By Tony Evans

 

Virgil van Dijk is crucial to Liverpool. No other player in the Premier League is as influential within his own team as the Dutchman is for the Reds.

 

The centre back’s absence through suspension for the Champions League knockout round first-leg clash against Bayern Munich is the most serious blow Jurgen Klopp’s side could have suffered.

 

The 27-year-old has been worth every penny of the £75 million that Liverpool paid to Southampton in January last year. Not only is Van Dijk a physically-dominant defender who is comfortable on the ball but he is also an organiser and mentor on the pitch.

He inspires confidence. So far, Klopp’s side have conceded just 15 goals in the Premier League with Van Dijk as an ever-present.

 

Liverpool have not been quite so secure in the Champions League, leaking seven goals in six group games. Bayern fancy their chances and the centre half’s unavailability comes at a bad time.

 

Klopp’s options are limited. His first-choice back four is a fine unit. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson at left and right back respectively have improved consistently over the past year.

 

Joe Gomez looked like the perfect foil for Van Dijk in the central areas. Alexander-Arnold will be back against the German side but Gomez is still some way off returning.

 

The problem at centre half has been exacerbated by Dejan Lovren’s prolonged layoff. The Croat has a reasonable chance of playing against Bayern but Lovren is very much a third-choice stopper. Joel Matip is even further down the pecking order.

The other option for the Liverpool manager is to use Fabinho in defence. The midfielder is versatile but has struggled with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

 

It has taken the Brazilian a while to settle and on occasion – such as the 1-1 draw with West Ham United earlier this month – play passed him by. Klopp has worked on his mobility in training and expects the 25-year-old to have an increasing influence on the team.

 

When asked to fill in at centre back, Fabinho has acquitted himself well – especially in the 1-0 win over Brighton – but operating alongside Van Dijk is a different prospect to partnering Matip.

The problems at the back have a knock-on effect in midfield. Fabinho and Naby Keita arrived on Merseyside last summer with the expectation that they would become the club’s midfield engine.

 

Keita has also found adapting to life at Anfield more difficult than anticipated. His team-mates and the backroom staff rave about his ability in training but he has not translated this into dominant matchday performances.

 

Bayern, a team Keita is familiar with, should give him the perfect opportunity to show the Kop what he can do.

Given the issues in the back four, however, Klopp might look for a more conservative approach from his midfielders on Tuesday night, with Jordan Henderson’s engine, James Milner’s know-how and Georginio Wijnaldum positional acumen providing a potentially more effective screen for the back four.

Yet Liverpool’s success and form in the past 14 months has been built on the foundations of Van Dijk. Without him, there would probably not have been the uplifting run to the Champions League final in Kiev last season or this campaign’s title challenge.

 

If they can cope without the Dutchman on Tuesday night it will represent a huge step forward for Klopp and his team.

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 9^th 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*

Roll With It

The treble Cheltenham Festival winner and reigning Grand National champion, TIGER ROLL nonchalantly strode to victory on Sunday afternoon in the Group Two Boyne Hurdle at Navan.

According to his trainer Gordon Elliott, he was only 75% fit coming into the race so what is he going to be like back at 100% in a months’ time?

Tiger Roll is now the 11/10f for the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

 

Tizzard's Touch

ROBINSFIRTH swooped late to win the Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday and looks highly likely to contest the Ultima Chase next at the Festival for which he is a 16/1 chance.

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: "He's always had bags of ability, but he's very fragile. That's like his Gold Cup.

"Sean (Bowen) gave him a super ride. He got mugged here last time, but he timed it right today.

"His owners have had to be patient, but they've been rewarded today. They weren't interested in Aintree, though.

"Were he to run in the Scottish National he'd need it to rain, but it's almost four weeks to Cheltenham, he could run in the Ultima.”

Meanwhile over at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, the Colin Tizzard-trained MISTER MALARKY put in a superb round of jumping to fend off a high-class field in the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase.

Jockey Robbie Power was quick to give his opinion on the six-year-old’s Cheltenham Festival chances, saying the National Hunt Challenge Cup for would be the perfect target for which we quote him at 16/1.

 

Hey Mona

The Henry de Bromhead-trained MONALEE has a couple of Cheltenham options on the table for now after taking in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park over the weekend.

Speaking after the race, Bromhead said: "He jumped brilliant and Rachael (Blackmore) was super on him," said de Bromhead.

"I'm delighted to win it; he's giving away 7lb to a couple of them there. It's great to win this race and I'm delighted with him.

"It was great to get a run into him on that ground today. Obviously we'll head for Cheltenham and we'll see.

