The Champions League is back this week and I can’t wait! Take a look at my tips before you bet.
Liverpool 3 v 0 Porto – Tuesday 9 April – Champions League – Over 2.5 Goals (1.60)
These teams met last year, when Liverpool won 5-0 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals. I’m expecting a lot of goals this time too. The last three matches at Anfield have seen Over 2.5 Goals, and so have four of Porto’s last five away games. Both teams are focused on winning their respective leagues and I think Liverpool have a better squad to cope. I have to go for a Home Win.
Tottenham 1 v 2 Man City – Tuesday 9 April – Champions League – Both Teams to Score (1.60)
It’s an all English tie and both teams won comfortably in the last round, but I think Manchester City will be happier with this draw. They’ve beaten Tottenham three times in a row and have won their last seven games away from home. An interesting factor here is that it will be played at Spurs’ new ground and, even though this will be a huge boost for the hosts, I think City are unstoppable.
Ajax 1 v 1 Juventus – Wednesday 10 April – Champions League – Both Teams to Score (1.80)
Ajax have been brilliant this season. They’ve taken on Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and have come out on top. As we expect from Dutch teams in Europe, Both Teams to Score is a good bet as it’s happened in their last three European games. Juventus lost the away leg at Atletico in the last round and haven’t been strong away in Europe. I’ll back a Draw.
Manchester United 1 v 3 Barcelona – Wednesday 10 April – Champions League – Barcelona Win (2.00)
United showed belief to come back against PSG in the last round but their results have dropped lately. They’ve lost three of their last four games and have only won one of their four Champions League games at Old Trafford this season. Barcelona left it late in their last away game. They were 4-2 down against Villarreal in injury time and fought back for a draw. The last two meetings between these teams have been in the final, and Barca won both. I think they will win this time too.
Arsenal 2 v 1 Napoli – Thursday 11 April – Europa League – Both Teams to Score (1.55)
This is the standout clash in the Europa League quarter-finals. Arsenal have won 13 of their last 15 home games in all competitions and, if they’re going to reach the semis, they will have to win this match. Napoli have only won one of their five away games in European competitions this season and haven’t won either of their last two games. I think they can score, but I expect Arsenal to win the game.