Europe Champions League Last 16, First Leg (15-22 February)

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Paris Saint-Germain:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes; Verratti, Gueye, Wijnaldum; Messi, Mbappe, Di Maria

Real Madrid:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid will play the most interesting clash of the Champions League first knockout round. PSG finished second in Group A, but they are between the favorites for the trophy. The Arab owners invested enormous money, brought Leo Messi during the Summer and they are no more satisfied with domestic titles. They want the Champions League, nothing less. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is feeling a big pressure, he knows how important this match is. Paris Saint-Germain have the home advantage in the first match and they need a positive result at Parc des Princes. Pochettino must find a way to improve the current form. He will probably start without Neymar as the Brazilian has just recover from a serious ankle injury. The former Real captain Sergio Ramos will probably miss the match due to a calf injury. Idrissa Gueye should be available after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Finally, Ander Herrera is struggling with a thigh injury.

Real Madrid are the most successful club in the history of the competition, they are 13-time winners. Los Blancos have won all three away matches in the group, beating Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Sherrif Tiraspol. Even more, Real have scored 9 goals in the process and kept clean sheets on all three fixtures. The domestic form isn't a highest level, they failed to win two of the last three matches in Primera Division. Real were unable to score against Villarreal on Saturday, while previously shared the points with Elche. The only victory was obtain against Granada. It was a narrow 1:0 win registered at Santiago Bernabeu. The players confidence isn't high and this could be a big problem. Ancelotti has some injury worries ahead of this match. Key striker Karim Benzema is rated as doubtful. The French international has missed the last two matches due to a hamstring injury, but Ancelotti hopes he will be able to start here. Ferland Mendy has recovered from a hamstring injury. Ancelotti will probably start with his first-choice midfield three, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric lining up alongside Casemiro.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Prediction:

I expect PSG to celebrate at the Parc des Princes. They are hosts and they will attack from the first minute. Real Madrid are the most successful side in the Champions League and they shouldn't be underestimated. However, I think they will lose the first match. PSG have players able to make the difference in this match - Messi and Mbappe.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Pick: Home Win @ 2.05 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Inter Milan vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Inter Milan:
Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Vidal, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Lautaro Martinez, Dzeko

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alkantara; Salah, Jota, Mane

Inter Milan welcome Liverpool to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the first leg of their last 16 tie. The Italian champions finished as second in their group. The Nerazzurri registered three victories and two defeats, plus one draw. Both defeats came against Real Madrid in the first and last match of the group. The domestic form isn't at desired level, they have no win on the last two matches in Serie A. Inter lost 2:1 in the city derby with AC Milan and played an 1:1 draw with Napoli on Saturday. These results have seen the Nerazzurri losing the first position from AC Milan, but they do have a game in hand. Coach Simone Inzaghi is doing a solid job and I believe the fans are satisfied. For this match he has some missing players. Joaquin Correa and Robin Gosens continue to recover from thigh injuries, while Nicolo Barella is suspended after saw a red card against Real Madrid in their final group game. In addition, Aleksandar Kolarov and Stefano Sensi are ineligible to play as they are not part of the Champions League squad. Centre-back Alessandro Bastoni is currently serving a domestic suspension, but he is available to play in Europa. Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko will probably lead the line.

Liverpool are looking to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Reds were one of three sides in this season's competition who completed the group stage with a 100% record. Klopp's men beat twice AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Porto and they will try to maintain the winning series. The actual form is solid, they are in mini-series of six victories across all competitions. During the weekend they won 1:0 against Burnley. Klopp has no big injury or suspension worries, almost all players are available. The German will probably make one or two changes to freshen up his starting lineup after the difficult victory against Burnley at Turf Moor,. Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita are looking for a place in the midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Captain Henderson picked up a sore knee against Burnley but has recovered over the last two days. Diogo Jota, who didn't started against Burnley after picking up a dead leg in the build-up, could replace Firmino in attack. The January signing Luis Diaz will probably begin on the substitutes' bench. Right back Trent Alexander-Arnold is desperate for rest, but Klopp has no option on that position.

Inter Milan vs Liverpool Prediction:

I expect a low scoring match at Meazza. Inter will put the focus on strong defense. Their main task will be not to concede. Liverpool will probably control the ball, but scoring look like a problem. The Reds won 1:0 against Burnley and 2:0 against Leicester City in the last two games. As You could see, both games ended with Under 2.5 goals. I expect the series to continue.

Inter Milan vs Liverpool Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.23 with Unibet

 

[pubgee2]

Inter for sure this time and also in inters home

 

[ALEXXXXXXX]

German giants Bayern Munich will travel to Austria on Wednesday night for the first leg of the last-16 of the Champions League against Red Bull Salzburg.

