Apart from Shakhtar’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla there were not many goals about in the first legs of the Champions League and Europa League semi finals. That does mean that the return legs, which take place this week, are very well set up and we should be in line for some top quality drama provided by some top quality football teams. To help add to the excitement we’ve put together three accas of increasing odds which will hopefully provide some profit from the bookies to see you into the weekend.
Easy Winner – 10/11 (BetVictor)
- Over 1.5 goals in Real Madrid v Manchester City (1/4) – Real Madrid will look to take this second leg to Manchester City. While that will threaten the City defence it will open up more space so expect goals.
- Under 3.5 goals in Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid (3/10) – Bayern will adopt a more attacking approach to the second leg than they did the first but Atletico’s defence will be as sturdy as ever so we are looking at another low scoring match.
- Sevilla to qualify against Shakhtar (1/5) – Sevilla’s two goals in Ukraine put them firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg in southern Spain. It will take a huge performance from Shakhtar to book a place in the final and we don’t see it.
Medium Risk – 13/2 (Sky Bet)
- Bayern Munich to qualify against Atletico Madrid (10/11) – Many pundits believe that Bayern are the best team left in the Champions League and if they are towards the top of their game against Atletico Madrid they will be able to secure their place in Milan for the Champions League final.
- Liverpool to qualify against Villarreal (6/5) – When Liverpool look back at their match against Villarreal they will believe that there isn’t too much to be worried about. The Spanish side are good but so are Liverpool and under the lights at Anfield the Reds should make it through.
- Sevilla to beat Shakhtar Donetsk (3/4) – Sevilla are overwhelming favourites to make it through to the final at the expense of Shakhtar. They have won the Europa League in each of the last two seasons and know that they cannot take any chances so will look to get the win to ensure their place.
Long Shot – 30/1 (Bet365)
- Bayern Munich to beat Atletico Madrid to nil (11/8) – This should be yet another close match but Bayern are a brilliant side and could nick it one or two nil as Atletico will be more concerned with keeping a clean sheet than increasing their lead in the tie.
- Real Madrid to score in both halves (11/8) – Manchester City will give this a real good go but with the returning Cristiano Ronaldo on the prowl, Real will be a constant threat and will create chances throughout.
- Goal in the first 10 minutes of Liverpool v Villarreal (9/2) – Anfield will be rocking at the start of Liverpool’s return leg against Villarreal and with the team feeling that they have the beating of their opposition they will look to score an early goal to put themselves in the driving seat as early as possible.