Champions League Predictions for October 21: Big Match in Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester United in Action

The Champions League is picking up pace after a slow start, with Wednesday's games promising plenty of excitement. Following a thrilling Tuesday encounter between two top contenders, another high-profile clash awaits, featuring Arsenal visiting Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, attention also turns to Real Madrid as Vinícius Júnior returns to the starting lineup despite his domestic suspension, and Manchester United travel to scenic Como.

Teams seem freer at this stage, which should lead to an entertaining evening full of goals as the third round of group matches wraps up.

Como vs. Manchester United

• Prediction: Como 2–1 Man Utd
• Location: Como, Italy
• Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Sven Jablonski (GER)

Como, making their Champions League debut, host Manchester United in what could be a historic night. United have lost their earlier dominance and face injury challenges, with Lisandro Martínez likely sidelined. After a draw against Leeds that manager Michael Carrick called a fresh start, United need a win badly since they're without victory in six matches.

Como’s organization contrasts with United’s current struggles, and their home debut last month brought a memorable atmosphere.

Lille vs. Galatasaray

• Prediction: Lille 1–1 Galatasaray
• Location: Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
• Stadium: Stade Pierre Mauroy
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Rade Obrenovič (SVN)

Galatasaray were pushed hard by Barcelona last week, nearly leading before a goal was disallowed. The Turkish side depends heavily on home performances and must improve on the road to advance. Lille have stumbled recently, losing at home in Ligue 1 and falling to Arsenal in the Champions League.

Aston Villa vs. Viking

• Prediction: Aston Villa 3–1 Viking
• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: Villa Park
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 20
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (AUT)

After a record 6–0 win against Fenerbahçe, Aston Villa are showing improvement under Unai Emery. Nicolas Jackson and Johan Manzambi have been key contributors. Viking impressed with their effort against Bayern Munich but will struggle to take points away in this competition.

Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal

• Prediction: Bayern Munich 1–1 Arsenal
• Location: Munich, Germany
• Stadium: Allianz Arena
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Davide Massa (ITA)

This fixture between Bayern and Arsenal is highly anticipated, recalling last season when Arsenal won 3–1 in London. Despite winning only once on Bayern’s ground historically, the Gunners are tough opponents. Bayern will rely on Harry Kane, who has an excellent scoring record against Arsenal. Luis Díaz's recent hat trick adds firepower, facing an Arsenal defense missing William Saliba.

Club Brugge vs. Lens

• Prediction: Club Brugge 2–1 Lens
• Location: Bruges, Belgium
• Stadium: Jan Breydelstadion
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Luis Godinho (POR)

Club Brugge stunned Inter Milan recently and hope to build on that momentum. Nicolò Tresoldi has become a fan favorite. Lens are inconsistent this season but have secured two Ligue 1 wins around their recent loss to Sporting CP.

Inter Milan vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

• Prediction: Inter 3–1 Shakhtar Donetsk
• Location: Milan, Italy
• Stadium: San Siro
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Harm Osmers (GER)

Inter Milan faces pressure not to drop points against Shakhtar Donetsk, who play a lively style with many Brazilians. Shakhtar earned a draw at PSV and beat AEK Athens convincingly recently. A loss at home would cause concern about Serie A's standing in Europe.

Real Betis vs. Feyenoord

• Prediction: Real Betis 2–2 Feyenoord
• Location: Seville, Spain
• Stadium: La Cartuja de Sevilla
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Simone Sozza (ITA)

Feyenoord aims to maintain their unbeaten domestic record, currently leading the Eredivisie. They recently came from behind to beat Como. Real Betis recently lost to Barcelona but had earlier won a thrilling match against Porto. Betis plays at a different stadium due to renovations.

Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig

• Prediction: Real Madrid 4–0 RB Leipzig
• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)

Real Madrid showed strength in Rome recently and will welcome back Vinícius Júnior, confirmed by coach José Mourinho. Leipzig have struggled defensively, conceding six goals to Bayern twice. Madrid’s star-studded lineup looks set for a convincing home win.

Sporting CP vs. LASK

• Prediction: Sporting CP 3–0 LASK
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio José Alvalade
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Nicholas Walsh (SCO)

Sporting CP looks to confirm last season’s strong run into the quarterfinals wasn’t a fluke. Luis Suárez leads their scoring, with nine goals in ten matches. LASK made it through playoffs against Celtic but will find it tough in Lisbon.

Champions League Predictions: October 21

• 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET - Como vs. Man Utd: 2–1
• 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET - Lille vs. Galatasaray: 1–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Aston Villa vs. Viking: 3–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: 1–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Club Brugge vs. Lens: 2–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Inter vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: 3–1
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Real Betis vs. Feyenoord: 2–2
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig: 4–0
• 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET - Sporting CP vs. LASK: 3–0