The UEFA Champions League continues this Wednesday and Thursday morning, with the second set of the Round of 16 second leg matches getting underway. In the feature match, Manchester United welcome Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford.
We have an exciting two mornings of Champions League action ahead too as three of the four matches go into the second leg all square. We take a look at our best bet in each Champions League match below.
Remember, the EPL, Champions League and A-League are in full swing to be sure to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates and betting tips.
Champions League Round of 16 Betting Tips
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 16th March, 7.00am (AEDT)
It's all to play for as Manchester United host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
In the first leg, Atletico largely dominated the match but failed to capitalise on their chances.
I honestly thought Atletico would have struggled against United in the first leg but I was wrong. They controlled the ball well and United struggled with their high pressure.
On league form, I don’t trust either side. United on the back of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick beat Spurs but that was far from a great performance, and prior to that they were winless in their last three.
Atletico on the other hand narrowly beat Cadiz on Saturday but in watching that match Cadiz can feel unlucky to leave without any points as they for mine were the better side.
I believe in this match both teams will struggle to score as protecting their own goal will be of paramount importance. While I do favour United to progress, Atletico apart from one slip up were not threatened by the Red Devils in the first leg. In what should be a cagey affair back this to stay under 2.5 goals.
Ajax vs Benfica
Wednesday 16th March, 7.00am (AEDT)
Ajax welcome Benfica to the Johan Cruijff Arena for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday.
The first leg in Lisbon ended locked two goals apiece but I believe heading into the second leg Ajax will prove too strong.
Since the first leg 2-2 draw, the Dutch side have won three of their four games in all competitions.
For Ajax Sebastian Haller is in terrific form at the moment and I believe aerially he has Benfica’s defender’s measure. Add that to the fact that Ajax defeated Benfica's local rivals Sporting 9-3 on aggregate in the group stage and considering I would argue Sporting are a stronger side than Benfica, I would be shocked to see them knock out the Dutch champs.
While I believe Ajax will be way to strong, I believe Benfica to will still get on the scoreboard in what should be an open and entertaining clash.
Juventus vs Villarreal
Thursday 17th March, 7.00am (AEDT)
I believe this clash has flown under the radar. While Juventus are unbeaten since their 1-1 draw with Villarreal in the first leg, I haven’t been overly impressed by the Italians this season.
Villarreal are always a dangerous side to verse, largely because they are underrated. They counter really well and are always a tough team to break down in Europe. There is almost always one big upset in the round of 16 each season and I am backing Villarreal to register the 2022 round of 16 upset.
I believe Pau Torres will be able to play Dusan Vlahovic out of the game and I am backing Arnaut Danjuma to cause Juventus all sorts of problems on the counter.
Back the Yellow Submarine to cause a massive boilover.
Lille vs Chelsea
Thursday 17th March, 7.00am (AEDT)
Chelsea may not be their devastating best right now but I expect them to progress in the second leg against Lille.
Both sides are tracking reasonably well in their respective leagues. Chelsea have won their last four matches in all competitions and Lille have registered two wins and a draw since their first leg loss to Chelsea.
In the first leg the Blues were victorious 2-0, yet it wasn’t as comfortable as the score line suggests. While I believe Chelsea will come out on top, the better play for mine is backing over 2.5 goals.
Lille have a dynamic forward line and I expect them to be very positive from the outset. Expect plenty of goals in what should be an entertaining clash.
