The biggest club competition continues as we edge closer to the Final, which will take place in Istanbul. Fond memories for Liverpool but not as much for Milan as they aim to notch their name in history. Big names are in the mix early on in the competition which might open up an opportunity for other teams to reach the quarterfinals or even the semifinals for the first time in their history. Favourites to win the title are PSG, Manchester City and Real Madrid who, year after year, manage to reach the late stages of this famous competition.
In this blog, we are going to run you through the round of 16 fixtures and give out some handy betting tips that will get you started. Make sure to visit our various other blogs on the LV BET Sports Blog on Champions League football as well as Premier League, Serie A and many others.
PSG vs Bayern
There’s another repeat of a recent final when Paris Saint-Germain went head to head with Bayern Munich. Kingsley Coman scored the winner against his former club in the 2020 decider and, though the French side enacted revenge in the quarter-finals in the following season, another former Paris players, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, struck in both legs of that tie. This season, we have different protagonists in this epic battle between two heavyweights; Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi will surely have their say after a startling FIFA World Cup display from both of them. Without their main man Robert Lewandowski, Bayern has to rely on various other sources for goals.
Bayern Munich had a change of manager who is yet to leave his mark on his side, which might not have the strength and prowess in front of goal that they did in 2020. At the time of writing, Bayern Munich are in first place in the Bundesliga with a four-point gap, but when it comes to European games, they are more than capable of stepping it up a notch. The German side is priced at 7/4 (2.75) to win in Paris with over 2.50 goals to be scored during the match at 7/15 (1.47).
Paris Saint-Germain comes into the game as one of the teams that are dubbed to be the most likely to go all the way with a myriad of world-class players at their disposal. It would be a huge disappointment for the team if they had to be eliminated in the round of 16. A comfortable win of 2-0 is priced at 31/4 (8.75) with the home side scoring first in the match at 7/8 (1.88).
One of the most anticipated games from this round of fixtures but only one can make it to the next round, Paris Saint-Germain are priced at 26/25 (2.03), whilst Bayern Munich are at 5/7 (1.72)
Milan vs Tottenham
An interesting encounter between Milan and Tottenham Hotspurs awaits in the round of 16. The previous time that these two sides met in the Champions League was in this stage back in 2011 when Tottenham sneaked through by winning at San Siro by 1-0. Tottenham managed to secure first place in their group thanks to late drama, which has been the catalyst for their success this season both in the Champions League and the Premier League. Milan is yet to replicate the form shown last season in the Serie A but are just about keeping pace with Napoli at the top.
Pioli and his squad will know how Antonio Conte plays his game as he’s a familiar face in Italy, and Milan faced his Inter side a couple of times when he was in charge. It all kicks off at San Siro, and Milan will fancy their chances of getting a good result at home. We are pricing Milan to win their first game at 27/20 (2.35) with a clean sheet for the home side priced at 11/5 (3.20).
It’s the second time that Antonio Conte has guided his team to the knockout stage of the Champions League, and it will surely won’t be an easy feat to overcome against Milan. The tactic of leaving things late might not bear fruit in the late stages of the Champions League, and the frontmen Son and Kane will need to take their chances as they might not come easily. Spurs are priced at 15/7 (3.15) to win the first leg, and LV BET is pricing both teams to score at 5/7 (1.72).
Over the two legs, Milan are priced at 5/4 (2.25) to progress to the quarterfinals whilst Tottenham are at 3/5 (1.60)
Dortmund vs Chelsea
Yet another interesting battle between a German team and an English team. Both sides are not enjoying the best time in the league and are in the process of recouping their strengths. Chelsea changed manager and opted to overhaul the whole coaching staff as they got Graham Potter, who is yet to instil his idealogy in his players. On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund is in sixth place in the Bundesliga after 15 games, nine points away from first place. Losing Erling Haaland has been a huge blow for them, but it’s the backline that is suffering the most as they are conceding cheap goals. One thing is for sure – the Signal Iduna Park will be rocking as the floodlights beam down on the freshly cut grass, awaiting the drama to unfold.
