The UEFA Champions League continues this Wednesday and Thursday morning, with the first set of Round of 16 matches getting underway. The feature game this week is a massive clash between PSG and Real Madrid, while Inter Milan look to get off to a flyer against a Reds side with their AFCON stars back.
Remember, the EPL, Champions League and A-League are in full swing to be sure to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates and betting tips.
Champions League Round of 16 Betting Tips
PSG vs Real Madrid
Wednesday 16th February 7am
Two heavyweights of European football will lock horns in the round of 16 when PSG welcome Real Madrid on Wednesday morning. PSG finished second in Group A to secure their spot in the Round of 16, while 13-time winners Real Madrid finished first in Group D.
PSG bought Lionel Messi with the ambition to finally secure an elusive Champions League title but the Argentinian has struggled to score since moving to Paris. Mauricio Pochettino's side enters the contest off the back of a 1-0 victory over Rennes in Ligue 1 on, where Kylian Mbappe scored at the death to clutch the win. That victory sees PSG 16 points clear in Ligue 1.
Real Madrid comfortably topped Group D with 15 points to advance to the knockout round and they are currently top of La Liga, four points ahead of Sevilla, and come into this clash on the back of a goalless draw with Villarreal.
Both sides despite their electrifying attacking threat have been struggling to convert this season. With the first leg of these ties more important not to lose than it is to go all out and win, I am predicting this one is relatively low scoring. PSG will look to play fast counter attacking football and while Real will likely have the majority of possession, they will be unwilling to throw numbers forward to score, with the counter risk so potent.
Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City
Wednesday 16th February 7am
This is a match up that is expected to be one way traffic as Manchester City have looked almost unbeatable in recent months. The Citizens topped Group A with 12 points to advance to the knockout stage of the competition, while Sporting finished second in Group C behind Ajax, just edging out Borussia Dortmund to earn a spot in the last 16.
Sporting are serious underdogs to progress here. The fact is they haven’t made the knockout stage of the Champions League since their 2008-09 campaign, where they were demolished by Bayern Munich 12-1 on aggregate. They come into this match on the back of a 2-2 draw to rivals Porto and currently sit second in the league.
Manchester City have been absolutely lethal of late, a clear first in the Premier League and they haven’t dropped points in the league since October. Manchester City will head to Lisbon looking to put the tie beyond doubt after the first leg. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo were all rested at the weekend for this match and I expect them to return to Manchester with a vice like grip on the Round of 16 tie.
Manchester City -1.5
$1.86
RB Salzburg vs Bayern Munich
Thursday 17th February 7am
Along with Manchester City, Bayern Munich are the other team to beat in this years Champions League in my opinion. They are solid everywhere and I find it hard to see Salzburg causing them too much trouble. Despite saying that I do believe they Salzberg will attack Bayern. These clubs last faced each other in the 2020 UEFA Champions League, where Bayern Munich beat Red Bull Salzburg 3-1. Bayern topped Group E going a perfect 6 from 6 while RB Salzburg came second to Lille to progress.
Both teams are missing a couple of key players for this clash. Bayern will be without experienced keeper Manuel Neuer, dynamic left back Alphonso Davies and centre midfielder Leon Goretzka. Salzburg will be missing centre backs Albert Vallci and Bryan Okoh and veteran midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is in serious doubt.
Bayern Munich lost their last league match 4-2 and have been leaking goals of late, failing to register a clean sheet in their last 5 matches. Both teams love to attack and I am predicting a high scoring affair where the German giants ultimately come out on top.
Bayern Munich & BTTS
$2.40
Inter Milan vs Liverpool
Thursday 17th February 7am
Inter Milan have been in decent form especially at home, winning six of their last seven. While Liverpool are also in top form, having not lost a game in 2022. The Reds topped their group which was being called the group of death, going a flawless 6 from 6, while Inter Milan came second to Real Madrid in Group D.
This clash I view as being one of pure entertainment and a neutral football fans dream. Liverpool have looked shaky of late at the back, despite teams not punishing them, with Brazilian keeper Allison bailing them out of trouble frequently of late. Inter Milan never have been a team that just plays for a 1-0 win and I expect them to try to put Liverpool on the back foot in front of their home fans. This will either lead them to putting a few past Liverpool or get themselves horribly caught on the counter.
With Liverpool back to full strength after the African Cup of Nations I believe they will be too strong, but this is a game that will see plenty of chances and plenty of goals. Therefore, I am backing it to go over 2.5 goals as that looks the best bet on what should be an enthralling match.
