The UEFA Champions League returns for Matchday 3, and it’s time for Fantasy Football managers and fans alike to lock in their final line-ups. With some teams battling injuries and suspensions, every detail counts. Here’s an overview of predicted line-ups, injuries, and suspensions for some of the top matches scheduled for October 22.
AC Milan vs. Club Brugge
San Siro, Milan – Tuesday, October 22
AC Milan is ready to take on Club Brugge with a solid squad, but a few key injuries might affect their performance. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rafael Leão are expected to drive the attack alongside Álvaro Morata, while Milan will miss Tammy Abraham (shoulder), Ismaël Bennacer (calf), and Davide Calabria (leg). On the other hand, Club Brugge is without Bjorn Meijer and Antonio Nilsen, but still field a dangerous team with Jutglà and Skov Olsen leading the charge.
Predicted Milan Line-up: Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernández; Loftus-Cheek, Fofana; Pulišić, Reijnders, Leão; Morata
Predicted Brugge Line-up: Mignolet; Seys, Mechele, Ordóñez, De Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashari, Vanaken; Skov Olsen, Jutglà, Tzolis
Monaco vs. Crvena Zvezda
Stade Louis II, Monaco – Tuesday, October 22
Monaco is determined to secure another victory despite injuries to key players like Folarin Balogun and Sofiane Diop. Their attacking front looks strong with Embolo and Golovin, while Crvena Zvezda will aim to cause an upset with their trio of Olayinka, Ndiaye, and Silas.
Predicted Monaco Line-up: Majecki; Henrique, Kehrer, Singo, Vanderson; Zakaria, Camara; Ben Seghir, Golovin, Akliouche; Embolo
Predicted Crvena Zvezda Line-up: Glazer; Djiga, Drkušić, Spajić, Youngwoo Seol; Ilić, Elšnik, Krunić; Olayinka, Ndiaye, Silas
Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Emirates Stadium, London – Tuesday, October 22
Arsenal faces injury challenges but remains in top form as they prepare for Shakhtar Donetsk. Ødegaard and Tomiyasu are out, with doubts over Bukayo Saka. Nevertheless, Gabriel Jesus and Havertz are expected to lead the Gunners’ attack. Shakhtar Donetsk looks to shake things up with their defensive midfielder Stepanenko holding the fort.
Predicted Arsenal Line-up: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Trossard
Predicted Shakhtar Line-up: Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matvienko, Henrique; Stepanenko; Zubkov, Kryskiv, Sudakov, Marlon Gomes; Eguinaldo
Aston Villa vs. Bologna
Villa Park, Birmingham – Tuesday, October 22
Aston Villa’s high-flying season continues as they host Bologna. Villa might miss Tyrone Mings due to a knee injury, but they can still rely on Watkins for goals. Bologna, dealing with a series of injuries, will look to Orsolini and Castro to breach Villa’s defense.
Predicted Villa Line-up: Martínez; Cash, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, Philogene; Watkins
Predicted Bologna Line-up: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Moro, Urbański; Orsolini, Castro, Ndoye
Juventus vs. Stuttgart
Allianz Stadium, Turin – Tuesday, October 22
Juventus have injury concerns, with Bremer and Milik sidelined, but Vlahović remains a threat up top. Stuttgart, missing several players, will rely on Demirović to provide attacking options, but they’ll need to overcome Juve’s defense to get a result.
Predicted Juventus Line-up: Perin; Savona, Kalulu, Danilo, Cabal; Fagioli; Conceição, McKennie, Douglas Luiz, Yıldız; Vlahović
Predicted Stuttgart Line-up: Nübel; Vagnoman, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Millot, Undav, Leweling; Demirović
Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid – Tuesday, October 22
Real Madrid, despite missing David Alaba and Brahim Díaz, will field a star-studded squad featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Dortmund, plagued by several injuries, will look to Julian Brandt and Guirassy to create goal-scoring chances.
Predicted Real Madrid Line-up: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Predicted Dortmund Line-up: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Gross; Malen, Brandt, Sabitzer; Guirassy
Paris Saint-Germain vs. PSV Eindhoven
Parc des Princes, Paris – Tuesday, October 22
PSG looks to continue their unbeaten run with an attacking trio of Dembélé, Asensio, and Barcola, but they face injury concerns with Kimpembe and Hernández out. PSV will try to bounce back with De Jong and Bakayoko leading their front line.
Predicted PSG Line-up: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Dembélé, Asensio, Barcola
Predicted PSV Line-up: Benítez; Mauro Júnior, Flamingo, Boscagli, Dams; Til, Ledezma, Saibari; Bakayoko, De Jong, Tillman
Key Matches to Watch:
- AC Milan vs. Club Brugge: Can Milan secure three points with their depleted squad?
- Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund: Two European giants go head-to-head with top-class talents like Mbappé and Guirassy in action.
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. PSV Eindhoven: Will PSG’s front line overwhelm PSV’s defense?
Stay tuned for more updates as UEFA Champions League action unfolds