Red Bull Salzburg
Salzburg beat Sevilla 1-0 at home in the recent CL game. They rank second in group D with 10 points in six games, only 1 point behind Lille, becoming the first Austrian team to reach the knockout in the history of the European Champions League. At the same time, they expanded their leading advantage in the Austrian Bundesliga to 14 points and won the top league title for the ninth time in a row.

Bayern Munchen
The Bundesliga champions beat Barcelona 3-0 at home in the latest group match. Bayern reached the knockout stage of the Champions League for the 19th consecutive season. After 100% record in the group stage, only the other two teams can match it this season. But the team recently suffered a slight setback in the Bundesliga for losing two of the past five games, including an unexpected 4-2 loss to Bochum last weekend.

Prediction
Salzburg are likely to have the confidence to win their name against Bayern Munich at home. However, the star man Lewandowski should be enough to help the visiting team gain a healthy first leg advantage.

Pick: Bayern Munich -1.5 in AH

 

[spkutano]

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Pick: Home Win @ 2.05 with Pinnacle

1-0

 

[spkutano]

Inter Milan vs Liverpool Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.23 with Unibet

0-2

 

[Betting Forum]

0-2

I read Sallah was abused by Inter's players.

 

[spkutano]

I read Sallah was abused by Inter's players.

I saw him with Alisson and Dzeko in friendly conversation after the match.

 

[spkutano]

Villarreal vs Juventus Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Villarreal:
Asenjo; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Pedraza; Trigueros, Capoue, Parejo; Chukwueze, Dia, Danjuma

Juventus:
Szczesny; Cuadrado, Danilo, De Ligt, Sandro; Locatelli, Zakaria, McKennie; Bernardeschi, Morata; Vlahovic

Villarreal welcome Juventus to the Estadio de la Ceramica for the first leg of their last-16 battle. The Yellow Submarine finished as second in Group F with a record of three wins, one draw and two defeats. Villarreal lost twice to Manchester United, shared the points with Atalanta at home, but managed to obtain maximal six points against Young Boys. In the last round they traveled to Italy where beat Atalanta 3:2 and secured the second place. It will be their first appearance in the knock-out phase of the Champions League since 2009. The actual form is good, Villarreal have three wins and one draw on the last four matches in La Liga. During the weekend they managed to beat Granada with 4:1. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. Coach Unai Emeri will be missing the key striker Gerard Moreno, but Yeremi Pino is available after serving a suspension against Atalanta. Francis Coquelin and Ruben Pena remain out, while Etienne Capoue and Giovani Lo Celso are rated as doubtful. Experienced defender Raul Albiol returns from a ban and should start the match. As a result, Aissa Mandi will lose his place in the heart of defense.

Juventus finished as first in Group H, ahead of the reigning European champions Chelsea. The Old Lady registered five victories, but also suffered a high 4:0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Coach Massimiliano Allegri should be satisfy with the fact his players have collected 15 points - only Ajax, Liverpool and Bayern Munich had progressed with a better record. Nevertheless, the fans want European trophy, nothing less. Allegri feels huge pressure about that, particularly because the Scudetto is lost. On Friday they failed to beat Torino in the Derby della Mole. Matthijs de Ligt's scored an early goal that was cancelled out by Andrea Belotti in the finish of the match. Alegri has big injury concerns ahead of this game. Three important players are sidelined - Federico Chiesa, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, In addition, Daniele Rugani suffered a warm-up injury, while Paulo Dybala and Luca Pellegrini were both casualties of the contest. There have been suggestions that Dybala may be fit in time for this match, though he is not expected to start. Dusan Vlahovic will probably register his Champions League debut. Right-back Danilo is back from a domestic suspension.

Villarreal vs Juventus Prediction:

Juventus are experienced side, they are making their 8th consecutive appearance in the knockout phase of the Champions League. The Old Lady are in solid form, unbeaten on the last seven matches across all competitions. But Villarreal are also in good form, they have four wins and one draw on the last five. Alegri will be missing lot of important players. With fans support, I think Villarreal could remain unbeaten.

