Our football pundit previews the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches which take place on Tuesday 13 March and Wednesday 14 March 2018.
The final four second-leg matches of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 are set to ignite this week with some captivating showdowns. Jose Mourinho aims to steer Manchester United into the quarter-finals in his debut Champions League season as their manager, while Chelsea face a tough challenge at the Nou Camp against a Barcelona side renowned for its attacking prowess.
Roma have their work cut out as they try to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Shakhtar Donetsk, while Bayern Munich are on the brink of progressing after their commanding 5-0 victory over Besiktas in the first leg.
Tuesday 13 March
Manchester United 13/20
Draw 26/10
Sevilla 9/2
Manchester United will be fighting to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2013/14 season as they host Sevilla. Mourinho’s legacy in this competition began with FC Porto’s triumph in 2004, and he holds an impressive record against Sevilla, winning seven of eight matches while managing Real Madrid.
Sevilla’s visit carries an element of hope as they did not score an away goal in the first leg, adding pressure on United to maintain their strong home form and rock-solid defence, marshalled by David De Gea. The smart bet is a home win at 7/10!
Roma 13/20
Draw 29/10
Shakhtar Donetsk 38/10
Roma will look to break their recent poor luck in the Round of 16 as they host Shakhtar Donetsk. Having lost their last five matches at this knockout stage, Roma are desperate to progress for the first time in over a decade. Shakhtar impressed in the first leg and tested goalkeeper Alisson repeatedly, but fell short against goals from Fred and Facundo Ferreyra. Expect Roma to rise to the occasion and claim victory here.
Wednesday 14 March
Besiktas 15/4
Draw 33/10
Bayern Munich 6/10
Besiktas face a monumental challenge as they try to overturn a 5-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich. The German giants, seeking their sixth consecutive Champions League win under Jupp Heynckes, are favourites to progress. The departure of star striker Cenk Tosun has weakened Besiktas’s attacking threat, making Bayern the clear pick to advance. Backing Bayern to seal the deal at 6/10 looks a wise move!
Barcelona 4/10
Draw 36/10
Chelsea 6/1
Barcelona strive for an 11th straight quarter-final appearance as they take on Chelsea at the Nou Camp. Last season’s incredible comeback against PSG nearly mirrored here, while Chelsea adopted a cautious approach in the first leg with Eden Hazard playing a false nine. Needing to score to keep their hopes alive, the Blues face an uphill battle against Messi, who recently notched his 600th career goal and will be aiming to dazzle again. Backing Barcelona at 4/10 is the safe bet.
QUAD @ 5/1
Man United Win 13/20
Roma Win 13/20
Bayern Munich Win 6/10
Barcelona Win 4/10
