Some games of football take on added significance due to events off the football pitch. Think of Iran taking on the U.S.A. at the World Cup in 1998, which was dubbed the “most politically charged game in World Cup history” at the time. Politics of a different sort are the backdrop for one of the Champions League game this midweek, but just like last week, when we tipped Borussia Dortmund to beat Paris St. Germain 2-1 at odds of 10/1, there is value to be had.
Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich (Tuesday, 8pm GMT kick-off)
An intriguing clash at Stamford Bridge sees the West London outfit head into the game as distinct outsiders to progress in the tie. While Frank Lampard’s side sit in 4th place in the Premier League, they have lost nine times in a league season, which with 11 games still to play, does not bode well for the visit of the Bundesliga leaders, who have scored 65 goals in their 23 league games to date.
In Robert Lewandowski, Munich have the sort of striker that Chelsea have coveted since the first retirement of Didier Drogba. Strong as an ox, deft of touch and clinical to a fault, the Polish poacher is the man they will watch for. But in Serge Gnabry, Munich also have a very talented second striker, and we think he can shadow behind Lewandowski to devastating effect.
Our tip: Gnabry to score and Bayern Munich to win (12/5)
Napoli vs. Barcelona (Tuesday, 8pm GMT kick-off)
Barcelona head to Italy in mixed form, with Lionel Messi still their outlet and talisman, yet the Argentinian’s powers are in greater demand than perhaps even he is capable of servicing these days. Napoli are no mugs, and have already beaten the reigning European champions in Liverpool in Naples this year.
With Barcelona still having the second leg at the Nou Camp to rescue things, we think they might have to.
Our tip: Napoli to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team (20/1)
Lyon vs. Juventus (Wednesday, 8pm GMT kick-off)
What could look like a formality in France might be closer than it appears at first. Juventus are locked in a three-way battle to win Serie A this season with Inter Milan and Napoli, while Lyon have no hope of catching Paris St. Germain at the top of League 1.
Ronaldo and Dybala should help Juventus to a lead to take back to Turin, but it’s likely to be a slim one, and there’s value in covering a trio of correct results.
Our tip: Juventus to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 (7/4)
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City (Wednesday, 8pm GMT kick-off)
The highlight of the week’s Champions League ties sees a repeat of the 2016 semi-final, where Real Madrid got the better of Manchester City shortly before Pep Guardiola arrived at The Etihad. It wasn’t a memorable game, but Gareth Bale’s deflected shot was enough to give Los Blancos the victory:
This time around, Manchester City go into the first leg of this Round of 16 match as slight favourites at 11/8 as opposed to 7/4 for the home side. That may be partly due to the form each side is in, with Manchester City on the back of three league wins in four games and Real Madrid losing 1-0 to Levante at the weekend.
Despite the disparate form of the hosts, under Zidane, they are a phenomenal threat in the Champions League and will give it a real go. With City forward Raheem Sterling likely to be looking to impress too, shots will definitely be fired.
Our tip: Bale, Sterling & Ramos 1+ shots on target each (6/1)
Champions League Round of 16 midweek fixtures:
Tuesday February 25th
Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich (8pm GMT kick-off)
Napoli vs. Barcelona (8pm GMT kick-off)
Wednesday February 26th
Lyon vs. Juventus (8pm GMT kick-off)
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City (8pm GMT kick-off)
