Football Midweek Tips & Predictions 25/2-26/2
You cannot look past the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg fixtures this midweek. We start off in London on Tuesday night as Chelsea (4.30) host Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich (1.82), while Lionel Messi and his Barcelona (2.23) teammates face Napoli (3.30) at the historic San Paolo Stadium where Argentinian legend Diego Armando Maradona strutted his stuff in his heyday. On Wednesday, we have arguably the biggest matchup of this round as Real Madrid (2.85) host Man City (2.45) who are managed by arch-rival and former Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola, with Lyon (4.60) hosting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus (1.90) in the other match.
25.02.20 – Napoli vs Barcelona – UCL
Market: Result + Both teams to score // Draw + Yes (4.40)
Napoli’s recent resurgence coupled with Barcelona’s dodgy away day history in this competition makes this market look very appetising. With Lionel Messi on the field, you should never put your money against the Blaugrana scoring but given their defensive frailties and Napoli’s penchant of performing on such big nights, this market at these odds is one that should not be missed.
Market: Draw no bet // Napoli (2.35)
If you are not feeling confident enough in the draw, then your best option is to go with Napoli on this market. This way the only way you lose is if Barcelona win and given their history in this competition when playing away from home, an odd that doubles your investment on the home side is worth considering.
Market: Anytime goalscorer // Lionel Messi (2.05)
After endless comparisons throughout the years and debates on who is the best player ever to grace a football pitch out of the two of them, Lionel Messi will get a chance to play in the stadium that made Diego Armando Maradona a legend of the game. He must surely mark this special occasion with a goal.. at least!
26.02.20 – Real Madrid vs Man City – UCL
Market: Match Result // Real Madrid (2.85)
If we were to go by form then Man City should have been our pick here. But given that we are talking about Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane, names synonymous with this competition, my gut feeling is to go with Los Blancos here. They always get the job done on big European nights. The high odds given they start as slight underdogs at home is the icing on the cake. The possibility of Real Madrid winning at home in the UEFA Champions League at that price will not come by very often. A gamble worth taking.
Market: Both teams to score // Yes (1.50)
Practically a give away considering the attacking talent on the pitch and the way these teams play. Man City have had defensive issues all season but are lethal going forward, whilst Real Madrid’s crowd will not accept their team defending against anyone. They will demand they go for the win. A recipe for goals.
Market: Penalty // Yes (3.00)
Considering all the flair players at the disposal of two of the greatest managers of the last decade, coupled with VAR, this odd could reap healthy returns very early into the tie.
Market: Anytime goalscorer // Sergio Ramos (5.00)
Real Madrid’s captain has a penchant for scoring important goals, especially at the Bernabeu. Add that to the fact that he is his side’s designated penalty taker and the chances of banking on this market increase considerably. One of the game’s all-time high scoring defenders with 7 goals to his name already this season. Assurance.
