Four contrasting football games: two of which are evenly poised, while the other two are realistically over before another ball is kicked.
So much so that not even sports betting fans with a penchant for Basel or FC Porto can have hope for the second leg.
That is reflected in my midweek UCL betting tips.
Liverpool vs FC Porto (March 7, 03:45 GMT+8)
Not even the greatest Porto side would harbour any chance of pulling this one back.
And believe me, Sergio Conceicao’s class of 2018 are far from that.
Their main focus at Anfield will be restoring some pride and respectability against opponents who may have one eye on next weekend’s clash with Manchester United.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp politely said after the first leg that the tie was not over, but he knows it is and that may be reflected in his starting line-up.
With little to play for, I’m going for 2 🌟🌟 bets of Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.99 and Under 2.75 goals @ 2.01.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid (March 7, 03:45 GMT+8)
Events in the Bernabeu proved that European champions Real are not going to be toppled easily, and despite much talk, it seems the French millionaires are not ready to take the next step that their investment should have already produced.
The Parisians have underperformed on the big stage and unless they pull off a comeback, this will be the second year in a row they failed to progress beyond the last 16.
There’s no doubt they will make life difficult for the holders. Indeed, one of the stands in the Parc des Princes is being opened for the club’s ultra groups to make the atmosphere as intimidating as possible for the visitors.
Yet, I don’t think it will be enough. I expect Madrid to progress on aggregate after a tight game.
My 🌟🌟🌟 bet is Under 3.50 goals @ 2.02.
Manchester City vs FC Basel (March 8, 03:45 GMT+8)
Like PSG, City have underperformed in Europe given the wealth and resources at their disposal.
Not that the runaway Premier League leaders will have any problems against the Swiss of Basel.
Pep Guardiola’s side had all but won this tie within 23 minutes of a first leg in which they enjoyed 74 percent of possession and sealed the biggest away win by an English side in the knockout stages of the competition.
This second 90 minutes should be routine, and another 🌟🌟🌟 tip is Manchester City First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.00, with an extra 🌟🌟 bet thrown in on Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.24.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Juventus (March 8, 03:45 GMT+8)
Wembley beckons for two sides in a rich vein of form.
Spurs have the bit between their teeth while Juventus have the leadership back of Serie A after a last-gasp win at Lazio, coupled with Napoli’s defeat at home to Roma.
Such moments can prove pivotal in seasons but are Juventus, last season’s defeated finalists, ready to go to England and win?
Two away goals could be crucial for a Spurs side who will surely not ignore their instincts to attack and seek further goals.
However, perhaps they will play it tight and a tactical game of ‘cat and mouse’ will ensue.
My 🌟🌟 tip is Tottenham Hotspur Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.21 with a 🌟 bet of Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.15.
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A short explanation on how our (🌟) bets are worth:
🌟🌟🌟 = £20
🌟🌟 = £10
🌟 = £5
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
