Champions League Predictions – Last 16 Betting Tips
With the knockout stages of the Champions League a little over a month away, Sportingly Better picks out the best UEFA Champions League predictions and free football betting tips as holders Bayern Munich face Arsenal in the last 16.
Football Betting Odds
Bayern Munich – 3.25
Real Madrid – 5.00
Barcelona – 6.25
Borussia Dortmund – 13.00
PSG – 13.00
Chelsea – 13.00
Atletico Madrid – 15.00
Manchester City – 15.00
Manchester United – 17.00
Arsenal – 29.00
AC Milan – 51.00
Bayer Leverkusen – 126.00
Galatasaray – 201.00
Zenit St Petersburg – 251.00
Schalke – 301.00
Olympiakos – 401.00
Bayern Munich
Champions League holders Bayern Munich will face Premier League side Arsenal in the knockout stages for the second time in two years, after topping Group D with five wins from six games.
Arsenal were somewhat surprisingly 2-0 winners at the Allianz Arena in 2013, but a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium but pains to the Gunners comeback.
Pep Guardiola’s side have stormed into a seven point lead in the Bundesliga with 42 goals scored and just eight goals conceded, but the real challenge for der FCB will be to retain their European crown.
Bayern could still enhance their squad in January after being linked to Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, but the biggest transfer movement is likely to happen over the summer after securing the signature of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.
Mario Mandzukic has yet to replicate his performances from last year and the sale of Mario Gomez to Fiorentina over the summer has arguably left Bayern lacking attacking options.
The German outfit has took the unusual step of lowering the prices of their Champions League tickets here at the Emirates Stadium, so Pep Guardiola’s side is likely to be fully supported again in London, after prevailing in the final at Wembley last year.
Die Bayern’s favouritism is largely well placed in the betting markets, but Arsenal’s resurgence and ambition after signing Mesut Ozil for £42.7 million over the summer will make February’s two-legged clash a much tighter affair than many would expect.
Real Madrid
Second favourites Real Madrid illustrated their pedigree on the continent with a near-perfect display during the Champions League group stages.
Los Merengues won five of their six matches in Group B to qualify as group winners and Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain an increasingly competent outfit.
Cristiano Ronaldo (9) has scored more goals in the UEFA Champions league this campaign than any other player, a record that has been keenly challenged by PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic this year.
Real Madrid’s knockout draw against Schalke has been more favourable than most of their European rivals, with world record signing Gareth Bale beginning to grow into his new role as one of the Spanish club’s Galaticos.
Barcelona
Four wins from six group games saw Gerardo Martino’s side qualify as group winners, but Barca have arguably been one of the lesser challenged teams in Europe this season.
The Spanish side currently sit top of La Liga alongside Atletico Madrid, but the return from injury of Lionel Messi could not be more timely with the knockout stages of the Champions League approaching next month.
Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has arguably been the Catalan club’s best player this term with 11 goals in La Liga, but that form has not completely transferred to the continent.
The combination of Xavi and Andreas Iniesta in midfield remains pivotal despite both players advancing years, with Barcelona maintaining a strong possession-based brand of football.
Odds of 6.25 are arguably a touch short given that Manchester City face Barcelona in the Champions League draw, a fixture that could spell danger for Martino’s inexperience as manager in European football.
Verdict
The likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City all have good claims to go far in this year’s competition with favourable draws and progressive form key to their advancement.
The trio are all well priced as football betting outsiders this time around but the draws for Chelsea and Atletico Madrid make the double on both sides to progress look favourable.
Last year teams from the Bundesliga dominated proceedings in the Champions League, but the rise of Atletico Madrid could see the tide shift to La Liga, with fellow giants Barcelona and Real Madrid well favoured in this year’s competition.
Recommended Football Bets
Back ‘Spain’ as the nationality of the winner @2.37
Back Chelsea and Atletico Madrid to qualify @1.66
Dutch on Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona to win the Champions League to make profit should any of the three sides lift the trophy
Author Credit: Jonathan Day
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rayand/7233027208/in/photostream
Related Posts
Dundee v Ross County Betting Tips →
Forfar v Edinburgh Betting Tips →
Dundee v Ross County Betting Tips →
