Champions League Betting Tips – 2-3 April
The quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League get underway tonight, with La Liga leaders Barcelona taking on PSG at the Parc des Princes.
This week’s Champions League betting tips come from the Allianz Arena, as Juventus travel to Germany, whilst in-form Borussia Dortmund take on surprise package Malaga at La Rosaleda.
Champions League Predictions
Bayern Munich (1.60) v Juventus (6.50); Draw (4.00)
Bayern Munich are looking to make the Champions League final for the third time in four years, but the Bavarians face a tough task against Italian side Juventus on Tuesday.
Only Barcelona have enjoyed more possession and a higher pass completion rate than Bayern Munich this season and the inclusion of Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez in front of the back four has been a key part of the German’s possession-based style of football this term.
Bayern boast a 20-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and the priority of this match has been clear for some time, since the draw was made just 19 days ago.
Arsenal’s victory at the Allianz Arena in the previous round showed that Jupp Heynckes’ side are far from unbeatable, but Bayern’s 9-2 victory over Hamburg on the weekend highlighted the dominance and confidence that currently runs through the Bavarian side.
Opponents Juventus are undefeated in the Champions League this season and overcame Scottish champions Celtic 5-0 on aggregate in the last round.
The Vecchia Signora have recorded clean sheets in each of their last five appearances in the Champions League and the Italian side’s three man back-line remains difficult to penetrate.
France international Paul Pogba could be drafted in to contend with Bayern’s ability on the ball, pushing Italy international Claudio Marchisio higher up the pitch, but Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic could both be out.
Antonio Conte’s narrow system could allow Bayern’s full backs plenty of opportunities to get forward, but the Italian side will attempt to close out the runaway Bundesliga leaders and keep the game tight.
Juventus have won their last five games in the Champions League and despite the quality and style of their opponents, la Vecchia Signora should keep their opponents at bay at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
Recommended Bets
Juventus +1.5 Asian Handicap @1.50
Malaga (3.60) v Borussia Dortmund (2.20); Draw (3.40)
Malaga came through the play-offs to participate in this year’s competition, but los Boquerones’ off the field financial problems have yet to have a bearing on the team’s playing performances under Manuel Pellegrini this season.
Malaga are undefeated in nine of their last 10 Champions League games (including the play-off matches against Panathinaikos), but the visit of German champions Borussia Dortmund is an altogether greater challenge.
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has stated that “whichever way it goes, there’ll be a team in the semi-finals that can be considered a surprise”, but many will have earmarked die Borussen as dark horses in the competition after beating both Real Madrid and Manchester City during an unbeaten qualification run in Group D.
Borussia Dortmund have scored at least two goals in five of their last six games in the Champions League. Back Dortmund to score over 1.5 goals at 2.10.
Dortmund are undefeated in their last eight matches in the Champions League and the German’s pressing style of football has often been a key part of their success in Europe this season.
Defenders Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer are both sidelined, which offers underdogs Malaga some hope, but Poland international Robert Lewandowski has been inspired since the turn of the year, hitting 13 goals in all competitions in 2013.
Malaga have surprised many this year, but Dortmund’s pressing style of football should be too much for los Boquerones to contain on Wednesday.
Recommended Bets
Over 2.5 goals (Malaga v Borussia Dortmund) @1.95
Borussia Dortmund to win (Draw No Bet) @1.50
Author Credit: Jonathan Day
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rayand/
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