UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2026-27 Group Stage Picks

The Champions league proper starts on Tuesday.

TUE SEP 8

1. AEK ATHENS ML @ 1.78/-128 (1u) Pinnacle

This is a simple handicap of taking the better team to win. I like to fade a team that had a miraculous result to get to this point. LASK was down 3-0 to Celtic on aggregate and even down 1-0 to start the game at home and somehow Celtic imploded as they usually do in European play away from home. The Greek champions AEK are very good at home and this will most likely be the only game that they are favourites. I expect them to go for the full 3 points from the onset and get the job done.

TUE SEP 8

2. Lille/Real Betis UNDER 2.5 total goals @ 2.05/+105 (1u) Pinnacle

Lille form wise have had only 1 out of their last 4 games go over the total. They also have 2 clean sheets out of the first 3 games to start the season. Betis have only had 1 of their past 5 games go over and they have recorded 3 clean sheets out of their first 4 games to start their play including keeping Real Madrid to zero goals their last game. Anything at 1.80/-125 or better is value where neither side will need to all out attack for their first match. My numbers have this as a 1-1 draw. I also considered taking the HT draw but wanted 2.50/+150 which I could not find.