There’s a lot at stake here, and I foresee some very close matches in midweek. You can bet on these games here.
Barcelona 2 v 1 Manchester United – Tuesday 16 April – Champions League – Over 2.5 Goals (1.45)
Barcelona are on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions and, more importantly, have won five games in a row at home. Ernesto Valverde rested basically his entire first team on Saturday so I expect them to be very strong here. United have lost three of their last five games in the Champions League and I think their run in the competition is coming to a close.
Juventus 2 v 1 Ajax – Tuesday 16 April – Champions League – Juventus Win (1.70)
Juventus lost at SPAL on Saturday but most of their key players were given a rest with one eye on this game. The Old Lady have won 13 of their last 15 home games and, as we saw in the last round against Atletico, they really are a different beast on home turf. Ajax haven’t been to the semi-finals since 1997 (when they actually lost to Juventus) and I expect another Home Win here.
Manchester City 2 v 1 Tottenham – Wednesday 17 April – Champions League – Over 2.5 Goals (1.45)
This tie is perfectly in the balance after Spurs’ 1-0 win last Tuesday. Man City have won their last 11 home games and have scored 16 goals in their four Champions League games at the Etihad this season. Tottenham are a much tougher proposition though. Their recent away form has been terrible, but they’ve won their last three games and will be confident. I have the feeling that City’s failure to score an away goal will hurt them. I still think they’ll win the game, though.
Porto 1 v 1 Liverpool – Wednesday 17 April – Champions League – Under 2.5 Goals (1.85)
Both of these sides are involved in close title races and, after Liverpool won 2-0 last week, I think their focus might be elsewhere. Porto have won 20 of their 24 home games this season and have also won six of their last seven home games in this competition. However, the exception was a 5-0 defeat last year against Liverpool, who are unbeaten in their last seven away games. I’ll back a Draw.
Napoli 3 v 1 Arsenal – Thursday 18 April – Europa League – 1st Half With Most Goals (3.05)
I expect a very attacking game here. Napoli have to go for it after they lost the first leg 2-0 and Arsenal know that one away goal will leave Napoli needing four goals. Napoli have won seven of their last ten home games, while Arsenal have lost their last two away games in the Europa League. Unai Emery hasn’t fixed the Gunners’ away form yet, but I think they can qualify for the semi-finals.