We’ve got more Champions League football on Wednesday night, with two of the leading contenders in the betting in action. Juventus have been simply sublime in Serie A this season but can the Old Lady get past Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano?
Meanwhile, Manchester City will travel to Schalke ahead of what Pep Guardiola will see as a winnable fixture. The Premier League champions are fighting on multiple fronts but City have the strength in depth to juggle the squad and still win in Germany.
Right, it’s time to get down to business. 888sport’s Champions League odds have this double at 7/2 ahead of Wednesday evening – securing a first leg lead could be decisive for all four clubs.
Atletico Madrid vs JUVENTUS
So often the bridesmaid on Europe’s biggest stage, Atletico have reached the Champions League final in two of the previous five campaigns. With the showpiece fixture taking place at the Wanda Metropolitano this season, Diego Simeone’s men will be determined to go all the way once again.
France star Antoine Griezmann is in fantastic form, scoring 11 goals in his last 12 games in all competitions. The Atletico frontman will take some stopping on Wednesday night and is an intriguing bet at 43/20 to get his name on the scoresheet.
However, Juventus are on another level and you won’t find too many fans backing against the visitors at this moment in time. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival has helped take Juventus from challengers to one of the favourites for European glory. Write Allegri’s men off at your peril.
The visitors are masters of slowing a game down and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a relatively low-scoring affair. The 6/4 for under 1.5 goals in football betting odds is worth a second glance – especially after both games finished goalless on Tuesday evening.
Take the 37/20 for Juventus to emerge victorious in Madrid. The visitors will have a plan to combat Atletico’s threat and this could be decided by the odd goal either way.
TIP: Juventus to win @ 37/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Atletico 0-1 Juventus (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
Schalke 04 vs MANCHESTER CITY
With just one win in their last five matches, Schalke have been rocked in recent weeks. The draw was unkind to the Bundesliga side, pairing them up with 888sport’s Champions League favourites Manchester City. The hosts will need to execute their game plan to perfection.
Schalke navigated one of the easier group stages to reach the last-16 and their European journey looks likely to come to an end. However, they can cause City problems and 22/25 for over 0.5 home goals on Wednesday looks like a decent price.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be confident of getting the job done in Germany. City have scored 46 goals in 12 games in 2019 and it would be foolish to back against the Premier League champions on current form. This one could get ugly if Schalke aren’t careful…
Manchester City have struggled away from the Etihad Stadium in recent months, losing three of their previous nine games. However, this one should be fairly straightforward and EVS for over 2.5 away goals is an excellent price.
I fancy City to send out a statement here. Pep’s side are challenging on four fronts but the Blues can secure a comfortable win on Wednesday night. Take the 3/5 for City to lead at half-time; a convincing performance awaits.
TIP: Manchester City to win the first half @ 3/5
PREDICTED SCORE: Schalke 0-2 Man City (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
