The Champion’s League returns this week with the start of the 2nd leg ties in the round of 16. There was plenty of action in the 1st legs with lots of goals and it’ll be interesting to see how those sides that are behind approach these matches. Arsenal in particular look well short of making it through to the next stage being 5-1 down to Bayern Munich. Even if it was a lower deficit, Bayern Munich look set to cruise through to the quarter finals. It looks relatively similar between Real Madrid and Napoli with Real Madrid having a comfortable buffer of a 2 goal lead. They do however have the slight concern of Napoli’s away goal but it’s difficult to see them keeping Real Madrid scoreless and then scoring 2 of their own as well – certainly not impossible, just not probable.
As for fixtures on the 9th of March, they look a little more exciting in terms of where the results may go. That’s including Barcelona who although are 4-0 down against PSG, are capable in their own right of turning such a result if they play at their best. The closest of the matches this week though will no doubt be between Benfica and Borussia Dortmund. A 1-0 lead to Benfica is going to be difficult to hold and Dortmund will be strong at home. Dortmund should be a lot more comfortable at home and should be able to get through by the narrowest of margins on aggregate.
**Odds from Sportsbet as at 6th March
8th March
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Predicted score: Bayern Munich 3-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.51 (95%)
Next Best: Bayern Munich to win at $2.2
Napoli vs Real Madrid
Predicted score: Real Madrid 2-1
Best Bet: Real Madrid Draw No Bet at $1.72 (85%)
Next Best: Half-Time Draw at $2.4
9th March
Barcelona vs PSG
Predicted score: Barcelona 3-1
Best Bet: Barcelona to lead at Half-Time at $1.67 (90%)
Next Best: Both teams to score – yes at $1.53
Borussia Dortmund vs Benfica
Predicted score: Borussia Dortmund 2-0
Best Bet: Borussia Dortmund to Win to Nil at $2.2 (75%)
Next Best: Borussia Dortmund Half-Time/Full-time at $1.83
