23/02/2021 – Champions League Predictions

Last week, the Champions League returned to our screens and we saw some eye-catching results. Haaland and Mbappe stole the headlines for their clubs respectively with their performances.

Another round of interesting games are on the cards this week. Who will steal the show and make headlines this week? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, we’ll carry on with what we do best as we give you the most likely tips for the day.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction and Tips

Chelsea will take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Tuesday night, with the fixture being held in Romania due to coronavirus protocols over travel.

The match is technically Atletico’s home leg despite the fact that it is not taking place in Spain, with the reverse fixture due to take place in London in the middle of March.

Atletico remain in charge of the La Liga title race, sitting three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the summit with a game in hand, but Diego Simeone’s side will enter this match off the back of a shock 2-0 home defeat to Levante, and they have actually only won one of their last four matches.

The Madrid giants were not at their best in the group stages of this season’s Champions League, winning just two of their six Group A fixtures, but a total of nine points was enough to see them advance to this stage.

The La Liga clubs have reached two Champions League and three Europa League finals in the last 11 seasons, meanwhile, and have been victorious in nine of their 11 two-legged knockout contests with English teams.

On the other hand, Chelsea progressed to the last-16 stage of the tournament, finishing top of Group E having picked up 14 points from their six games against Sevilla, Krasnodar and Rennes.

The London giants have played 11 two-legged knockout ties with Spanish opposition and recorded just four victories, while they have won just two of their last 11 away knockout fixtures against La Liga clubs in UEFA competition, but the fact that this game is not taking place in Madrid should help them.

Chelsea will enter Tuesday’s match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, which made it seven games unbeaten under their new head coach

Tip: Atletico Win

Based on current form, it is difficult to predict a winner but we’re backing Atletico to take the win. Atletico will be desperate to secure a first-leg advantage ahead of a trip to London next month, and we can see the La Liga leaders edging a tight game. Chelsea are yet to ignite in the final third of the field since the change of manager, and we are finding it difficult to back the Premier League side to triumph. A big fixture like this could also represent a good chance for Atletico to get back to top form and we can see Diego Simeone bringing out his best wits today.Bet365 have 2.55 odds, Bet9ja have 2.64 and 1xbet have 2.70.

Over 1.5 Goals

For obvious reasons (their defensive structure), the bookies seem to give Atletico Madrid more odds than most even for just 1.5 goals. The surprising part is that only one of their games this year has failed to see 1.5 goals. Given their opponents as well in Chelsea, we can expect to see at least two goals from both teams combined after 90 minutes. Bet9ja have 1.43 odds, 1xbet have 1.47 and Bet365 have 1.50.

Both Teams to Score: YES

With attacking talent on display by both sides, we can expect to see goals at both ends of the pitch. This is more on the fact that Atletico have been poor in defence of late. One team might dominate the game more but we can expect both sides to grab a goal at least. Bet9ja have 2.01 odds, Bet365 have 2.05 and 1xbet have 2.14.

Anytime Goal-scorer (Atletico Madrid)

Suarez

Suarez continues to be Atletico’s main man this season with 16 goals to his name. However, there is one reason for the former Barcelona man to be motivated today. He is yet to score in the Champions League this season and he’ll be eager to get on the mark. Also, he has some experience playing against Chelsea from his time at Liverpool and this should come in handy. Bet365 have 2.50 odds while Bet9ja have 2.60.

Joao Felix

On days where Suarez fails to inspire, he is the next best shout to get a goal. He is also Atletico’s top scorer in the competition this term with three goals. Provided he features from the onset, we’re tipping him to get in on the goals. Bet365 have 3.10 odds while Bet9ja have 4.00.

Anytime Goal-scorer (Chelsea)

Olivier Giroud

Last time Giroud played against a Spanish side (Sevilla), he scored all four goals on that occasion. In fact, he has scored more in the Champions League than in any other competition this season. In the absence of Tammy Abraham, he is expected to lead the line and his aerial prowess could be an advantage. Bet365 have 2.87 odds while Bet9ja have 3.10.

Timo Werner

The German recently ended his goal drought against Newcastle and might have gotten his confidence back. His pace could trouble the Atletico defence and he’s also a big goal threat today.  Bet9ja and Bet365 have 3.50 odds.

Lazio vs Bayern Munich Prediction and Tips

Preview

Lazio take on Bayern Munich at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 knockout tie.

Lazio finished second behind Borussia Dortmund in Group F to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 2000, with reigning champions Bayern comfortably topping Group A.

After a slow start to the current campaign, Lazio’s 1-0 win over Sampdoria on Saturday moved Simone Inzaghi’s side into the top four of Serie A.

However, the Italians are currently playing with far more confidence than they were at that stage of the season, and may well be coming up against Bayern at precisely the right moment.

Indeed, Bayern’s form is not as strong at present as it was during the autumn and winter when they took a phenomenal 16 points from their Champions League group.

The Bavarians’ lead at the top of the Bundesliga has been wiped to two points ahead of RB Leipzig after a disappointing 3-3 draw at home to Arminia Bielefeld was followed up by a 2-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities are clear for anyone to see and Lazio could fancy their chances at capitalizing on them.

Tip: Bayern Win

While Bayern are struggling a little in terms of player availability and a soft underbelly in defence, we still expect their offence to be too strong for Lazio on Tuesday.

Lewandowski continues to score goals regardless of what is going on behind him, so it is almost impossible to envisage Bayern not coming away with at least one away goal. Bet365 have 1.66, Bet9ja have 1.68 and 1xbet have 1.72.

Over 2.5 Goals

Both sides are attacking by nature and you can understand why we’re tipping this to happen. It’s a fixture where Lazio are almost likely to score and it could be about Bayern outscoring them. Bet9ja abd Bet365 have 1.44 odds while 1xbet have 1.47.

Anytime Goal-scorer (Lazio)

Immobile

If Lazio stand a chance of causing an upset, Immobile is their best bet. With five Champions League goals this season, he is among the top scorers in the competition so far. Bayern have conceded first in their last two games and that could be something to consider. Immobile has found the net inside the opening 30 minutes in three of his four UCL goal-scoring matches this term. Bet365 have 2.10 odds while Bet9ja have 2.55.

Alberto Luis

The Spanish forward is yet to score in the Champions League this season but has been on good form of late in the Serie A. In Lazio’s 1-0 win over Sampdoria at the weekend, he was the one who scored the winning goal as well. He comes into this game with good form and he could be worth a goal shout as well. Value comes with him as Bet365 have 4.00 odds while Bet9ja have 4.75.

Anytime Goal-scorer (Bayern Munich)

Lewandowski

For all his 31 goals already this season, only three have come in the Champions League. The Polish forward will be eager to get to respectable numbers in the competition and he is as sure as anything to get a goal. Even on occasions when Bayern lose, he’s almost certain to pop in with a goal regardless. Bet365 have 1.44 odds while Bet9ja have 1.65.

Coman

Similar to Lewandowski, Coman has three goals in four Champions League games this season. has scored two of his three UCL goals after the break so he could be value to get a second half goal perhaps. In the absence of Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry, he is another likely name to get on the score-sheet for Bayern. Bet365 have 3.00 odds while Bet9ja have 3.50.