Midweek delivers a full slate of Champions League fixtures and a chance for several clubs to set the tone for the 2025/26 league phase. Manchester City and Arsenal return after measured wins in Gameweek 1, while Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are both chasing first victories following their 4–4 draw two weeks ago.

Kick-off times begin at 5.45 p.m. BST for the early pair of matches before the main evening programme at 8 p.m. BST.

Qarabag made history in Gameweek 1 as the first Azerbaijani side to win in the Champions League proper, recovering from a two-goal deficit in Lisbon to overcome Benfica, who have since replaced Bruno Lage with José Mourinho. Copenhagen drew 2–2 with Bayer Leverkusen last time out. Prediction: Qarabag 1–1 Copenhagen.

The Belgians are coming, folks. Union Saint-Gilloise upset PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadion in Gameweek 1 and will host Newcastle United at the Joseph Marien Stadium. Newcastle sit 15th in the Premier League and lost 2–1 to Barcelona in their opening group game. Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 0–0 Newcastle.

Arsenal meet Olympiacos in a fixture that renews a long European rivalry that has produced mixed results for both clubs. Arsenal have evolved considerably since earlier Europa League exits. Prediction: Arsenal 4–0 Olympiacos.

With echoes of last season’s continental showpiece, Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in what is billed as a heavyweight clash despite injuries on both sides. Strap in. Prediction: Barcelona 3–2 Paris Saint-Germain.

Kasper Hjulmand has gone four games unbeaten since taking the Bayer Leverkusen job; Leverkusen drew in Copenhagen thanks to a stoppage-time own goal. PSV, still led by Peter Bosz, will seek a response. Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 PSV Eindhoven.

Borussia Dortmund must recover from squandering a lead to Juventus two weeks ago but remain unbeaten domestically. Athletic Club impressed against Arsenal in Gameweek 1. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3–0 Athletic Club.

Manchester City travel to Monaco, recalling Guardiola’s team that bowed out to a Monaco side in 2016–17. Monaco need a response after defeat to Club Brugge. Prediction: Monaco 1–3 Man City.

Napoli will look to rebound after recent setbacks and a red card for Giovanni Di Lorenzo earlier; Sporting CP visit following a comfortable win over Kairat Almaty. Prediction: Napoli 2–0 Sporting CP.

Marcelino’s Villarreal face Juventus, who have begun well under Igor Tudor despite a draw with Atalanta. This should be tight. Prediction: Villarreal 2–1 Juventus.

Harry Kane’s goalscoring run at Bayern Munich remains prodigious, but contractual terms mean his future could be reconsidered. The 32-year-old’s Bayern contract will include a reduced release clause of €65 million (£56.8 million, $76.4 million) in 2026, a figure that would make him affordable by modern standards despite his age.

Speculation centres on which clubs would consider triggering that clause. Manchester United have long been linked with Kane, with the Red Devils regularly connected to the former Tottenham Hotspur striker as they search for a reliable source of goals. The draft argues that even a player of Kane’s calibre could not singlehandedly reverse United’s trajectory, and it questions why Kane would be tempted to leave Bayern for Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s side are described as under-performers, and the piece notes uncertainty over whether Amorim would still be in charge when the clause drops. United are likely to be linked with Kane during the winter window as they look to address goalscoring issues, but this article judges a transfer there unlikely.

A return to Tottenham Hotspur remains talked about, and Spurs manager Thomas Frank is explicit in his admiration. “He is an unbelievable player who did fantastic for Spurs and is doing fantastic for Bayern,” said Spurs boss Thomas Frank when quizzed about Kane’s release clause. “Top player. I think there’s a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself, who would like to see Kane back.” The piece notes Spurs still lack an elite No. 9 and that Kane’s standing among the club’s supporters is exceptional, backed by 280 goals in 435 appearances for the Lilywhites. Chasing Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record and a homecoming atmosphere are cited as the few clear attractions of a return, while an English comeback overall is called “extremely unlikely.”

Barcelona are presented as a more credible destination than an English move. The Catalans have been linked to Kane as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is described as a 37-year-old Poland international edging towards retirement. Barcelona’s squad would offer attractive attacking partners, and Bayern’s recent domestic treble is cited as evidence of the silverware a move could pursue. Financial constraints at Barcelona, however, are highlighted as a major obstacle, making any transfer improbable unless circumstances change.

Barcelona have been encouraged by Marcus Rashford’s early displays, with his form said to have “delighted” the club, but any permanent move will not be rushed. The forward is on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy set at £26.2 million (€30 million, $35.2 million), yet Barcelona are not obliged to trigger that clause.

As Sky Sports News outline, Barcelona can reopen negotiations with United at the end of the season if they choose to pursue a permanent deal. There is not thought to be a gap in valuation between the two clubs, which should allow for a straightforward discussion should Barcelona decide to engage.

Despite widespread approval inside the club — teammates, staff and supporters have been impressed with his application — Barcelona’s precarious finances remain a decisive restraint. The club want a larger sample size of Rashford’s performances before making a long-term commitment.

Another factor is the end-of-season situation surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s contract, which expires at the end of the season. Any available transfer funds could be prioritised toward signing a high-quality No. 9. Rashford can operate centrally and has done so at times, but it is generally accepted his best position is on the left wing, cutting inside onto his stronger right foot as he did at St James’ Park.

Wages complicate a permanent switch. Barcelona agreed to cover his United salary in its entirety while he is on loan, but paying £325,000-per-week for a player who would not be guaranteed to start every match is hard to justify when ‘levers’ were pulled to make the temporary move possible. Committing to that level of pay could also make contract renewals and further first-team signings more difficult for the club.

Rashford is reported to be keen on staying at Barcelona long term, but he has areas to address. He was dropped from Hansi Flick’s starting lineup on Sunday because of a disciplinary breach related to showing up late for a meeting, and he must still cement a regular place in Flick’s starting XI before any permanent deal becomes likely.