Mbappé hits 100 UCL appearances as Saliba returns: Champions League matchday 4

Kylian Mbappé has become the youngest player to reach 100 Champions League appearances, hitting the milestone at 27 years and 298 days. The record had belonged to Lionel Messi, who needed 28 years. Mbappé’s century came as Erling Haaland also broke a record that previously carried Messi’s name, and as both Arsenal and Barcelona extended their winning streaks across a week of European midweek action.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has one key return to work with. William Saliba trained again at the club’s training ground this week, and Arsenal published a gallery of his comeback session. The defender is targeting the trip to Slavia Prague, with the Gunners trying to continue their run with a freshly fitter back line.

Bayern Munich could also get a selection boost. Winger Michael Olise is set to rejoin the German champions for their Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid, marking another fixture where squad depth has shifted on the eve of kickoff.

The rest of matchday 4’s fixture map

Manchester United host Roma in one of the tiring midweek meetings, with the defence and midfield selections under the knife as Peter Schmeichel, the club’s Champions League Today Analysts, walked into the conversation ahead of the match. Galway visitors are aiming to steer clear of European travel fatigue.

Barcelona play Aston Villa in a Group I head-up where Bara will be aiming to keep their streak going, but now with Dinamo players possess the quality to underline what the current climate has given them. Both Galatasaray and Sporting extended their pasties to Saturday wins during Friday’s European party, both sides picking up wins to add to the pile after getting away from the baggage to take three of a possible three.

In another early start, Italian spring,% Como face Lens at 01:30 sharp on 5 November, with experts predicting the game’s three key outcomes, and old guards lining up to hand the travellers three points sharp.

Fantasy managers are compiling the selection. The experts have revealed their predicted lineup for all 36 entries across the round, with every star tweaked and a ready-to-go team published for those picking up their fantasy squads before the deadline.

Looking ahead, the fixture list keeps moving quickly. After Lens vs Como at 01:30 on 5 November, the qualifying picture will be clearer again within 48 hours of sharp European nights, before the early-season turn moves the English and original sides firmly into the morning rounds.