Champions League
2026-10-21 - Como vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: UEFA Champions League Match Day 3
Wednesday 21st October 2026 - Kick Off 5:45pm
This game is live on TV
Como
There have been a number of Italian clubs that have upset the order in recent times and earned spots in the Champions League ahead of more illustrious rivals and the latest in that line is Como, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas. Four promotions in six years saw Como climb through the lower Divisions into Serie A, but the 4th place finish to earn a spot in the Champions League last season in the second season in the top flight has to be the ultimate success.
The progress being made is so rapid that Como were concerned that their Stadium would not be fit to be used in home Champions League games this season, although they have been given the go-ahead to play in picturesque surroundings. The side are 5th in the early Serie A standings this season and Como have already picked up 3 points from the opening two Champions League games played.
Como had not won any of 3 games in all competitions, which included losing 3-2 at Feyenoord on Match Day 2 of the Champions League, but snapped the run with a 1-3 win in Florence on Sunday. They had won the opening two games at home in all competitions against Leipzig in the Champions League and Parma in the Italian top flight, but Como were held to a goalless draw by Roma last time out here.
Trevoh Chalobah and Moise Kean have Premier League experience, but both are considered doubtful on Wednesday.
Manchester United
There remains serious pressure on Michael Carrick after two more dropped points in the Premier League on Sunday meaning Manchester United have totalled 7 points from seven fixtures played in the Division. The manager is also looking for a bounce back from his squad after the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Match Day 2 of the Champions League and Carrick needs his squad to find a way to rally.
All is not well at Old Trafford and there were some fans wondering whether an extended applause offered to the away supporters at Elland Road is a sign that Michael Carrick believes the writing is on the wall regarding his own future. The side have picked up 3 points in the Champions League from the opening two fixtures, but Manchester United cannot hope to face teams of the level of Sabah every time they step out in this competition.
Manchester United have failed to win any of the last 6 games in all competitions, although 3 of the last 4 have ended in stalemate. The away form has been particularly concerning as Manchester United have yet to win in any of 5 games played on their travels in all competitions, while the defeat to Atletico Madrid means Manchester United have won none of the last 6 away Champions League games.
Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury on Sunday just days after his remarks that created big headlines around Manchester United and he is a doubt for this fixture. With Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu also being doubtful, a member of the Academy may have to begin at left back. Michael Carrick can freshen up the starting eleven with the likes of Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha.
Head to Head
This is the first competitive meetings between these clubs.
Prediction
It would have been very difficult to explain to someone as recently as five years ago that Como could be favoured to beat Manchester United in a competitive fixture regardless of where it was being hosted.
However, that is the situation on Match Day 3 of the Champions League when both clubs look to bounce back from European defeats last week.
Como did win in the League on Sunday, while Manchester United's winless run was extended following a 1-1 draw at Elland Road, but this is still a big test for an inexperienced club like the the former.
The thumping win over Leipzig underlines the danger Como do bring, but Manchester United play in a much tougher League and English clubs have tended to get the better of Italian opponents in recent years.
Injuries at the back are beginning to give Michael Carrick a real problem and he is under immense pressure, while conditions in Como are going to be very difficult as rain sweeps through Northern Italy.
There will be a feeling of expectation around the Como squad, but Manchester United's price looks disrespectful in light of the chances they are likely going to be able to create too. Bryan Mbeumo has not been clinical, but has found a way onto the scoreboard, while Matheus Cunha could be hungry to prove himself if back in the starting eleven.
This all makes Manchester United more dangerous than some layers are giving them credit for and backing the visitors with a start on the Asian Handicap is the selection.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Como 1-2 Manchester United
