We’ve teamed up with , who is well-known in South Africa’s punting streets and he will give us his best for the week. Europe’s elite club competition is back and it usually promises two things: goals and favourites to win. Let’s have a look at this week’s fixtures.
PSG v Brugge: Over 0.5 FHGs
Brugge could still finish in third place and will fancy their chances against a weak PSG. The French side have only won 1/4 games but their games usually promise goals – so do Brugge’s games, whose last 9 games all had over 2.5 goals.
Leipzig v Man City: Man City win/draw
Leipzig have sacked their coach after losing 3/4 games, while City have seemingly found their form. It’s another game that promises goals, there were no less than 9 in the first leg. I do expect City too strong for Leipzig and Pep Guardiola wouldn’t want to finish the group stage with a defeat.
Dortmund v Besiktas: Dortmund over 0.5 cards
Dortmund cannot finish in second place anymore and have not much but pride to play for. Usually, I’d predict goals in this game but the BVB hinted at rotation. Besiktas have been very poor and lost all games in this group. There should be cards here, Dortmund had over 4.5 in 4/5 games.
Shakhtar v Sheriff: Shakhtar win/draw under 4.5 goals
Shakhtar have played an UCL campaign to forget and only collected 1 point so far, while Sheriff have lost their last 3 matches. It’s not much at stake other than pride. I don’t think Shakhtar will lose a second game against Sheriff.
Real Madrid v Inter: Real win/draw
The game will determine who will top the group (and subsequently have an easier last 16 opponent). Both teams enter the game in great form, going unbeaten for 11 games. Real won the first leg 1-0 and I don’t think they will lose at home and fall into second spot.
AC Milan v Liverpool: Over 8 corners
Liverpool have qualified and secured first place. As a consequence, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he will rotate his squad to see the legs fresh. Milan need a win to have a chance of qualifying for the knockouts and should go for it. They had over 10 corners in 5/7 games
Porto v Atletico: Over 1.5 goals
Both teams need a win here to qualify for the knockouts. Porto won 1-0 in Madrid, who have been below par this season. Both teams have seen goals in most of their games this season and the pressure could lead to some mistakes at the back.
Juventus v Malmo: Juventus score over 1.5
Juve need a win to have a chance of finishing the group ahead of Chelsea, while Malmo have been poor and scored just one goal. A risky bet would be Juve to win to 0 (at 1.8 odds), but I think Juve will go for it and should be able to score 2, they beat Malmo 3-0 in the first leg.
Zenit v Chelsea: Chelsea to win either half
Similar to Juventus, Chelsea need a win to try and stay ahead of their rivals on the log. Chelsea have played a great campaign so far, but lost 3-2 against West Ham on the weekend. Surely, they will do one better here.
Atalanta v Villarreal: Atalanta to win either half
Atalanta have hit top form in Serie A and beaten Napoli on the weekend. They need a win here to overtake Villarreal, who have lost 3/4. Atalanta are unbeaten in 10 games and have won 6 of them.
Bayern v Barca: Bayern win/draw & over 1.5 goals
Bayern are already qualified but Nagelsmann said he won’t rotate much with a lot of prestige at stake against Barcelona. The Germans love to face Barca and have beaten them in their last three matches, scoring 14 goals. Barca need a win here otherwise they could drop to the Europa League, but I don’t think Bayern will lose at home.