Europe’s elite are in action again this week. Lyon host La Liga leaders Barcelona, while five-time European champions Liverpool welcome a Bayern Munich side having a difficult campaign.
We witnessed some fantastic football in last week’s Champions League last-16 ties. With some of the world’s best on display, we can expect much of the same this Tuesday.
Lyon vs FC BARCELONA
With the title race all but over in Ligue 1, Lyon are pursuing Champions League qualification. Lille are setting the best of the rest pace, but there have been positive signs for Lyon, particularly from their attack.
Chance creation has been good all season. Memphis Depay is leading the way, creating more chances – per understat’s expected assists – than anyone in the league.
The former Manchester United man has contributed five goals to complement his creativity. 888sport’s sports betting odds have him at 23/10 to score anytime on Tuesday.
Depay shares a four-man attack with Nabil Fekir, Moussa Dembele and Bertrand Traore. Dembele and Fekir are the team’s leading scorers but finishing chances has been an issue this season.
The quartet will fancy their chances against this Barcelona back line, though. Lyon are 2/1 to score over 1.5 goals on Tuesday night.
Barcelona have their issues, but they also have Lionel Messi. The Argentinian is doing otherworldly stuff again this season. Partnered by Luis Suarez – who is having another good season – Messi is tearing teams apart.
He leads Europe’s top five leagues in goals and assists. Lyon’s inconsistent defence is not going to be able to keep him quiet all night. The 8/11 on Messi to score anytime is decent value – 9/2 on Messi to score and assist is even better.
Ernesto Valverde will be wary of Barcelona’s defence undermining Messi’s majesty. Barcelona rank mid-table in La Liga on expected goals against.
The midfield battle will be key against Houssem Aouar, Fekir and Tanguy NDombele. Valderde should consider changing shape. Sergio Busquets risks being isolated in transition, giving opportunity for Depay and Traore to stretch the defence.
Lyon recently beat Paris Saint Germain at home. Their attack will do damage, but this will be an open game, giving plenty of space for Messi to work his magic.
TIP: Lionel Messi to score and record an assist @ 9/2
PREDICTED SCORE: Lyon 2-2 Barcelona (Priced at 21/2 with 888sport)
LIVERPOOL vs Bayern Munich
Liverpool’s FA Cup absence allowed them to have a long break before this tie. Jurgen Klopp’s side have not been in action since 9th February, when they cruised past Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield. They are currently second on goal difference in the Premier League.
Klopp took his side to Spain for some warm weather training between fixtures. Disappointing draws to Leicester and West Ham prior to the Bournemouth victory have put Liverpool under pressure domestically.
The chance to play under the lights at Anfield against Bayern Munich will provide a welcome break from the grind of the title race.
Injuries and the peculiar decision to loan out Nathaniel Clyne have forced James Milner to play right-back of late. The veteran midfielder has struggled.
Fortunately for Klopp, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return for this clash. The youngster faces a tough task whichever winger he has to deal with. The overlapping David Alaba causes additional problems.
Bayern are going through a changing of the guard. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are being succeeded by Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman. Leon Goretzka has become a permanent midfield fixture.
Niko Kovac has rotated his squad throughout the season. It remains to be seen which duo he will opt for to flank Robert Lewandowski and what combination he will go for in midfield.
Lewandowski was on fire in the Champions League group stages, netting eight in six matches. His domestic form has been concerning, scoring just 13 league goals to date.
That’s a poor tally by his standards and he’s massively underperforming his expected goals. Lewandowski is no stranger to a big Champions League night, though, making his 29/20 price to score anytime a tempter.
Liverpool’s midfield has been the concern in big matches. The trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita is looking formidable, though, and could take charge of the tie.
With Sadio Mane on form and Mohamed Salah scoring at a prolific rate, Klopp’s side will fancy their chances. Mane has scored in his last four matches and is a good bet at 8/5 to score anytime.
The hosts are EVENS to win on the night. That’s a solid value bet considering their form at Anfield this term.
TIP: Sadio Mane to score and Liverpool to win @ 11/4
PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 2-1 Bayern Munich (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
