LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on January 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Today the Champions League fixtures feature two powerhouses and two lesser-known clubs in recent times. They have all had an amazing ride to this stage of the competition but face a tough task here today if they want to progress. This is the first step for any of them in their bid to win this trophy.
We have carefully curated the best options from the fixtures this weekend and we are certain of a near hit after today’s predictions
Straight Wins.
Edin Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund have been nothing short of rampant since the return of the Bundesliga, winning all six of their competitive clashes whilst scoring at least twice in each game during 2023. Without any major injuries to speak of, Terzic will have his charges primed and ready to build on their incredible nine goals scored in their two home games so far this year. Chelsea has failed to progress from the Champions League round of 16 in four of their last six efforts, and we’re backing the hosts to put them on the back foot at this stage yet again. Terzic’s men have typically been solid of late with two wins to nil across their last three Bundesliga games, yet they’ll face a higher level of opponent this time around, regardless of form. Bet9ja have 2.50 odds, Paripesa have 2.54 odds and 1xBet have 2.54 odds.
The Lisbon club has been in excellent form through half of the season, winning both the Portuguese league and the Champions League, where they were ranked first. The fact that Benfica finished top in their group in the Champions League, ahead of PSG and Juventus, and without suffering a setback, suggests that they could be a surprise contender in this year’s edition of Europe’s premier sporting event. The biggest surprise in the Champions League this year is without a doubt Club Brugge. After all, this is a squad that won its group to advance to the Round of 16 by defeating Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. However, Benfica won their group, beating off powerhouses like PSG and Juventus. They also have a far stronger team on paper, therefore we expect them to win this match and have the upper hand before the second leg in Lisbon. Bet9ja have 1.87 odds, Paripesa have 1.90 odds and 1xBet have 1.90 odds
Over 2.5
Since the World Cup concluded, Borussia Dortmund has been in excellent form, winning all six of its games since the league resumed. Borussia Dortmund scored at least twice in each of these six matches, winning some really difficult matches like the 0-2 loss at Leverkusen and the 0-2 loss at Bremen. Dortmund has played two extremely effective home games recently. The first was a 4-3 win over Augsburg and a 5-1 victory over Freiburg. Chelsea, on the other hand, has been a different case with the side not conceding so many goals since the restart of the season, their Champions League record this season has seen them score lots of goals. We can see both sides going at it here today and producing lots of goals. Bet9ja have 1.88 odds, Paripesa have 1.97 odds and 1xBet have 1.97 odds.
Under 2.5
We don’t have any head-to-head statistics to guide our predictions because this will be the first time these two squads have faced off in recent memory. However, we do not anticipate many goals being scored in this matchup’s opening leg. After all, Club Brugge had the lowest average of any team during the Champions League group stages, scoring just 1.83 goals per game. Therefore, despite Benfica’s overall average of 3.83 goals per game, we anticipate the game in Brugge to end with fewer than 2.5 goals scored. Attackers pose a challenge for both groups, with key players out due to injury. We don’t believe the Belgian champions have the strength to win, and we don’t believe they will score since Bruge is not in excellent shape. Bet9ja have 1.95 odds, Paripesa have 2.05 odds and 1xBet have 2.05 odds.
Anytime Goal scorers
Kai Havertz
Finally, we’re backing Chelsea’s Kai Havertz to get on the scoresheet anytime. He has never scored against Dortmund in seven attempts, but the former Bayer Leverkusen man has scored some crucial Champions League goals since making the switch to England, including three match-winners. Bet9ja have 3.90 odds while Paripesa have 4.30 odds.
Brandt Julian
The German forward seems to be the obvious choice here as he has the most goals this season for his side in all competitions. He has just one goal in this season’s UCL campaign for Dortmund but has been impressive in the Bundesliga all season. Now he has a chance to prove his worth yet again as he can lead this side to victory. Bet9ja have 6.75 odds while Paripesa have 7.50 odds.
Goncalo Ramos With an impressive showing at the World Cup, the 21-year-old Portuguese international undoubtedly is a man to watch in today’s game. He has been effective in front of goal for his side this season in the UCL and has incredible form. With 12 goals in the League already he is in the blazing-hot form here and cannot be ignored as a potential goalscorer. Bet9ja have 2.45 odds while Paripesa have 2.40 odds.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
