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Charlie Nicholas predicts Chelsea, Man Utd and Celtic results in Champions League

Generic Charlie Nicholas image 10/08/2016
Image: Charlie Nicholas previews Wednesday's action

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for Wednesday night's Champions League fixtures, tipping disappointment for all three British sides.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Celtic are all on the road as they visit Atletico Madrid, CSKA Moscow and Anderlecht respectively.

Both Premier League sides will want to build on impressive performances in their group openers, while the Scottish champions look to be battling out for third spot in Group B after both they and their upcoming hosts were beaten comfortably by PSG and Barcelona.

Here's what Charlie is predicting for the three clashes...

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Atletico Madrid v Chelsea

Well, this is a cracking game and Atletico have just turned up the heat with their domestic form. Antoine Griezmann is getting himself back in the goals and Diego Costa's face will attract a lot of interest.

Would you play Eden Hazard? He doesn't look sharp yet and while his touch is there I don't see that drive to produce those slalom runs which make him really dangerous.

Eden Hazard of Chelsea gets away from Oliveira Richard of Qarabag FK during the UEFA Champions League Group C match
Image: Eden Hazard could feature at Atletico

I think Antonio Conte might not put him in because they've got Manchester City coming next and I think they'll be quite happy just to not lose this, especially after they struggled against Arsenal.

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Alvaro Morata is in red-hot form and will want to make a point returning to Madrid, but the man I'm going for to separate the game is Yannick Carrasco, who has scored in his last two.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23:  Alvaro Morata of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Stoke Cit
Image: Alvaro Morata returns to Madrid to face Atletico

Atletico are a very physical side and will get in your face, especially as they look to prove a point in their new stadium, and I can see discipline issues here for both teams here.

Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Carrasco to score (25/1 with Sky Bet)

CSKA Moscow v Manchester United

This is another dangerous trip, especially as United were probably as poor as they've been this season at Southampton.

I do still think you can get at them and I think Jose Mourinho might make two or three changes to give them a bit more control.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reacts after being sent to the stands during the Premier League match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton
Image: Jose Mourinho will be without Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini against CSKA Moscow

The Premier League table suggests they've been strolling along more comfortably than they have and the late goals have flattered them somewhat.

I think CSKA will be very aggressive and, while United can look after themselves, it will unsettle their rhythm and it might take a while for them to get going, especially without Paul Pogba or Marouane Fellaini.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Bebars Natcho to score first (66/1 with Sky Bet)

Anderlecht v Celtic

It's a gigantic game and Celtic's away record is a real concern. They do have pace in their side to play on the break but the defence becomes exposed because it's an unusual situation not having the majority of the ball.

It always feels like 'here we go with Celtic', as soon as they go away in Europe. They don't know how to adapt because they're used to 70 per cent possession and then they won't have nearly as much in Belgium.

Brendan Rodgers was happy with the second-half display of his Celtic side
Image: Brendan Rodgers' side face a crucial match against Anderlecht

It is obviously a battle for third place as I don't see them getting anything from the other games and if they can find a structure to suit then I think they can get a draw.

Anderlecht sacked their manager and had to come from behind at the weekend, but they are a dangerous side at home.

Celtic's players and supporters celebrate Tom Rogic's opener
Image: Celtic's players and supporters celebrate Tom Rogic's opener against Rangers

I can see it being a feisty affair with both sides desperate for a result and, without evidence of Brendan Rodgers adapting his side, I have to go for Anderlecht to snatch this.

Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Robert Beric to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet)

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