There are lots of questions this week. Can Liverpool come back against Atletico? How will Manchester City respond to their derby defeat? You can read my thoughts below. Bet on all five games here.
Valencia 1 v 1 Atalanta – Tuesday 10 March – Champions League – Double Chance Atalanta and Both Teams to Score (2.00)
This tie is all but over after Atalanta won 4-1 in the first leg but Valencia will be eager to restore some pride here. The issue is that they have only won one of their last seven games in all competitions. They’ve only won three of their seven games in the Champions League this season, despite having topped their group, and face an Atalanta side who haven’t played a game for ten days. That was a 7-2 win at Lecce, their fifth straight victory, and I can’t see them losing here. Both Teams to Score, which has won in nine of the Italians’ last ten games, is a good bet too.
Manchester City 2 v 1 Arsenal – Wednesday 11 March – Premier League – Manchester City Win (1.35)
Manchester City will be expected to react after their defeat in the Manchester Derby. They have won their last six games against Arsenal, who are managed by former City assistant coach Mikel Arteta. Will Pep Guardiola take it lightly against his old friend? The Gunners are unbeaten in the league in 2020 and haven’t lost any of their last 11 away games. However, they’ve been lucky in a few of those games. The hosts have won nine of their 13 home games this season in the Premier League, so I have to back another win for them.
Liverpool 2 v 1 Atletico – Wednesday 11 March – Champions League – Both Teams to Score (2.10)
The holders are facing a swift exit from this season’s competition. Atletico beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of this tie and if they score at Anfield, Liverpool need to win by two. Jurgen Klopp’s side have won their last 11 games at Anfield and have only failed to win there twice this season in 21 games. The worry is that they have conceded in 14 of those games, including Saturday’s win over Bournemouth. Atletico are unbeaten in their last six games and have scored in all of those. I don’t think Liverpool will keep a clean sheet, although they might still win the match.
PSG 3 v 2 Dortmund – Wednesday 11 March – Champions League – Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals (1.55)
It’s all to play for in this tie after Dortmund won 2-1 in the first leg. They haven’t reached the last eight since 2016/17. They have also won eight of their last ten games in 2020, including each of the last five. It’s been even longer since PSG reached the quarter finals. They can take heart from the fact that they have won 16 of their 18 home games this season. Meanwhile, Dortmund have only won three of their last ten away games in the Champions League. I think that this will be an open game as both sides prefer attacking to defending.
Sevilla 2 v 2 AS Roma – Thursday 12 March – Europa League – Both Teams to Score (1.85)
Both of these sides are used to competing in the Champions League, with both of them reaching the latter stages just two years ago. Even though they have fallen below standards, they’re in good form right now. Sevilla haven’t lost any of their last six games. They have only lost twice at home in all competitions this season. Roma have won three of their last four games and haven’t played since Sunday 1 March, so expect them to be well–prepared. I’m backing a Draw with Both Teams to Score.