The Champions League returns this week with the 1^st legs of the Semi Finals. There’s two fantastic matches lined up with the first that of Liverpool hosting Roma followed by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The matchup between Liverpool and Roma is particularly intriguing for the way they made it to this stage. Liverpool weren’t exactly underdogs against Manchester City but they dispatched them in stunning fashion to make it through to an unlikely Semi-Final berth. Roma perhaps less convincingly but more dramatically came from behind 4-1 to Barcelona to snatch their place in the Semi’s. If any of the Semi Finals are like this then we’re in for a ride this week.

**Odds from Sportsbet.com.au as of 23^rd April  

Liverpool vs Roma

The ball’s in Liverpool’s court first up here when they host Roma but no matter the result in this one they’ll be wary of what Roma are capable of when they came from 4-1 behind against Barcelona in the Quarter Finals. Liverpool will be well up for this one though and at home will present a formidable attacking unit for Roma to try and quell. Perhaps where Liverpool have an even better edge compared to Barcelona is their pace up front. Fazio is one player they’ll look to try and take advantage of given he’s real lack of pace and that could be telling heading into the 2^nd leg. It’s not to say Roma won’t have their chances given Liverpool are by no means a brick wall defensively in world terms but for this 1^st leg Liverpool look well placed to take the advantage.

Predicted Result: Liverpool 3-1

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.51

Best Value Bet: Liverpool -1 Handicap at $2.4

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Whilst the other Semi Final looks to have goals in it on one side, this one looks set to be a lot closer between the two, goals or not. The advantage for Real Madrid here is they pretty much have a full squad to pick from whilst Bayern will be missing Coman, Vidal and Neuer in addition to having a good record at Bayern. Their last 3 visits have been wins by an aggregate of 6-1 so they will hold no fear coming to this ground first up. If anything this is a match where although Real Madrid look to have an edge, they’d also be comfortable with things being evenly poised heading into the 2^nd leg. Bayern will have to come out hard in this one but generally this looks well balanced for a 1^st leg match.

Predicted Result: Draw 1-1

Best Bet: Real Madrid Double Chance at $1.72

Best Value Bet: Real Madrid to win either half at $2.07