Group G: AC Milan (Bettorlogic Ranking 14) v Auxerre (57) (Weds, 19:45)

Although AC Milan regularly qualify for the knockout stages of this competition, they have kept a clean sheet in just 23% (9/39) of their home group stage matches since 1994/95 which has included conceding in seven of their last eight such games. Milan have recorded W/Ws in 4/6 fixtures against teams with a Bettorlogic rank of 51+ this century although the other two games were L/Ls. All of their victories saw at least three goals. Auxerre are making their first Champions League appearance for eight seasons, but French teams have scored in 10/12 group stage matches at Italian opposition since 1999/00.

Recommendation: Both teams to score 2.50, Tote

Group G: Real Madrid (5) v Ajax (32) (Weds, 19:45)

Real Madrid have won 76% (41/54) home group stage matches since 1995/96 and 7/9 such games since 2007/08. Within the nine games, Madrid have scored at least twice on seven occasions and they have recorded four W/W doubles. Furthermore, they have defeated the -1.5 goal handicap in 8/15 undefeated home fixtures against teams ranked 21-40. Surprisingly, Ajax have been absent from the Champions League since 2005/06. Dutch teams have picked up two points from five trips to Spanish sides this century, but just two of the games saw more than two goals.

Recommendation: No bet

Group H: Arsenal (6) v Braga (63) (Weds, 19:45)

Arsenal have an excellent home record in the Champions League. Since 2004/05, they are undefeated in 18 home group stage matches with 14 wins, 10 W/W doubles and 10 victories by two clear goals. This has also included two wins – 4-0 and 2-0 – over Braga’s countrymen Porto. Braga are making their debut in Europe’s elite club competition after they finished second in the Super Liga last season. Portuguese teams have picked up just one point in 10 trips to English opposition in the group stages since 2001/02 with five L/Ls and six losses by two clear goals.

Recommendation: Arsenal Win -1.5 1.95, VC

Group H: Shakhtar Donetsk (21) v Partizan Belgrade (100) (Weds, 19:45)

This is Shakhtar’s sixth Champions League campaign this century. The hosts have won seven of their 15 home group stage matches with six defeats and 10 +2.5 goals games, however they have gained seven points from their three fixtures against lower-ranked opposition. Partizan Belgrade’s only previous appearance in this competition came in 2003/04 when they managed to draw all of their home matches and lost all of their away matches. Since then they have improved, and their Brazilian striker Cleo is one to look out for as he has netted in all of their six qualifying games, scoring a total of eight goals.

Recommendation: No bet