Our football expert dives into the thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 battles set for Tuesday 20 February and Wednesday 21 February 2018 – a football feast you won’t want to miss!
The Champions League heats up as we approach the decisive knockout stage, featuring four captivating fixtures this week. The spotlight shines brightest on the electrifying clash between Chelsea and Barcelona, guaranteed to be a match loaded with history and passion.
Fresh off a tip as tournament favourites, Bayern Munich eyes another win as they host the resilient Besiktas. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk host Roma in what promises to be a fiery duel.
Adding to the excitement, Jose Mourinho takes the helm for Manchester United in his Champions League knockout debut, facing tough adversaries Sevilla. While pure football love drives us, the enticing betting odds add an extra edge, promising real chances to win big!
Tuesday 20 February Fixtures
Chelsea 26/10
Draw 24/10
Barcelona 19/20
The legendary face-off between Chelsea and Barcelona returns! Historically, Chelsea triumphed 5-4 on aggregate in 2004/05, with the clubs clashing 12 times overall – Chelsea with four wins, Barca three. Lionel Messi, arguably football’s greatest, is yet to net against Chelsea in eight meetings, but this time the odds feel in his favour. Chelsea’s shaky home form in Europe and Barca’s undefeated streak in La Liga and Champions League this season tip the scales. We’re backing Barcelona to win or draw with both teams to score at attractive odds of 11/10.
Bayern Munich 2/13
Draw 6/1
Besiktas 14/1
Bayern Munich, under the masterful Jupp Heynckes, continue their Champions League dominance at home, eyeing a win over Turkish sensation Besiktas – first-ever group winners from Turkey. Despite Besiktas riding high unbeaten in seven European outings, the missing striker Cenk Tosun is a big blow. With Robert Lewandowski’s fantastic scoring streak at home, Bayern are favourites – consider backing Bayern on a -1 handicap at 9/20.
Wednesday 21 February Fixtures
Sevilla 19/10
Draw 43/20
Manchester United 29/20
Sevilla and Manchester United face off in a competition-first encounter. History favours Mourinho, who boasts seven wins and one defeat versus Sevilla. The recent signing of Alexis Sanchez gives United an attacking boost, making the visitors strong contenders for the win. Our tip is a confident away win for Man United.
Shakhtar Donetsk 27/20
Draw 9/4
Roma 39/20
Shakhtar, masters on home turf with just one loss in 13 matches, host Roma who remain a force, powered by timeless Edin Dzeko. Their 2010/11 previous clashes saw Shakhtar proceed on both legs. This match promises goals – we recommend betting on both teams to score at handy odds of 15/20.
QUAD @ 13/1
Barca Win/Draw & Both Teams to Score 11/10
Bayern Munich (-1) Handicap 9/20
Man United Win 14/10
Shakhtar vs Roma Both Teams to Score 15/20
