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UCL: Round of 16, 2nd Legs – Wednesday

by
Darry Worthington
March 7, 2016

Written by Jesse Nagel for Soccer Betting News. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!

Andre Villas-Boas will renew his rivalry with Benfica as they hope to overhaul their 1-0 first leg defeat in Lisbon. The clash of the week will see Chelsea host PSG in a do-or-die encounter. PSG will hope to win their first ever Champions League, but have to get past a resilient Chelsea side under Guus Hiddink. Loads of exciting matchups to look forward to, with some enticing odds on offer. Let’s make some money together.

WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH

Zenit 1/1 | Draw 23/10 | Benfica 11/4
Zenit face Benfica in the early kick-off on Wednesday night, entering the tie 1-0 down thanks to a stoppage time goal by Jonas. The Brazilian striker, signed from Valencia in 2014, is a candidate for the Golden Shoe award. His confidence will be high coming into this match after scoring 26 goals in 24 league games for Benfica this season. Form like that could worry any opposition and will put an extra nervousness in the eyes of Zenit’s defence. However, the Sky Blues possess a Brazilian wizard of their own – Hulk.

The powerful forward is fast and has a wicked left foot. Able to bulldoze his way past the best of defences. Despite the two key Brazilians on showcase for their sides, the pair prove to be far from “one-man teams”. Benfica have the likes of Nicolas Gaitan and Renato Sanches, who was most recently linked with the likes of PSG and Manchester United.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side, who are seeking a first ever appearance in the quarter-finals, will look to use former Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel against them. The Belgian international is one of the best players in his position and will play a key role in hope of knocking out his former employers. Two more positives for Zenit, is that they have never lost to Portuguese opposition at home in seven attempts – winning five – as well as Hulk’s goal-scoring record, netting five goals in 12 appearances against Benfica while at Porto between 2008 and 2012. With the form of Jonas up front for the Eagles, I can certainly see Benfica scoring, but failing to progress to the next round. This one is for the brave, take Zenit to Win + Both Teams To Score at 34/10. A great value bet well worth a punt!