UEFA Champions League Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (2/11)

The UEFA Champions League returns today with the first matches of the knockout round, so naturally we had to find our best bets on the pitch.

Remember, matches today are the first leg of a two leg contest between teams happening over the next two weeks. We already have 8 teams slotted in the Round of 16, but over the next two weeks we will fill the remaining spots on the bracket. Below are my best bets in the UCL today, but for our expert’s soccer picks, go to this page here!

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UEFA Champions League: Tuesday’s Soccer Action

Brest vs Paris Saint Germain Best Bets

Heavy Lean: Brest/PSG Under 3 (-105) BetOnline

While I’m not betting this match, I have been very impressed with Brest during the league phase part of the competition. While they did just get beat 5-2 by PSG at home in Ligue 1 play, the focus should be a bit increased in this tournament match. Brest has had some struggles against top competition, losing 3-nil against Real Madrid at home, but since losing to PSG, they’ve won two matches and looked fairly solid.

I lean with the under simply because I think Brest’s focus will be strictly on that side of the ball. There is no benefit for scoring on the road anymore, but I still think the home side plays very conservative today. PSG should come out attacking, much like did when they scored 5 goals not too long ago. They’ve won four straight matches overall, but I could see the hosts spoiling an easy win.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+900)

Juventus vs PSV Best Bets

Best Bet: Juventus ML (-102) Bovada

Juventus already beat PSV 3-1 back in September in the league phase part of the tourney, and now the two foes go head to head once again in the knockout round. That match was in Italy, and I lean with Juventus tonight at home as well.

PSV has been a bit of a different team away from home. They are 1-1-1 in their L3 matches on the road, drawing with NEC Nijmegan (11th in Eredivisie), beating Red Star Belgrade, 3-2, and losing to PEV Zwolle (13th in Eredivisie). They play down to their competition on the road, and even with revenge on their mind, I do see Juventus getting the job done.

Last time out in UCL pay, Juventus dropped a match 2-0 at home to Benfica. Since then they have found two dominant wins, and I see them bringing that momentum to give their fans something to celebrate tonight. Going on the road next week is not ideal for the Italian side, so I expect them to bring their full effort today to try and create an aggregate lead.

Prediction: Juventus Wins 2-0 (+800)

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Best Bets

Best Bet: Real Madrid TT Over 1.5 (+125) BetOnline

This is easily the Match of the Day as two powerhouses battle it out for a spot in the Round of 16. With this game being in England, my initial gut would think Man City comes out on top. However, I will not be taking that. Manchester City was nonexistent against Arsenal in the EPL, losing 5-1 on the road, but then turned things around, winning 2-1 in the FA Cup against a much weaker opponent. Today they host Real Madrid and might be in for a rude awakening.

Although away goals do not matter, I see the visitors being very aggressive. That is simply their style of play, and against a very susceptible defense, I see them trying to take full advantage early and often in this match. Real Madrid have netted 3+ goals in 3 of their L4 matches on the road, and think they could do something similar today. With both back lines a bit beat up, I do see teams going back and forth in this game, but I’ll be splitting my unit amongst two plus money bets.

I am on Madrid TT Over 1.5 at (+125) and will also bet Real Madrid Draw No Bet at (+165).

Prediction: Real Madrid Wins 2-1 (+1100)

Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund Best Bets

Slight Lean: Borussia Dortmund Draw No Bet (+125) Bovada

While my gut would be with Dortmund on the road, I can’t bring myself to bet it. While I do think they are the better team on paper, I could see them dropping as goose egg tonight and waiting to clinch their spot at home. Overall, Sporting CP is a much better team at home, having not lost on their own field since November. However, they do tend to crumble against top competition, and one could argue Dortmund still fits into that category.

Despite their recent transfers, the German squad has plenty of fire power. They are coming off a loss at home, perhaps looking ahead to this match, but I think they turn things around. Like I said, I could not bring this bet to the counter, as Sporting at home could be very motivated. Instead I’ll focus on my other bets and hope we cash.

Prediction: Dortmund Wins 2-1 (+900)

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