Mourinho Returns to Stamford Bridge in Benfica vs. Chelsea Clash

Mourinho's Back… But Not in Blue

One of the biggest headlines this week is Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, but not in Chelsea blue. The Special One is now leading Benfica, and the reunion is more awkward than inspirational. Chelsea are the favorites in this matchup, but it’s a game between two clubs currently more chaotic than clinical. Benfica sacked Bruno Lages after a disastrous loss to Qarabag in the Champions League and replaced him with Marino, who’s had a wobbly start. Chelsea, meanwhile, are a young team still trying to find their identity, and off-the-pitch drama could lead to further sanctions.

Despite all the noise, Chelsea are still expected to win this one. If you’re betting, Chelsea moneyline looks solid, but don’t rule out both teams to score. Neither side is exactly known for keeping it tight at the back right now. Keep an eye on corners and cards too, Mourinho doesn’t do boring, even when things aren’t going well.

Goals, Goals, and More Goals

Speaking of not boring, Atletico Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt is practically screaming for goals. Atletico have been in shootout mode recently, including a 5-2 win over Real Madrid and a 3-2 loss to Liverpool. Frankfurt are no slouches either, recently going toe-to-toe in a chaotic 6-4 win over Gladbach. Seven of their last seven games have seen over 3.5 goals, and both teams love a goal-fest.

Here’s the play: both teams to score and over 2.5 goals. It’s even money and looks like an absolute gift. If you fancy a bigger swing, over 3.5 goals is very much in play. This one’s got 3-2 written all over it, and we wouldn’t be shocked to see a late goal swing your bet one way or the other.

Galatasaray: Sneaky Value Against Shaky Reds

Liverpool are favorites against Galatasaray, but recent form suggests they shouldn’t be. The Reds just lost to Crystal Palace and are leaking goals like a sieve. Galatasaray, on the other hand, are in scoring form, and the return of Victor Osimhen gives them a huge boost. Midfielder Akugan is also in fine form and could be worth a look in the goalscorer markets.

If you want a sharp angle, Galatasaray over 1.5 team goals is the play. Liverpool’s defense has been generous, and the Turkish side have the firepower to cause problems. If you're feeling bold, a cheeky punt on both teams to score and Galatasaray double chance could provide serious value.

Barcelona Catch PSG at the Right Time

Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain is one of the marquee matchups of the week, but PSG are limping into this one. They’ve got an injury list long enough to fill a team sheet, and their recent loss to Marseille showed just how much they miss their stars. Barcelona, on the other hand, are in form and firing, including a big win over Newcastle in the last round.

Barcelona are favorites and rightly so. A home win at around -117 looks like a banker, especially considering PSG’s thin squad. If you want to juice it up, Barcelona to win and both teams to score might be worth a nibble, even a depleted PSG can’t be counted out entirely in attack. But this is Barcelona’s game to lose.

Arsenal Looking Like Title Contenders and Clean Sheet Machines

The Gunners might just be the most balanced team in Europe right now. After a gritty win over Newcastle, Arsenal are top of the Premier League and shifting gears into Champions League mode. They face Olympiacos at home, and this one looks like a mismatch. Arsenal have won five of their last seven home UCL games with clean sheets in all of those wins.

At 1/5 odds, there’s no value in backing the outright win. Instead, go for Arsenal to win to nil. That’s sitting at around +120 and looks like a smart play given how toothless Olympiacos have been away in Europe. Arsenal’s defense is arguably the best in the world right now, and they’re not in the mood to concede.

Monaco Could Spoil Man City’s Reboot

Man City are still trying to convince the world they’re back, but a trip to Monaco could bring more questions than answers. Pep’s side is still gelling, and Monaco have already shown they’re a tough out with wins over Villa and Barcelona last year. Monaco getting +1 on the Asian handicap at plus money looks like a sneaky good bet. If City win by one, you push. If Monaco pull off a draw or win, you cash.

This feels like a transitional year for City, and away days like this one can be banana skins. Monaco are motivated after a tough Matchday 1 and won’t be intimidated. This isn’t a lock, but it’s a sharp angle for bettors looking to fade the City hype train, at least for now.

Newcastle Need to Wake Up

Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle is a trap game if ever there was one. Newcastle are even money favorites, but they’ve been struggling to find the net. Union are unbeaten in nine and have shown they can hang with stronger teams. The value here looks to be on under 2.5 goals. Newcastle’s attack isn’t flying, and Union will likely sit deep and frustrate.

This could be a grind. Think 1-1 or even a 1-0 either way. If you're betting props, look at first-half draw or under 1.5 first-half goals. This isn’t where Newcastle find their rhythm, it’s where they’ll be tested.

Quick Hits and Bonus Bets

RB Leipzig should handle Club Brugge, they’re heavy favorites and have been reliable at home. Lille vs. Sevilla is one for the underdog lovers, as Lille are at home but still priced as outsiders. A draw or Lille double chance could be the play there. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are quietly climbing the table in England, and with odds of around +150 for a top-six finish, they’re a fun futures bet with upside.

And if you're looking for a wild one, Atletico vs. Frankfurt over 3.5 goals at plus money is one of our favorite swings of the week. Expect chaos in Madrid.