"He's in the Ryanair and the Cheltenham Gold Cup and we'll work it all out between now and then.

"I wouldn't be leaning any way to be honest. I don't know yet and I'd say the ground will be quite telling.

"We'll see nearer the time and make sure he comes out of this OK. We'll discuss it with the Maloney’s (owner) and hopefully we'll make the right decision."

Monalee is priced up at 6/1 with us for the Ryanair and 25/1 for the Gold Cup.

 

Date With Destiny?

An all-the-way success for QUEL DESTIN in the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle at Haydock cemented his claims for the Triumph Hurdle and he is a 10/1 chance to lift that prize.

Defeated on his UK debut after arriving from France, Quel Destin now has five consecutive victories to his name this season.

Speaking at Ascot, Paul Nicholls said: "That is probably one of his best performances, because he has sharpened up. He liked that better ground, and he won despite the ground at Chepstow the other day.

"I've left plenty to work on, and he will improve. He just gets better with every run. He is a leading player in the Triumph.

"That is where he will go now, and he won't run before that. He is tough and keeps galloping, and the one thing at Cheltenham is he will be hard to pass."

 

Leaving On A Jet Plane

JESTER JET finally put a string of seconds behind her with a hard-fought victory in the olbg.com Mares' Hurdle at Haydock, a race which was rescued from Warwick.

"I wouldn't say it's a relief, because she's lost nothing in defeat most of the time," said her trainer, Tom Lacey.

"It's just easy for the media to say she's got seconditis - but she's a pleasure to train, and you couldn't question her attitude.

"I think she's just as good over fences, but there was no suitable race, so we'll just mix and match. She's in the Coral Cup, so we'll give that due consideration."

 

Private Dancer

AL DANCER maintained his unbeaten record this season with victory in the Betfair Hurdle at Ascot.

After registering wins at Carlisle, Ffos Las and Cheltenham this season, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Al Dancer went off the favourite in the hands of Sam Twiston-Davies and the pair came away nicely after the last flight to score by three and three-quarter lengths.

Sam also confirmed to his father the Supreme over an extended two miles, rather than the Ballymore over two miles and five furlongs, was the right target to aim at.

"We were thinking about the longer race but Sam said he didn't settle well enough early and we have to go for the Supreme now," said his father, Nigel.

Here at 888sport we make Al Dancer a 9/2 prospect in the horse racing betting to land the Supreme Hurdle honours.

 

Gold Cuppin'

The Paul Nicholls-trained CLAN DES OBEAUX backed up his King George VI success with a resounding 11-length beating of Terrefort in the Denman Chase at Ascot.

Nicholls said after the race: “I was a bit nervous running because you don’t want anything to go wrong this close to Cheltenham.

"Every time he runs, he learns a little bit. Last year, he was a big baby, looking about in front, but this year he has come together. That will have done him the world of good. 

“It is now about putting the finishing touches to him to get him to perfection for Cheltenham. Like a lot of horses, it has taken him a while to get to that mature stage, but he is there now.

“Kauto Star was seven when he won his first Gold Cup, and this horse is the same age, so we are very much where we want to be.”

Clan Des Obeaux is now the clear 9/2 second-favourite behind Presenting Percy who is a 5/2 shot.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

With no Premier League football this weekend, we’ve opted to look at some of the best bets across Europe. Focusing on fixtures in Scotland, Germany, Italy and Spain, we’ve found a tasty four-fold available at a very appealing 12/1.

Let’s get down to the latest football betting markets ahead of Sunday’s action then, starting with Celtic’s trip to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

 

Kilmarnock vs CELTIC (4pm)

Write Kilmarnock off at your peril. The hosts have been simply sublime in 2018/19 and three points here will see Steve Clarke’s men climb back into the top three. They have slipped up in recent weeks though, failing to win any of their last four games in all competitions.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have lost on their previous two visits to Rugby Park and the visitors will want to write a few wrongs this weekend. A win here will extend Celtic’s lead at the top of the table to eight points with 26 matches played.

Celtic will be favoured in almost every Scottish Premiership fixture this season but 11/25 is a decent price for the defending champions to claim three points. Kilmarnock are usually solid on home soil but Celtic have the quality to edge this one.

TIP: Celtic to win @ 11/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (5pm)

Leverkusen are usually a safe pick on home soil – Peter Bosz’s side have won four of their last five matches at BayArena, including a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich last time out. Another huge win beckons here if the hosts go for the jugular early on.

