In a season where unpredictable results have become the norm, just four teams have reached the halfway stage of the Champions League group stages still holding a 100% record. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona have not always had it their own way during their three successive wins, but the European superpowers have done more than enough to put themselves on the brink of the last 16. Nevertheless, that is not to say that their current form will continue on matchday four after the November international break threw up more issues for managers and players across Europe.
When you search for your football scores over the coming days, you may take an interest in Real Madrid's trip to Inter Milan, a game which is undoubtedly the tie of matchday four. With both clubs having recorded just one win between them in Group B, there is added incentive to put more pressure on leaders Borussia Monchengladbach. Real Madrid, who have been inconsistent for the best part of two months, will probably be satisfied if they can claim a share of the spoils at San Siro, a result which would keep Inter at the bottom of the group. However, inviting pressure from a team featuring Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku is a dangerous game, and we are backing the last season's Europa League runners-up to prevail by a 2-1 scoreline.
Unlike the manner of their victory over Paris Saint-Germain in last season's final, Bayern have looked wide open in defence at certain stages of this season. The Bundesliga outfit conceded six times in four matches before the international break, two of which came in a thrilling game away at Red Bull Salzburg in this competition. Although Bayern eventually prevailed by a 6-2 scoreline, Salzburg were level with the defending champions with 11 minutes remaining. That near miss is likely to sharpen the attention of Hansi Flick's team ahead of the return fixture, and we are predicting a 3-0 triumph for the home side.
From an English perspective, most eyes will be on how Manchester United fare after their surprise defeat at Istanbul Basaksehir. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer witnessed his players produce one of their worst 45 minutes of football during the first half, and it ultimately resulted in the Premier League giants failing to build on brilliant wins over PSG and RB Leipzig. Nevertheless, the Norwegian will now recognise that United can ill-afford a second successive setback against the Turkish giants, particularly with stiffer tests to come. That should result in Solskjaer selecting a full-strength XI, one which should be capable of prevailing with maximum points and a clean sheet.
If you are looking for an outsider to emerge victorious on matchday four, picking Zenit St Petersburg to defeat Lazio at Stadio Olimpico may be the way to go. Although Lazio are unbeaten in Group F, they went into the international break having failed to keep a clean sheet in any competition since September 26, a run stretching nine matches. Their Russian opponents have been far from their best this season, form which has resulted in speculation regarding the future of Sergei Semak, but this is a team who are at risk of even missing out on a place in the Europa League after Christmas. With that in mind, expect an attack-minded performance from the visitors, who could edge out their hosts by the odd goal in three.
