Best UEFA Champions League Picks and Predictions: UCL Returns

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Tue Jan 20, 2026, 9:45 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid take on Benfica in the second leg of this knockout round - UCL Picks

UEFA

After several weeks off, the UEFA Champions League returns! We have just two more matches left in League Phase happening over the next two weeks. There are nine scheduled for both today and tomorrow, so let's waste no time and get right into our favorite UCL Picks.

Keep in mind, after eight matches of League Phase, the table is finalized. The top eight clubs head straight to the Round of 16, while teams ranked No. 9 through No. 24 get paired up and face off in a two leg Knockout Round to earn their spot on the bracket. Teams ranked No. 25 through No. 36 are eliminated from the competition.

Check out the best odds on the market at our top online sportsbooks, and be sure to check out tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.

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UEFA Champions League Picks and Predictions – January 20

So far, through six League Phase matches, Arsenal is the only undefeated team in the UCL. They are alone on top of the table, ahead of Bayern Munich by three points. Munich's only loss came at the hands of the Gunners at Emirates Stadium. Down at the bottom, there are actually four teams who have not yet won a match: Bodo/Glimt, Slavia Prague, Villarreal and Kairat Almaty.

I wouldn't say there are too many surprises on the table at the moment, but we will let these final two matches finish up before we really break down the next round. Let's get into today's UCL Picks!

Inter Milan vs. Arsenal UEFA Champions League Picks

Yan Sommer has allowed just 20 goals in 25 matches this year for Inter Milan - UCL Picks

Yan Sommer has allowed just 20 goals in 25 matches this year for Inter Milan

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score No (-106) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

I am expecting a very low scoring game in Italy this afternoon between two of the best teams in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal is undefeated through six matches, allowing just one goal, while Inter Milan are a few spots down on the table, but second in goals allowed, giving up just four. It's no secret these are quite possibly the two best back lines in the entire world right now, so of course we are going to back either one of them to pitch a shutout when they meet.

Arsenal is in a comfortable position with a substantial lead over Bayern Munich. Looking at both clubs' opponents next week, the Gunners basically solidify themselves on top of the UCL with at least one point in this match. There's no reason to be too aggressive. As for Inter Milan, they could come out very offensive, but they may want to be cautious. They are tied with three other teams for sixth place on the table, and finishing in the top eight is crucial. Knowing how good the Gunners can be, the last thing the hosts will want to do is fall behind and lose by more than one. Points are crucial, and I see both teams being a bit more cautious in order to secure them.

If either team is able to find the back of the net early, Inter Milan will completely park the bus to conserve their lead, while Arsenal will also tighten up the back line a bit more. Sure, a 1-1 draw spoils our bet but cashes the under 2.5 (-135), which is a risk I am willing to take.

Prediction: 0-0 Draw (+800)

Real Madrid vs. AS Monaco UEFA Champions League Picks

Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid need all the points they can get - UCL Picks

Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid need all the points they can get

Best Bet: Real Madrid ML/Under 4.5 (+101) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

There's no need to be greedy here, so we're bumping up this total as high as we can while still getting plus money. If you have the stones, feel free to take Real Madrid and Under 3.5 at +172, but at home this could get out of hand.

Remember, breaking into the top eight is crucial, but being a part of the top 24 is essential if you want your UCL season to continue. As things currently stand, Real Madrid is No. 7 while AS Monaco are No. 19. However, with two games to play, plenty of ties, and things decided by goal differential, both will be motivated to play their best. But Real Madrid is that good.

While they are dealing with Xabi Alonso moving on, the players on the field at the Bernabéu could manage themselves if they had to. Madrid are scoring over two goals per match in the UCL, but things might be harder against a Monaco back line who knows how much this contest means. Ultimately, I do not see the hosts losing, but it shouldn't get too out of hand if the French side bring maximum defensive effort.

Prediction: Real Madrid Wins 2-0 (+750)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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