Dortmund, despite playing at home are not the favourites to win, the reason stems from their poor run of form in the league. A recurring problem that occurred in their last two losses in the league is that they are not taking their chances in front of goal, and their possession is not being converted into chances. Possession means nothing if you are knocking the ball sideways, and up against Chelsea, they need to pick up the pace and zip the ball across the pitch with intent and desire to get at their opponents. Borussia Dortmund are priced at 16/15 (2.07) to score first and at 3/1 (4.00) to win the game, and over 2.5 goals scored in the match.
Chelsea are yet to adopt the playing style that Graham Potter wishes, and this is generally the issue when a new manager is appointed. The squad needs some time to adjust, and new players need to come in who can boost morale. The injury suffered to Reece James is a huge blow as he was the main man at whipping crosses in the box and creating havoc down the right-hand side. Raheem Sterling and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang are yet to produce the goods, both contributing to just four goals in the six matches of the group stage of the Champions League. Chelsea are priced at 13/5 (3.60) to score in both halves and at 19/7 (3.70) to keep their clean sheet intact.
Borussia Dortmund are priced at 3/2 (2.50) to do the job over their opponents and make it to the quarterfinals whilst Chelsea are at 7/15 (1.47)
Club Brugges vs Benfica
A fantastic run in the group stage for Club Brugge, who clinched second place ahead of Bayern Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. Similarly can be said for Benfica, who managed to secure top of the group by the last kick of the game. Benfica managed to get the same record as PSG, an achievement that they hope can propel them into the quarter-finals of the Champions League once again.
Benfica will play away from home in the first leg, which for some teams benefits them as they can turn it around in front of their home crowd in the second leg. The away side once again is being dubbed to have the biggest chance of winning the game at 11/10 (2.10), whilst Club Brugge is valued at 13/5 (3.60) to give their home crowd something to cheer about.
Both sides will fancy their chances in this tie, both sides are efficient on the attacking front so we might be entertained with some fantastic football. Both teams to score is priced at 5/8 (1.62), with Benfica to win and over 3.5 goals in the match at 9/2 (5.50).
Over the course of the two legs, Club Brugge find themselves the outsiders at 8/3 (3.65), whilst Benfica are at 2/7 (1.28).
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Napoli
Last year’s Europa League winners line up against Serie A runaways leaders. The German side would have been top spot in the group if it wasn’t for Tottenham’s late winner that stole away their place. On the other hand, Napoli has stormed through a tough group consisting of Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers. The ease with which the Italian side are scoring is quite impressive, managing 20 goals, the most out of all the teams in the Champions League this year.
It has been an impressive year for Eintracht Frankfurt, winning their first European title and now enjoying fourth place in the Bundesliga and mixing it up with the big dogs. Leading their ranks are World Cup sensation Randal Kolo Muani who had the golden chance to win his national team consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. The squad has a rich mix of talent, infused with up-and-coming players and experienced players such as Mario Gotze. Eintracht Frankfurt are priced at 17/9 (2.90) to make home advantage count and win their first leg. The German side are priced at 5/1 (6.00) to win and under 2.50 goals to be scored in the match.
Napoli are in a very good position, players are confident that they can do the job, and that is the recipe for success. Boasting the best goal-scoring record in the Champions League is a great achievement, but this has to be coupled with a strong defensive unit to keep the opposition away. A correct score win of 2-1 for Napoli is priced at 21/5 (5.20) and a clean sheet for Napoli is at 17/6 (3.85).
The favourites to progress to the quarterfinals are Napoli as they are priced at 3/8 (1.38) to qualify for the next round whilst Eintracht Frankfurt are at 19/9 (3.10)
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Could it be success for Liverpool on their third attempt to surpass the challenge of Real Madird? Liverpool has had all the right ingredients to go all the way in previous competitions but Real Madrid destroyed all their progress. The Reds scored just one goal in two games as they succumbed to the Merengues in the 2020/21 quarter-finals, then drew a blank in last season’s showpiece in Paris, largely due to the heroics of Thibaut Courtois.
