time and it's just save face from there, because this lot can do that against the very best.
I see, the diver of all divers and an absolutely tremendous talent, Arjen Robben is back and that does concern me. He's not quite up to speed but he's always been a real problem to Arsenal. They made quite a few changes at the weekend so I'm asking what to expect from them. I do think you can get at them though, especially with David Alaba at centre-back.
My heart wants to say that I believe we can get a score draw, I'm tempted by Arsenal -1 on the handicap and I'd swallow your arm if you offered me a 1-1. However, I think Bayern will be hurting from what we did to them at the Emirates and be out for revenge.
Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Robben to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet)
Manchester United v CSKA Moscow
United are well odds-on but I ask why? It was probably their best performance of the season in the reverse of this fixture and that's not saying much. They played half decent for 25 minutes at Crystal Palace but that was about it. But why are we getting ourselves worked up about Louis van Gaal? We knew he was structured and strict.
As for Wayne Rooney, I will continue to stick up for him because he's a top-class footballer. He's lacking a yard that he had two-three seasons ago, it's come to him quicker than most and I'll tell you why - like me he started so young and he's got 12 hard years and your muscles are different.
What does Van Gaal do with him though? Does he keep playing him up front, switch him on to the left for Antony Martial or does he drop Rooney into where Ander Herrera plays? He's got to change something in the system because it's not working for a lot of players.
This a tough game for them and, while I think Manchester United will win this, it won't be one of those glamorous nights. The fans will be singing 'attack, attack, attack' but they'll get pass, pass, pass. All Van Gaal is interested in is getting another three points.
Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Rooney to score first
RESULT: 1-0... with Rooney the matchwinner!
Sevilla v Manchester City
I have my issues with Manchester City still. They have laboured to both of their wins in the Champions League with late goals bailing them out. Sevilla should have been out of sight in the reverse fixture but Kevin Gamiero missed his chances.
Who is really playing well for Manchester City? Joe Hart had his issues at the weekend, Vincent Kompany doesn't look the convincing leader that he was before his injury. Sergio Aguero isn't fit, I don't think David Silva will be either.
It's going to be quite a high-tempo, squeezing game from Sevilla they are really dangerous at set-plays. At home they're a robust side and it's a hostile environment. I think it's going to be a real rocky night for City and I think Sevilla will get the points.
Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Gameiro to score first
RESULT: 1-3
