Another manager who is on his way out of the English Premier League is Manuel Pellegrini. His soon to be former side Manchester City travel to the Ukraine to take on Dynamo Kyiv for their 1st leg tie this Wednesday. It would be the perfect way to say goodbye for Pellegrini by winning the Champions League in his final season. In Wednesday’s second fixture, Phillip Cocu’s PSV will play host to Atletico Madrid in what should be a stern test for Diego Simeone’s side.
Apart from the exciting matchups played, there’s still money to be made and loads of enticing odds on offer.
WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
PSV Eindhoven 36/10
Draw 23/10
Atletico Madrid 8/10
Atletico Madrid have got to be the most underrated team in all of Europe. Diego Simeone’s side have done well to keep out of the spotlight, but still manage big wins, which has seen them challenge Barcelona and local rivals Real Madrid for the Spanish La Liga.
Atleti finished off as group leaders, losing just one match and are undefeated away from home in the Champions League this season. Jan Oblak has been instrumental for Los Rojiblancos keeping 14 clean sheets in the domestic league – more than any other goalkeeper in Europe. The Slovenian international has cemented his place in the team and has helped Atletico form arguably Europe’s best defence.
In front of him is the Uruguayan centre-back pairing of Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin, along with Juanfran and Filipe Luis occupying the full back positions. In attack, Antoine Griezmann has been one of Atleti’s stand-out players this season. The versatile Frenchman can play on both flanks, and even through the middle. His bursting runs and trickery make him almost impossible to stop at times.
PSV have done well thus far, snatching second spot on the final day of the group stages – kicking Manchester United out. The Peasants are the first Dutch club to make it to the knockout stages since 2006. Despite selling their best player last season to United, Phillip Cocu’s side have managed to cope without him and in doing so, finished above Memphis Depay’s employers in the group stage. Cocu will be thrilled with the addition of Marco van Ginkel in midfield. The Dutchman is on loan from Chelsea and is eligible to play in this seasons Champions League after ending his previous loan spell with Stoke City.
Van Ginkel has made an instant impact since his move and has managed to find the net on his debut. The PSV attacking trio of Luciano Narsingh, Maxime Lestienne and club captain Luuk de Jong will be a stern test for Atletico Madrid. Narsingh and Lestienne will provide the width on each flank, with de Jong being the key factor up front, holding off defenders and bringing the midfielders into play.
Verdict: Draw 23/10
Atletico have won five and lost four of their 10 matches against Dutch opposition. Despite the attacking players on showcase here, I expect a low-scoring encounter. A tight affair is expected and this one looks too close to call a winner. Back the draw at 23/10.
Dynamo Kyiv 51/20
Draw 47/20
Man City 21/20
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