Villarreal vs Juventus Pick: Villarreal -0.25 AH @ 2.11 with Bet365

 

[spkutano]

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Savic, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Kondogbia, Correa; Felix, Luis Suarez

Manchester United:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Atletico Madrid welcome Manchester United to Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday looking to claim an advantage in the first match. The Rojiblancos ended as second in Group B, behind Liverpool, but ahead of Porto and AC Milan. Diego Simeone's men were far from convincing in the group, winning just two of their six matches, but a 3:1 away victory over Porto on the final day was enough for them to finish second. The actual form is mixed, two wins and two defeats on the last four matches in domestic competitions. The defeat from Barcelona could somehow be swallowed, but the home loss from Levante is definitely a big surprise. In the remaining two matches Atletico managed to beat Getafe and Osasuna. They are currently on the fifth spot in the table, huge 15 points behind league-leaders Real Madrid. The Champions League is their only realistic chance of silverware this season. Simeone has big injury and suspension worries ahead of this match. He will be without Yannick Carrasco and Felipe through suspension, while Daniel Wass and Matheus Cunha are out injured. Thomas Lemar is rated as doubtful following a suspected positive COVID-19 test, while Antoine Griezmann has recovered from a muscular problem and he is expected to be on the bench here.

Manchester United have started the Champions League campaign with a 2:1 defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland, however managed to finish first in the group after collecting 11 points in the remaining five rounds. The Red Devils are in solid form in the last period. They have no defeat on the last seven matches in the Premier League, winning the last two. First they beat Brighton 2:0 at home, while on Sunday outplayed Leeds with 4:2 as guests. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals against the Seagulls at Old Trafford, while Fred and Anthony Elanga came off the bench to secure a vital three points for the Red Devils, who sit fourth in the table. Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes also found the back of the net at Eland Road. United will now switch their focus to the Champions League. Picking up a positive first-leg result ahead of the return match at Old Trafford next month is extremely important for the interim coach Ralf Rangnick and his men. Most of the players are ready, but Edinson Cavani and Eric Bailly are doubtful with groin and ankle injury respectively. Mason Greenwood remain out due to a club suspension. Young Elanga is looking for a starting place, but more experienced Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard are also in contention. Diogo Dalot and Raphael Varane are expected to return to the back four for this match, with Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka dropping to the bench.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Prediction:

Atletico have only faced Manchester United on one previous occasion, in the second round of the 1991-92 Cup Winners' Cup. The Rojiblancos have won 4:1 on aggregate. But the last results against English opposition aren't that good. They lost twice to Liverpool in the group stage this season, while last season suffered elimination from Chelsea in the Round of 16. In addition, Simene has big injury and suspension worries. I expect Manchester United to remain unbeaten at Wanda.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Pick: Manchester United +0.5 AH @ 1.60 with Bet365

 

[mayertom]

DEAL ALERT! @3.50 for United to win. I'm gonna try this.
Villa-Juventus - if Vlahovic start from the first minute, he'll score atleast one.
Benfica - Ajax - Antony to score anytime
Chelsea - Lille - Lakaka to score anytime
last one is for a joke, he's unpredictable he may score, but in same time he may miss open chance.

 

[RayanM]

DEAL ALERT! @3.50 for United to win. I'm gonna try this.
Villa-Juventus - if Vlahovic start from the first minute, he'll score atleast one.
Benfica - Ajax - Antony to score anytime
Chelsea - Lille - Lakaka to score anytime
last one is for a joke, he's unpredictable he may score, but in same time he may miss open chance.

Both of the teams are struggling. I mean Utd and Atletico. It seems like a draw(but backed by 1 unit only).
I agree about Vlahovic, he is a monster and he is enjoying his time in Juventus.

 

[mayertom]

Both of the teams are struggling. I mean Utd and Atletico. It seems like a draw(but backed by 1 unit only).
I agree about Vlahovic, he is a monster and he is enjoying his time in Juventus.

Ronaldo is loving to play against Atletico. And IMO Atlético have more problems than United, United just can't control the game after they score goal. Atletico this match will be again very compacted and defensive and will looking for set pieces and counter-attacks. They will need to care very personal for CR7. Best bet is BTTS.

 

[RayanM]

@mayertom True, but I have a feeling Manchester won't win. Simeone will probably send his players to "respect" Ronaldo in the first minutes and make him angry(I need to see the odds for red card for Ronaldo, I might drop something on it). And also Manchester are not doing very well in Champions league in the last years(for their standards). Also I find Simeone far better coach for Champions league, he has a lot of experience in the league, compared to Ralf Rangnick. The match has a lot of variables.

 

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[RayanM]

So it's a draw as I expected. I even think Atletico had the better chances to win. I still think Atletico will qualify.

 

[mayertom]

So it's a draw as I expected. I even think Atletico had the better chances to win. I still think Atletico will qualify.

The Atmosphere at Old Trafford Tuesday night is different.

 

[RayanM]

The Atmosphere at Old Trafford Tuesday night is different.

Cholo is happy to feel it.