Following a full plate of matches on Tuesday 16 September, the UEFA Champions League returns Wednesday night with another exciting round of fixtures across Europe. Here’s what to expect from Wednesday’s action. Kick off times are Kenyan time.
Bayern München vs Chelsea (22:00)
The Allianz Arena sets the stage for one of the night’s standout fixtures as Bayern Munich host Chelsea. The German giants head into the clash in red-hot form after thrashing Hamburg 5-0 at the weekend, and there’s a strong sense of intent to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite following a less impressive campaign last season.
Chelsea, back in the Champions League after a brief absence, arrive unbeaten across all competitions and bolstered by new signings, but facing a more settled Bayern side is a daunting task.
Team news: Bayern are without Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito, while Raphaël Guerreiro remains a doubt. New signing Nicolas Jackson is available and could line up against his parent club. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer has returned to full fitness and is expected to start, but Dário Essugo, Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap are sidelined, with João Pedro and Estêvão still building match sharpness.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta (22:00)
PSG begin their Champions League title defence with high expectations despite injury setbacks. The French champions remain unbeaten domestically and will look to make a statement early in the group stage.
Atalanta, now under new management, lack some of the bite of their previous European campaigns but remain a tricky opponent capable of upsetting bigger teams.
Team news: PSG will be without Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lucas Beraldo. Atalanta ,on the other side will be without Ederson, Sead Kolasinac, Gianluca Scamacca and Mitchel Bakker.
Olympiacos vs Pafos (19:45)
Olympiacos return to the Champions League group stage backed by excellent domestic form, with a string of clean sheets and solid performances at home. Their experience on the European stage makes them clear favourites.
For Cyprus champions Pafos, this is a historic debut in the group stage. After a confident qualifying run, they will be eager to prove they belong.
Team news: Olympiacos have no major injury worries, though Roman Yaremchuk is a minor doubt. Pafos head into the clash with a fully fit squad.
Ajax vs Inter Milan (22:00)
Ajax return to the group stage after a few seasons away, coming in unbeaten this campaign and boasting an exciting attack. However, defensive frailties remain a concern as they welcome last season’s runners-up, Inter Milan.
Inter have enjoyed a strong start to Serie A, but their 4-3 defeat to Juventus over the weekend highlighted vulnerabilities they’ll need to address quickly.
Team news: Ajax will be without Steven Berghuis. Inter face a late fitness test for star striker Lautaro Martínez (back issue), while Davide Frattesi and Petar Sucic are available.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid (22:00)
Anfield will be buzzing as Liverpool, winners of all their Premier League matches so far, open their Champions League campaign against Atlético Madrid. Arne Slot’s men have relied on late goals in recent weeks, but the energy of the home crowd could prove decisive.
Atlético, meanwhile, have stumbled domestically and head to Merseyside weakened by a long injury list, leaving Diego Simeone with a huge challenge.
Team news: Liverpool could hand a debut to new signing Alexander Isak. Atlético are missing Julián Álvarez, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, Álex Baena and José María Giménez.
Slavia Praha vs FK Bodø/Glimt (19:45)
Slavia Praha host FK Bodø/Glimt in what promises to be a compelling Champions League Group Stage opener. Slavia enters this matchup in a strong form; unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, with a recent 3-1 win against Karvina last weekend in the Czech First league.
Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, arrive as the underdogs but with momentum, scoring freely in recent games and especially impressive at home, having delivered a large aggregate win over Sturm Graz to reach the group phase.
Team news: Slavia will be without Dominik Javorcek and Emmanuel Fully due to injuries but otherwise boast a settled squad with most of their key players available. Bodø/Glimt, on the other hand, face a few concerns; defender Høgh remains a doubt while captain Ulrik Saltnes is sidelined, leaving the Norwegians slightly weak in midfield.
