It’s the 2nd leg of the football UEFA Champions League quarter-finals this week and BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is here to provide his best bets ahead of the action.
Bayern Munich to qualify
PSG 1-3 Bayern Munich (3-2)
PSG hold all the aces going into this as they welcome Bayern Munich to Paris. Making last year’s final, it seems that the Parisians are ready to again push for the elusive Champions League trophy.
Prior to the first leg, all the talk was around how much Bayern would miss Robert Lewandowski, however, their problems occurred at the other end, losing a couple of soft goals.
That said, Bayern welcome back Alphonso Davies to their backline after a domestic ban. His experience at this level will no doubt benefit the visitors.
Even though Bayern are trailing, I don’t see them going gung-ho from the outset. If they are prepared to sit in and allow PSG to have some territory, it could create opportunities at the other end.
The first goal is so important here, and if Munich can get it, I think it could send the holders on their way to another famous victory. It’s 3-1 Bayern Munich for me.
Chelsea to win 1-0
Chelsea 1-0 Porto (2-0)
Chelsea earned themselves a nice cushion with a 2-0 win away in Porto last week. If you’re going to have a serious go in Europe, you must be solid at the back.
The Blues certainly have been that, with the exception of their recent defeat to West Brom, since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.
I’m expecting another solid performance from the home side. There will come a point where Porto have to go for it, and when that happens, I think Chelsea can nick one at the other end.
Manchester City to win & btts
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Manchester City (1-2)
Dortmund gave City a real game at the Etihad last week, but in the end, it was Phil Foden who made the difference with an injury time goal.
Following up with a defeat at home to Leeds at the weekend, it clearly took a lot out of the City players.
Saturday’s performance was unlike the soon-to-be English champions, but it is possible they had one eye on this match and complacency crept in.
The Citizens are desperate to add the Champions League to their ever growing list of trophies, and if they are at the top of their game, I can only see one winner.
Liverpool to win
Liverpool v Real Madrid (1-3)
Liverpool were slightly under-par away in Spain last week, but they bounced back with a win at Anfield against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Although they weren’t at their best, it will certainly give them confidence going into this one.
Anfield has witnessed some incredible European comebacks in the past, and although I think Liverpool have enough to win on the night, I do believe they’ll come up just short in the tie overall. It’s 2-1 to the home side for me.
