Our football pundit previews the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg clashes which take place on Tuesday 10 April and Wednesday 11 April 2018.
This is the most exciting time of the quarterfinals with all teams knowing exactly what to do to progress to the next stage. Teams like Juventus and Manchester City have to score at least three goals to make it to the semifinals with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool having to protect their first leg results. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are expected to walk over their lesser opponents. This is what I think the upcoming games have in store for us.
Tuesday 10 April
Manchester City 9/20
Draw 38/10
Liverpool 47/10
This is a mouthwatering clash with Manchester City facing a mammoth of a task to overturn a 3-0 deficit. The Citizens relinquished a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Manchester United in a thrill-packed Manchester derby. Jurgen Klopp is the only manager with a superior record over Pep Guardiola and he will be looking to seal the deal while already on the driving seat.
It’s also very interesting to note that both teams rested their key players in league matches this Saturday. City started the Manchester derby with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero on the bench while Klopp elected not to risk Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firminho. I think the hosts win this one even though they’re not going to go through.
Roma 15/4
Draw 32/10
Barcelona 6/10
AS Roma lost the first leg 4-1 and they’re now facing an insurmountable task to turn the clash on its head. Their weakened side lost 2-0 to Fiorentina and the well-rested first-string team know that they have their work cut out against the La Liga table toppers.
A rampant Barcelona beat Leganes 3-1 on Saturday with Lionel Messi bagging a hat-trick. Come on, back the Catalans to triumph once again.
Wednesday 11 April
Bayern Munich 1/5
Draw 11/2
Sevilla 10/1
The return of Jupp Heynckes has done Bayern Munich a world of good. The Bavarians are sitting comfortably at the summit of Bundesliga standings with a 20-point advantage. They head into this second half having beaten their opponents 2-1 away.
It should be very difficult for Sevilla to go to Munich and record a shock victory. I’m anticipating a runaway win for Bayern. You can go as far as backing them on the (-1) handicap.
Real Madrid 11/20
Draw 32/10
Juventus 17/4
This clash had so much promise but Cristiano Ronaldo and company brushed Juventus aside in their own backyard and the current FIFA Footballer of the Year and Ballon dÓr holder stepped up with a sumptuous brace to help his side win 3-0.
These sides met in last year’s final and Madrid emerged 4-1 victors. This should be another with for Los Blancos.
QUAD @ 5/1
Manchester City win 9/20
Barcelona win 6/10
Bayern Munich (-1) 11/20
Real Madrid win 11/20
