The UEFA Champions League returns with the Round of 16 first legs and the draw has produced several heavyweight ties across Europe.
Liverpool travel to Galatasaray, Newcastle welcome Barcelona to St James’ Park, Arsenal face a tricky trip to Bayer Leverkusen and the headline fixture sees Real Madrid host Manchester City.
Using the current markets available on Gamblr, we break down every tie, highlight the strongest betting angles and provide a prediction and scoreline for each match.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Liverpool travel to Istanbul as favourites priced at 1.78. Galatasaray are traditionally very strong at home in European competition and the atmosphere in Turkey often creates difficult nights for visiting teams.
Liverpool’s attacking quality should ultimately give them the edge, but Galatasaray have enough threat to get on the scoresheet.
Prediction: Liverpool To Win (@1.78)
Score prediction: Galatasaray 1-2 Liverpool (@8.50)
Best betting angle : Both Teams To Score Yes (@1.52)
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are favourites at 1.61 but this is rarely a comfortable trip. Atalanta remain one of Europe’s most aggressive attacking teams and matches involving them often produce high scoring encounters.
Bayern’s experience and attacking depth should give them the advantage across the two legs.
Prediction : Bayern Munich To Win (@1.61)
Score prediction: Atalanta 1-2 Bayern Munich (@8.50)
Best betting angle : Over 3.5 Goals (@2.05)
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
Atletico Madrid are strong favourites at 1.57 which reflects their formidable home record in European knockout football.
Diego Simeone’s side are famously difficult to break down at the Metropolitano Stadium and Champions League ties in Madrid are typically tight and tactical.
Prediction : Atletico Madrid To Win (@1.57)
Score prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Tottenham (@7.50)
Best betting angle : Under 2.5 Goals (@2.15)
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
One of the most fascinating ties of the round sees Newcastle host Barcelona. The market slightly favours the Spanish side at 2.22 while Newcastle are priced at 2.85.
St James’ Park on a Champions League night can create a difficult environment and Newcastle’s pressing style could cause problems for Barcelona.
Prediction : Draw (@4.00)
Score prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona (@8.00)
Best betting angle : Under 3.5 Goals (@1.71)
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Arsenal travel to Germany as clear favourites priced at 1.54. Mikel Arteta’s side have developed into one of Europe’s most organised teams and are capable of controlling possession and limiting chances.
Leverkusen remain dangerous going forward which could produce goals in this tie.
Prediction : Arsenal To Win (@1.54)
Score prediction: Leverkusen 1-2 Arsenal (@8.00)
Best betting angle : Both Teams To Score Yes (@1.95)
Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting Lisbon
This is one of the most evenly priced ties of the round with Bodø/Glimt at 2.60 and Sporting Lisbon at 2.54.
Trips to northern Norway are notoriously difficult for visiting sides and Bodø/Glimt have produced several strong European performances at home in recent seasons.
Prediction : Bodø/Glimt To Win (@2.60)
Score prediction: Bodø/Glimt 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (@10.00)
Best betting angle : Over 2.5 Goals (@1.62)
Paris Saint Germain vs Chelsea
PSG are favourites at 1.87 and will look to take an advantage into the second leg.
Chelsea have enough attacking quality to threaten but PSG’s home advantage should make the difference.
Prediction : Paris Saint Germain To Win (@1.87)
Score prediction: PSG 2-1 Chelsea (@8.50)
Best betting angle : Both Teams To Score Yes (@1.55)
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
The standout tie of the round sees Real Madrid host Manchester City. City are narrow favourites priced at 2.05 while Madrid are 3.33 at home.
This matchup has produced several dramatic Champions League encounters in recent seasons and both sides possess elite attacking talent.
Prediction : Manchester City To Win (@2.05)
Score prediction: Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City (@8.50)
Best betting angle : Both Teams To Score Yes (@1.52)
Safety Parlay
• Arsenal To Win
• Bayern Munich To Win
• Atletico Madrid To Win
• Liverpool To Win
Longshot Parlay
• Bodø/Glimt To Win
• Newcastle vs Barcelona Draw
• Manchester City To Win
• PSG To Win
Underdog Of The Round
Home advantage in Norway combined with the narrow market pricing makes Bodø/Glimt one of the most interesting underdog opportunities in the round.
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