Old glory-hunters and contemporary powerhouses. The two UEFA Champions League fixtures in store for us on Wednesday, March 8, will feature some of the most influential names in the footballing scene. Bayern Munich will take on PSG in Munich, whereas AC Milan will travel to London to tackle Tottenham Hotspurs. Both Bayern and AC Milan hold a slender lead of 1-0, which is why things might get hairy on Wednesday night.
BAYERN MUNICH vs. PSG
The Bavarians’ trip to Paris was nothing short of an imposing display. Julian Nagelsmann’s side conquered the star-laden PSG side by occupying large swathes of the Parc de Principes, barely allowing PSG any breathing room for the first three-quarters of the game. It was only during the final thirty minutes that the French pushed back, getting an equaliser through Kylian Mbappe in the 82nd minute, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Nagelsmann will have to do without Benjamin Pavard, who saw a red after a rash challenge on Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich has more than enough experience and personality to step up to the challenge in front of its home crowd at the Allianz Arena.
Another imposing display seems to be in the cards for the Bavarians, as they are listed 9/11 (1.82) to win against PSG, with both teams to score valued at 7/15 (1.47). Kingsley Coman to fire another goal against his ex-employer is at 5/2 (3.50).
PSG tactician Christophe Galtier was under scrutiny for his team’s uber-defensive display against Bayern Munich. With the troves of talent brought in over the years, the Parisians were expected to pack a good punch in their umpteenth hunt for a Champions League title, but PSG’s home display left much to be desired. Away to Bayern, Galtier’s side has no option but to push forward in search of a brave comeback.
The going will inevitably be tough for the Parisians at the Allianz Arena. PSG being in front by half-time is valued at 19/6 (4.15), and PSG to score exactly one goal in the first half is priced at 8/5 (2.60). LV BET is pricing Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 6/5 (2.20).
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS vs. AC MILAN
The two injury-struck sides battled it out as best they could at the San Siro. A 1-0 result followed a very back-and-fourth encounter, with both teams lacking several key players—AC Milan had to make do without Mike Maignan, Ismael Bennacer and Fikayo Tomori, whereas Spurs were short of Rodrigo Bentancur, Hugo Lloris and Pierre Hojbjerg (suspension). Brahim Diaz nodded in an early lead, but the Rossoneri failed to capitalise on two other clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. Whether or not this will go on to haunt them in London remains to be seen.
Stefano Pioli’s management of January’s brutal crisis was nothing short of laudable. In February, the Rossoneri won four out of five games, and no man shone brighter than Malick Thiaw, who also put on a scintillating performance against Tottenham. With an overall poor record against English sides, AC Milan will have to show its worth away to Tottenham. Trying to preserve such a small lead will only be asking for trouble.
A draw is valued at 17/6 (3.85), with only one team to score at 49/50 (1.98). Rafael Leao to score anytime is priced at 3 (4.00).
Crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sheffield United wasn’t in the plans for Antonio Conte. His side’s attacking display was fruitless, and it only took the Championship side one shot on target to seal the deal.
With one less tournament to worry about, the Italian tactician will want to shift his team’s focus to the Champions League, where his team will have to undo the one-goal deficit. Tottenham will likely be the team in possession, whereas AC Milan will be looking to pounce on the counter-attack. Any more slip-ups aren’t something that the Premier League can afford from now on.
Tottenham Hotspurs to be the only side that scores is at 5/2 (3.50), with a half-time result to be 1-0 in Spurs’ favour is valued at 39/20 (2.95). Harry Kane to score anytime is at 1 (2.00).
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing