The hunt for a quarter-final place continues with the second leg of the round of 16 on Tuesday 12 March 2019.
It’s crunch time in the UEFA Champions League as the second leg of these Round of 16 ties could make or break many teams’ season.
The likes of Juventus, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Lyon will want to avoid the embarrassment of getting knocked out in the early stages, while Manchester City and Barcelona will be looking to live up to their favourites tag and march on in the competition.
Tuesday 12 March
Juventus 7/10
Draw 5/2
Atletico Madrid 39/10
Juventus will be looking to overturn their 2-0 deficit when they host Atletico Madrid in Turin. To their advantage, the visitors will be without Diego Costa and Thomas Partey, but Juve, too, will be without a star player in Alex Sandro.
After being dubbed as the team to go all the way after Cristiano Ronaldo signed for the club, Juventus will need to go all-out if they’re to advance to the last eight. Ronaldo is known as the man for big occasions, and the Portuguese will know very well that he will need to add to his tally of 22 goals against Atletico Madrid if his side are to have any chance. It may not be worth taking to qualify at 33/10, but Juventus should win their home game at 7/10.
Manchester City 1/7
Draw 13/2
Schalke 14/1
With the quadruple still on course, Manchester City will need to be fully focused and not take Schalke for granted as they look to add to their 3-2 advantage in the first leg. Leroy Sane was on target when he returned to his former club, now, the German winger will be hoping to score again at his new home.
Fernandinho, who is out injured, will also be suspended for this tie, as well as his South American counterpart, Nicolas Otamendi. After that defeat to City in the first leg, Schalke lost 3-0 and 4-0 to Mainz and Fortuna Duesseldorf respectively. The Germans should have no chance here. Take Man City on the (-1) Handicap at 4/10.
Wednesday 13 March
Barcelona 2/9
Draw 5/1
Lyon 19/2
On paper, it seems very simple for Barcelona. Win your home game and you’re through. The Blaugrana won’t have it easy, though, with Nabil Fekir expected to return after missing the first leg through suspension. Barcelona have been in excellent form, winning two El Clasicos on the bounce, while Lionel Messi has a decent personal record over Lyon, scoring three goals in five games against the French giants.
It also needs to be mentioned that Lyon have not beaten Barcelona in seven attempts. After going out of the Champions League unexpectedly last season against Roma, Ernesto Valverde’s men will be hoping there isn’t another massive upset. Barcelona are tipped on the Half-time/Full-time double here at 13/20.
Bayern Munich 23/20
Draw 5/2
Liverpool 21/10
Another cracking encounter is on the cards when Bayern Munich host Liverpool in arguably the tie of the round. For both teams, it’s very straightforward. A win guarantees a spot in the next round. The Bavarians managed to close down Liverpool at Anfield, but unfortunately, will be without Joshua Kimmich for the return leg.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been handed a massive boost with Virgil van Dijk returning from suspension. The Bavarians will be eyeing their eighth quarter-final in a row, but Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to better his record at the Allianz Arena, which currently reads four wins, one draw and nine losses. I’ll back the home win here at 23/20.
QUAD TIPPED @ 15/2
Juventus Win 7/10
Man City (-1) Handicap 4/10
Barcelona HT-FT Win 13/20
Bayern Munich Win 23/20