Liverpool are yet to get going in the Premier League and in the Champions League, they really had a tough time containing Napoli. An injury to Luiz Diaz might throw a spanner in the works as he has been one of the best players. Star signing Darwin Nunez is coming into his own now and getting in amongst the goals, it could be a question of a change in formation to get the most out of his abilities. The English giants will start off the tie at Anfield and we are pricing them at 19/20 (1.95) to come away with a win.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are well experienced of getting through the tough fixtures and into the latter stages of the tournament. Last season they rode their luck at times but ultimately, having a strong mental state prevails if you have the right people in place. Luka Modric and Karim Benzema will once again be the main protagonists for the Los Blancos. A win at Anfield for the Spanish side is priced at 26/9 (3.90).
In terms of qualifying for the quarterfinals, it’s pretty much in the balance as Liverpool are at 19/20 (1.72) whilst Real Madrid are at 11/10 (2.10).
Inter v Porto
Inter made it out of the group after being given the task to go up against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Victoria Plzen. Knocking Barcelona to the Europa League with their impressive results against the Spanish side. On the other hand, Porto dominated proceedings in group B topping the table with 12 points. Inter have been a strong outfit this year in the Champions League stepping up their game especially in very tough games against some of the best squads.
Inter start off the tie playing at home giving them the edge as the Italian side are priced at 9/10 (1.90). Simone Inzaghi will be motivating his side to go on the front foot and clinch an early lead to ease off nerves. In the Serie A, Inter have struggled to win games when the opposition is sitting deep notable against Juventus and Roma who perfected the counter attacking phase of that game. We are pricing a 2-0 win for Inter at 21/5 (5.20).
Porto being the group winners come into the game as outsiders being priced at 23/7 (4.30) to come away with a famous victory as San Siro. In the Primeira Liga Porto are currently in second place eight points behind Benfica who almost have a perfect record bar a draw. Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi has been in terrific form in the Champions League scoring five goals in as many games with other key players such as Pepe, Diogo Costa who played in goal for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Otavio who takes the role of the creator in chief going forward. FC Porto are priced at 33/20 (2.65) to score first in the match.
Favourites to progress to the quarterfinals are Inter at 7/10 (1.70), with Porto valued at 8/7 (2.15) to continue in their march in the Champions League.
RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
The German side troubled Manchester City in last season’s group stage when at the Etihad, a Christopher Nkunku hat-trick condemned his side to a thrilling 6-3 defeat but managed to win on matchday six with an impressive scoreline of 2-1. RB Leipzig will be aware that they need to be solid defensively to stand a chance against Manchester City. In an interview with Willi Orban, he gave credit to the strength of Manchester City, but he has confidence in his side that in the first leg, they can get a good result that will set up an enticing battle in the second leg. RB Leipzig to win their first leg against City is priced at 26/7 (4.70).
Manchester City are the outright favourites in both fixtures but, as we have seen in previous knockout games, Pep Guardiola might change a thing or two that will cause them some trouble. This time around they have a recognised striker in Erling Haaland who has been key to City’s success both in the Champions League and in the Premier League. We are pricing both teams to score at 13/25 (1.52) whilst a Manchester City win of 3-1 is valued at 6/1 (7.00).
RB Leipzig know a thing or two about causing trouble to this formidable Manchester City squad. Nkunku will be key to cause havoc whilst Gvardiol, who enjoyed an incredible World Cup campaign with Croatia, keeps out the danger. We are pricing RB Leipzig first to score in the match at 17/10 (2.70) whilst an RB Leipzig win and under 2.50 goals at 10/1 (11.00)
Looking at who is more likely to make it to the quarterfinals, we have Manchester City at 1/8 (1.12) to qualify whilst RB Leipzig are at 21/4 (6.25)
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing