Midweek Tips & Predictions – 18/02-19/02
February is always marked down as a month to savour for any football fan because of the long-awaited return of the Champions League knockout stages. A set of four thrilling ties are scheduled for this week which sees Liverpool (2.37) travel to Atletico Madrid (3.45) and Borussia Dortmund (2.80) entertain Paris Saint Germain (2.40) on Tuesday. On Wednesday then Atalanta (1.76) welcome Valencia (4.70) to Bergamo while Mourinho’s Spurs (2.75) take on Leipzig (2.65) in London.
18.02.20 – Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Liverpool return to the scene of their sixth European triumph, the Wanda Metropolitano but this time around it will be the stadium’s permanent hosts that will line up against the Reds. Liverpool head to Madrid on the back of 17 consecutive domestic wins, with a draw the only blip in their 26 matches so far. Atletico, on the other hand, have been struggling this season and the pressure is on Diego Simeone as his team currently lies 13 points adrift in La Liga, with lack of firepower up front proving costly.
Market: Match Result – Liverpool (2.37)
The current European and World Champions and England champions-elect, have heralded the glory days back thanks to Jurgen Klopp. This season they bid to make three finals in a row and it goes without saying that it will take something to stop them on their tracks. Klopp has insisted that Liverpool are contenders this year and not last year’s winners but the fact that the final will take place in Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium, the place where Benitez lifted the club’s fifth European Cup adds further impetus.
Market: Over 2.5 goals (2.45)
Simeone’s plans to incorporate a fluid and creative attacking style with a rigid defensive system he is well known for hasn’t gone down to plan this season. Joao Felix was supposed to spearhead that attack but has only four goals to his name and he will miss Tuesday’s match. Despite this defensive solidity, which has seen just five matches in La Liga finish with more than 2.5 goals scored, off 24 played, Liverpool have enough firepower to claim their advantage in the 1st leg.
Market: Anytime Goalscorer: Sadio Mane (6.50)
Sadio Mane returned from his hamstring injury to win Liverpool’s 25th match of the season against Norwich at the weekend. The Senegalese is at the height of his powers despite the recent injury and if anything he will be more refreshed than ever given that due to International and Preseason commitments Sadio hasn’t had a proper break since a very long time.
18.02.20 – Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint Germain
The Signal Iduna Park will have former coach Thomas Tuchel back at the dugout as the German takes his high-flying Paris to Dortmund. Many have commented that Tuchel is in his last chance saloon. The Champions League has been a competition Qatar Sports Investments have been wanting for quite some time and they have disappointed in recent seasons.
Market: Match Result – Borussia Dortmund (2.80)
Previously the only encounters between these two was in the 2010/11 Europa League group stages and both games have ended in draws. That seems the most unlikeliest according to the latest odds and we would go with Dortmund to claim a win this evening. They have scored at least two goals in their six Champions League home games against French clubs but this is the first time Paris visit in the Champions League.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Erling Braut Haaland (5.75)
The signing of Haaland this transfer weekend is already viewed as a masterstroke. The young Norwegian was crowned Bundesliga player for January despite playing a total of just 59 minutes in which he scored five goals. Overall he further added more goals and now is at 9 goals in six appearances, translating into a goal every 39 minutes.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Kylian Mbappe (5.50)
The show won’t be all in Dortmund’s court however, as Paris has intense firepower of their own upfront. Last weekend they were held to an incredible 4-4 draw by Amiens but at 13 points clear their ninth league title seems to be an inevitability. The Champions League, however, is the competition that they really want to win and they were quite impressive in the group stages to top Group A. They also have the best defensive record, conceding just two goals. If they are to change their recent history in which Paris have been knocked out at the last 16 stage for the past three seasons Mbappe is surely the man to stem that tide.
19.02.20 – Tottenham vs Leipzig
Tottenham welcome Leipzig to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for another enticing tie on Wednesday. Tottenham have reached the knockout stages for the third season running while Leipzig, who have topped Group G attempt to make the most out of it after reaching this stage for the first time.
Market: Match Result – Tottenham (2.70)
A week is a short time in Football let alone half a season. Few would have predicted that after last year’s heroics which saw Pocchetino lead his men to the Final, he would be dismissed and Mourinho instated as head coach. The Portuguese tactician was brought in to steady the ship first and foremost but Levy and Co would surely like to head the ship into a new direction soon. Despite the inconsistencies, Mourinho has impressed and Tottenham are currently on a 7-game unbeaten run.
Market: Betbuilder – Over 3.5 goals & Both Teams to Score (2.65)
The Main Line is currently set at 2.5 goals with the Over having odds of 1.70. We believe that this fixture has all the ingredients for it to be an open affair and both with go all-out for a win. Sure Spurs were dealt a blow with new of Son’s injury but they have enough at their disposal to cause damage. Bergwijn will need to follow his excellent debut goal against Manchester City which already seems like a long time ago with another good performance while Timo Werner is always likely to be on the scoresheet. Combining this prediction, 4 goals or more scored and both teams conceding, Betbuilder would give you odds of 2.65.
