The UEFA Champions League returns Wednesday with another batch of high-stakes games – and an equally high-profile series of redemption arcs waiting to be crafted.
Bayern Munich's trip to Barcelona on Wednesday headlines the action on Matchday 3, a narrative-heavy matchup that includes a chance for Barcelona's Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski to face their former club. These teams, though, are two of several European heavyweights that have already dropped points in the competition, a list that includes the likes of Real Madrid, who flirted with another loss Tuesday, going down two goals before downing Dortmund 5-2, Paris Saint-Germain who dropped points to PSV and Arsenal who won narrowly at home.
The priority for Europe's elites this week will likely be getting back on track and while the fixture list favors some, others may not have it as easy.
Before the action begins, here's a look at expert picks and predictions from the CBSSports.com team.
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Here are our expert picks for this matchday:
Wednesday
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich
Player to watch: Raphinha -- One of the best players in Europe so far this season, no one in La Liga comes close to matching the Brazilian's 36 chances created (second best Alex Baena has 27). Lining up as a number 10 against a Bayern Munich side who aren't really using their most defensive midfielder? This could be fun. -- James Benge
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal -- Hansi Flick's team is in good spirits after a solid win against Sevilla over the weekend, where midfielder Gavi also made his comeback after injury. Against the former side of the Blaugrana coach, we expect Lamine Yamal to shine and drive his teammates to the win against the German giants. -- Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Bayern -- Both of these sides have already lost once and will want to avoid a second defeat in three games which is pretty unheard of for the Bavarians. Hansi Flick will know Bayern well but the Germans will also know what to expect from his side. The Catalan giants have been prolific since the start of the season but not playing at Camp Nou is a disadvantage for this sort of game. An entertaining score draw feels about right here. -- Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Robert Lewandowski to score (+113) -- This isn't a revenge game factor because those aren't real, but instead it's a realization that everything for Barcelona goes through the former Bayern Munich man. He was excited for life under Hansi Flick because of how attack minded the Barcelona manager is and it has paid dividends with 14 goals in 12 games in all competitions to begin the season. Bayern Munich's attack may be great, but their defense is susceptible which is where Barcelona will make them pay. -- Chuck Booth
RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool
Player to watch: Benjamin Sesko -- One suspects this won't be the last time that Premier League fans see Sesko in action. The Slovenian has made a bright start to year two with RB Leipzig and looks a particular handful in the Champions League, where he has scored half of his six goals. He also – and this is a reason to watch him closely – kicks a football ostentatiously hard. -- James Benge
Man of the match: Mo Salah -- The Liverpool winger is having a great start of the season as he scored five goals in eight Premier League games and has one assist in the two Champions League matches played so far. The game against RB Leipzig is the perfect game to score another one and to drive his team to another European win. -- Francesco Porzio
Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-2 Liverpool -- The Reds are one of seven sides with two wins from two while the Germans are actually some of the slowest starters with zero points from two games. Liverpool are in for a tricky game, but Arne Slot's men should have enough firepower to get the goals they need for victory in Germany. A draw would not be too surprising but the Premier League giants should edge this one. -- Jonathan Johnson
Best bet: Liverpool to win (-120): It doesn't matter the competition, if Liverpool to win is a comfortable number, it's one worth taking. The Reds have passed their toughest test of the season so far under Arne Slot and RB Leipzig are unable to control games. With Liverpool's consistency and the presence of Mohamed Salah, all the Reds need to do is take the chances that they'll be given and this should be a comprehensive victory.