The Champions League returned from its winter break with a bang last week. The first set of knockout stage matches produced some excellent performances and plenty of goals and we’re hoping for more of the same when the sides in the other half of the draw get a chance to shine. To give you the best chance of making some profit from the action, we’ve created three different trebles of increasing odds so you have options for the two days.
Easy Winner – 7/5 (BetVictor)
- Bayern Munich to beat Besiktas (2/13) – Beskitas’ performances were one of the big shocks of the group stage. The Turkish side will take heart from winning Group D but Bayern Munich away from home is a completely different kettle of fish.
- Both teams to score in Chelsea v Barcelona (4/6) – Chelsea’s home advantage gives them a chance to put themselves in a strong position in their tie against Barcelona. That’s much easier said than done though against the Liga leaders. This could be another cracking first leg tie to keep the pace set by last week’s matches.
- Under 3.5 goals in Sevilla v Man Utd (1/4) – Jose Mourinho won’t be getting carried away with all the goals scored in the first set of matches. He’ll send his Man Utd team out with explicit instructions to make this tie all about the second leg at Old Trafford so don’t expect too many fireworks.
Medium Risk – 4/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Bayern Munich to score three or more goals against Besiktas (4/5) – We’ve all seen just how deadly Bayern Munich can be when they get the bit between their teeth. With the aim of killing the tie before a daunting trip to Turkey, expect Bayern to score a hatful at the Allianz Arena.
- Man Utd/Draw double chance against Sevilla (4/11) – Jose Mourinho was hired by Man Utd to make them competitive on the very biggest stages. His Champions League experience and nous should see United through and they’ll be tough to beat at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
- Over 2.5 goals in Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma (Evens) – Roma were impressive during the group stage but have been rewarded by a tough tie against Shakhtar. The Ukrainian side always look to make the most of their home advantage and should attack Roma. However, the Romans have the quality to grab an away goal or two to take back to the Eternal City.
Long Shot – 164/1 (Bet365)
- Man Utd to beat Sevilla to nil (3/1) – Liverpool secured a wonderful 4-0 win over Porto last week. Although Man Utd won’t be anywhere near as attack minded in Spain, they could well return home in a position of real strength thanks to a win to nil.
- Chelsea and Barcelona to draw and both teams to score (10/3) – All teams in the knockout stage of the Champions League will take a score draw away from home in the first round. Barcelona would certainly take that at Stamford Bridge and it may well be just what they get on Tuesday night.
- Shakhtar to beat Roma 2-1 (17/2) – Roma will be happy to get out of Ukraine with an away goal. If they can keep Shakhtar’s home advantage to a minimum, all the better.