There is no domestic action of note this midweek as the two elite European competitions come to the fore. With both the Champions League and the Europa League at the quarter final stage we have some truly spectacular matches in store. Our focus, of course, is the Champions League but we’ll also serve up some betting tips and odds for the Anderlecht versus Manchester United clash on Thursday night.
All eight quarter finals across both competitions take place between Tuesday and Thursday this week. English minds may be most interested in the United game and Leicester’s Champions League trip Atletico Madrid: but there is no doubt that the glamour clashes will be taking place in Turin and Munich.
Either of the quarter finals between Juve and Barcelona, and Bayern and Real would be worthy finals. As it is, two of those giants will drop out at the last eight phase. Read on as we take a look at the biggest and best of the quarter final first legs.
- Borussia Dortmund v Monaco – Over 3.5 goals (evens at Coral)
- Juventus v Barcelona – Draw at 12/5 with BetVictor
- Atletico Madrid v Leicester City – Atletico to Win (1/3 at Bet365)
- Bayern Munich v Real Madrid – Real Madrid to win (10/3 at Coral)
- Anderlecht v Man United – Man United to win (Evens at Betfred)
Champions League
On Tuesday we have the mouth-watering matches that see Monaco travelling to Dortmund and Juve hosting Barca. The following night things arguably get even more exciting, as Atletico Madrid play host to the odds-defying Foxes and it’s the Galacticos of Real Madrid against FC Hollywood, Bayern Munich.
It really is a fantastic quarter final line up with a little bit of everything. Hopefully we can provide some equally fantastic and profitable tips!
Borussia Dortmund v Monaco – 11th April
In most seasons this would be a huge Champions League quarter final clash but this term it’s probably the one which will interest UK fans least. Disregarding this game could be a big error though. Both sides could yet upset the odds and go all the way but, far more likely, this match could be a real thriller.
Monaco are one of the most exciting and high-scoring sides in European football. They topped Group E, beating Spurs home and away. In the knockout phase they got past Man City, scoring six goals in the process – but also conceding six and ultimately going through on away goals. Domestically they are even more impressive, topping the Ligue 1 ahead of PSG and boasting a goal difference of plus 61! Their games in the league average a huge 3.77 goals and we can see more of the same occurring here.
Dortmund won’t give them an easy night, of course. The Germans scored the most goals in the group phase, finding the bet an astonishing 21 times. They will be disappointed to be fourth in the Bundesliga but they have the second most potent attack. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the danger man and with the likes of him, Radamel Falcao, Kylian Mbappe and Valere Germain all on the same pitch we’re sure to see goals galore.
First legs can often be cagey but Monaco know the advantage of away goals and we expect them to play to their strengths and go all out on the attack. They may not have enough to win but over 3.5 goals looks a great bet at evens. Picking the correct score in a thriller like this is never easy but 2-2 looks a fine call at odds of 12/1.
Over 3.5 goals – evens at Coral
Juventus v Barcelona – 11th April
This massive clash is a repeat of the 2015 Champions League final. Barca won 3-1 in Berlin then but we think things will be much closer this time around. This is a tough one to call and certainly the bookies don’t see much in it.
Juve and Barcelona are both priced around the 17/10 mark with a range of bookies, although generally the home side are slight favourites. The draw is out at 12/5 with BetVictor and that’s the call for us with so little between the teams.
Barca may feel their name is on the cup after their miraculous comeback against PSG. With the league probably slipping away from them, this would be a great way to save their season and send Luis Enrique out on a high.
Over two legs we expect them to get the job done but with Juve so, so strong at home we predict this one to end with the scores level. The home side have the advantage of being able to rest players before and after this game too, which further boosts their chances. The Turin giants have won all of their home league games and whilst there is a temptation to back them to defeat the Catalans, the higher odds for the draw are better value.
Draw – 12/5 at BetVictor
Atletico Madrid v Leicester City – 12th April
Nobody would have expected the Foxes to make it this far in the competition and with their Premier League status now all-but secure they can really enjoy this competition. What they have achieved cannot be overstated and is unlikely to be repeated, ever. They will head to the Vicente Calderon without fear and, indeed, perhaps with a little hope. They have nothing to lose and when every day sees a new fairy tale written, why not believe that tomorrow anything is possible?
Of course, the bookies are not dreamers but businesspeople and if there is belief in the East Midlands, there certainly isn’t in the ivory towers of odds makers. The home side are 1/3 favourites, with the draw 4/1 and Leicester out at 11/1 with BetVictor.
Leicester’s revival under Craig Shakespeare is remarkable, even if many argue it shames the players who let their former boss down. However, we’re confident it ends here. The nous and Champions League know-how of Diego Simeone, the ability of the players and home advantage all point to an Atletico victory. Odds of 1/3 represents great value so this is definitely one for the accas.
Atletico Madrid to Win – 1/3 at Bet365
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid – 12th April
This is another real glamour tie and rounds the quarter finals off beautifully. These sides have enough trophies to fill a stadium, let alone a trophy room, and boast a staggering 16 Champions League wins between them. Whichever club makes it through from this tie will fancy their chances of adding another European title to their list of honours but who will be on top after this first leg?
The bookies make the Germans warm favourites to progress, with Real Madrid priced as the 5/4 outsiders. On the night, Madrid are huge underdogs. That’s not something we say very often at all and odds of 10/3 for the away win are just too big for us to ignore here.
Real aren’t always the best side when on the road but their class and pedigree mean we cannot rule them out. Moreover, this season, they actually boast the best away record in La Liga. They have rested one or two players in recent weeks and although they play the Madrid derby prior to this we fancy they will still have enough in the tank to cause a major upset.
Bayern are not quite as solid defensively as they have been in the past. Under Carlo Ancelotti their style has developed a little and we fancy that will leave them open to Los Blancos’ magical attacking talents. At 10/3 it’s obviously a gamble but there is huge value in that price for the away win. Madrid and boss Zinedine Zidane know just what is needed in this tournament and they can strike a huge blow on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid to Win – 10/3 at Coral
Europa League
Ajax host Schalke, Celta Vigo are at home to Genk, Besiktas travel to Lyon and Man United, as said, make the trip to Belgium to play Anderlecht. The Red Devils are firm favourites to win the trophy and here we take a look at their first leg game as they look to book their spot in the semi-finals of Europe’s second-tier tournament.
Anderlecht v Man United – 13th April
There is no doubting that Manchester United have had a funny old season. Jose Mourinho has been at times humble, at times light-hearted, but more often than not his usual, combative self has been thrust to the fore. His side have played some fantastic football at times and are very hard to beat. However, they have often looked slow and staid, and have struggled to score enough goals to mount any sort of title challenge. In other words, not dissimilar to when Louis van Gaal was at the helm!
Even a top four finish looks beyond them, their recent draw at home to Everton meaning they are four points behind Man City having played a game more. That stalemate, salvaged in the last minute, was United’s 12th Premier League draw of the season. That tells us a lot and going all the way in this competition now appears United’s best chance of playing Champions League football next term.
We fully expect them to win here though and to take a big step towards the semis. An interesting aspect of United’s campaign thus far has been how they have often seemed better on the road than at Old Trafford. Domestically they have the 10th best home record but the second best away stats. Whether it’s the pressure the players feel they’re under at the “Theatre of Dreams” or the massed defensive ranks of the opposition, they definitely look more threatening on their away days.
However, the key point here is a simple one: United are by far the better side. Anderlecht may top the Belgian Jupiler League but Mourinho’s men have a huge advantage in top level experience and ability. Evens is a great price for the home win so don’t miss out.
Man United to win – evens at Betfred