Group A: FC Twente (Bettorlogic ranking 49) v Werder Bremen (19) (Weds, 19:45)

With joint-group leaders Inter Milan and Spurs squaring off against each other in the other match in Group A both Twente and Werder Bremen have an excellent opportunity to move up the table. Debutants Twente are unbeaten after nine games in the Eredivisie and their four home matches have produced 14 goals. Further, both of their group matches so far have settled the +3.5 goals market. Since 2005/06, 10/14 of Werder’s away Champions League matches have seen more than two goals as have five of the last seven group games in which a Dutch side has hosted a German side.

Recommendation: +3.0 goals 2.30, Canbet

Group A: Inter Milan (2) v Spurs (24) (Weds, 19:45)

Italian giants Inter Milan have a formidable home record of 11 wins from 15 group stage games since 2005/06 while seven of the victories have been W/W doubles and six have been by two or more goals. Newcomers Spurs have fared well in the Champions League so far – they drew 2-2 at Werder despite leading by two goals and then thrashed Twente 4-1 at home – but this is by far their sternest test yet. English sides have won only 5/20 group games in Italy, however their record improves to W2-D5-L3 when they are the lower ranked side.

Recommendation: No bet

Group B: Lyon (11) v Benfica (23) (Weds, 19:45)

Despite starting slowly domestically, Lyon have been typically strong in Europe. The hosts have won both of their opening games to extend their record to 20 victories in 34 home group games this century with 15 W/Ws. Furthermore, they have won 4/8 such games against teams with a Bettorlogic rank of 11-30 over the same period. Benfica have won just 1/10 away group stage fixtures since 2005/06 with six defeats and six HT draws. Within that sample they have also picked up just one point from three trips to sides ranked 6-15. More generally, home teams in this ranking band have won 21/37 group games hosting sides ranked 11-30 since 2005/06.

Recommendation: Lyon Win 2.25, William Hill

Group B: Schalke 04 (42) v Hapoel Tel-Aviv (166) (Weds, 19:45)

Schalke will view this as a must-win game if they are to have a chance of topping Group B, while anything less than four points from this and the reverse fixture in Matchday 4 will give Lyon and Benfica the best chance of progressing to the knockout stages. This is only the German’s third appearance in the Champions League since 2005/06, but within the sample they have won 4/7 home group matches and all of the victories were by two clear goals. German sides ranked outside the top-10 have won 15/21 group games hosting sides ranked 51+ with 10 wins by at least two goals. Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel-Aviv, who are making their maiden appearance in this competition, have lost by exactly two goals in both of their matches so far and Israeli sides in general have picked up just one point from 10 away group games since 2002/03.

Recommendation: Schalke Win -1.5 2.35, Bet365