The UEFA Champions League returns from its winter break this week, earlier than usual ahead of a consequential round of fixtures to close out the competition’s first edition of the league phase.

Several continental heavyweights will take part in must-win games on Matchday 7 after struggling over the course of the season, most notably Manchester City’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain. Both sides run the risk of elimination and target a statement win on Wednesday to avoid an early exit, with PSG returning to the competition after the high-profile signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on Friday.

Here are our expert picks for this matchday:

PSG vs. Man City

• Player to watch: Phil Foden – Is the player of the year form coming back to Manchester City’s homegrown hero? Foden’s last four games have delivered five goals and two assists.
  – James Benge

• Man of the match: Erling Haaland – Expected to deliver in this heated clash.
  – Francesco Porzio

• Prediction: PSG 2, City 1 – This is a game that neither side can afford to lose.
  – Jonathan Johnson

• Best bet: Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist (+125)
  – Chuck Booth

Real Madrid vs. RB Salzburg

• Player to watch: Rodrygo – The big match winner in the Champions League has struggled, but this could be the perfect occasion to regain form.
  – James Benge

• Man of the match: Kylian Mbappe – Expected to turn things around on the European stage against Salzburg.
  – Francesco Porzio

• Prediction: Real 4, Salzburg 0 – Expect a thrashing for the Austrians.
  – Jonathan Johnson

• Best bet: Over 1.5 goals in the first half (-144) – Real Madrid has every reason to push for an emphatic win.
  – Chuck Booth