Fortuna have won just two league games away from home this season; both wins coming against teams in the Bundesliga bottom four. Another disappointing trip looks likely unless the visitors can take their game to new heights this weekend.

Take the 1/2 for Leverkusen to claim three points on Sunday evening. Bayer have won their last three home games against Fortuna and that might be enough to sway punters to side with Leverkusen. It could be a comfortable evening for the home fans…

TIP: Bayer Leverkusen to win @ 1/2

PREDICTED SCORE: Leverkusen 2-0 Fortuna (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

 

NAPOLI vs Torino (7:30pm)

Napoli are unbeaten in 24 home games in all competitions and backing against the hosts would be foolish. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are some way behind Serie A leaders Juventus but they are clearly ‘best of the rest’ in Italy’s top flight.

Torino have won just two away games this season – one of those against 20^th placed Chievo. The visitors are solid enough but tend to fall short against Italy’s top clubs; Walter Mazzarri’s men lost 3-1 in the return fixture back in September.

The selection has landed in three of the last five meetings between the two sides and is well worth backing at 9/4. Napoli have scored two or more goals in all five games and siding with the hosts is the way to go at this moment in time.

TIP: Napoli to win and both teams to score @ 9/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Napoli 3-1 Torino (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)

 

REAL BETIS vs Alaves (7:45pm)

Real Betis have lost just three home games in 2018/19 and plenty of punters will be siding with the hosts this weekend. With just one defeat in their last 13 home fixtures, Betis are well priced here to claim another important league win.

Alaves are currently sixth in the La Liga table, three points clear of their opponents. Victory for the visitors could see Alaves climb up to fourth if results go their way – an incredible feat considering the lack of resources available at the club.

A topsy-turvy fixture in recent times, Betis should have enough to claim three points on Sunday night. 4/5 is a decent price considering their efforts on home soil this campaign but it could go right down to the wire.

TIP: Real Betis to win @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Real Betis 2-1 Alaves (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Grand National Trial is a Grade Three race for horses aged five years and over and is held over a distance of 3m 4f.

The contest provides National Hunt racing fans with further clues ahead of the Grand National itself in April and this year includes nine horses that have been entered for the Aintree marathon.

Those horses and their respective positions in the Aintree weights are as follows: Yala Enki (15), Ballyoptic (16), Royal Vacation (32), Ramses De Teillee (42), Vieux Lion Rouge (57), Red Infantry (77), Ballyarthur (81), Impulsive Star (87), and Carole’s Destrier (90).

 

Runner-By-Runner Guide

Yala Enki (Venetia Williams)

The Venetia Williams-trained nine-year-old tops the weights on 11st 12lb, having carried 10st 11lb to victory in attritional conditions last year.

Yala Enki was 5¼ lengths third to Elegant Escape in the Welsh Grand National when last seen out and is no back number when it comes to competing around Haydock Park.

 

Ballyoptic (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

A smart hurdler who has turned into an equally smart chaser.  A former winner of the Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby his career best effort was when he was a nose second to Joe Farrell in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

There is very chance he can put his poor showing in the Welsh National behind him and bounce back here.

 

Royal Vacation (Colin Tizzard)

Royal Vacation returned to winning ways last time out when capturing the Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase at Taunton and appears to be going through somewhat of a revival of form.

His second to Rock The Kasbah in the BetVictor Chase at Cheltenham reads well.

 

Wakanda (Sue Smith)

Winner of the Peter Marsh Chase here last time out when beating Robinsfirth in a thrilling finish.

A former winner of the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster and a thoroughly likeable stayer.

 

Ramses De Teillee (David Pipe)

Runner-up in the Welsh Grand National, Ramses De Teillee has been popular in the betting all week.

Successful at Chepstow earlier in season, the progressive seven-year-old is a strong stayer and should be in the mix again in the closing stages.

Robinsfirth (Colin Tizzard)

Made a promising comeback run after some time on the sidelines when almost getting up to deny Wakanda in the Peter Marsh.

Hard to know whether the ten-year-old will follow that run up and he looks a little too short in the betting with that doubt hanging over him.

 

Vieux Lion Rouge (David Pipe)

The ten-year-old Vieux Lion Rouge won the Grand National Trial in 2017 and has participated in the last three Grand Nationals, completing the course each time.

Pulled up last time out in the Welsh Grand National and will need to be back on his A-game to figure here.

 

Red Infantry (Ian Williams)

Red Infantry was successful over the course and distance in a Handicap Chase in November before finishing a staying-on fifth back here in the Peter Marsh Chase, when he was beaten six lengths.

In between those efforts, the nine-year-old was a length runner-up in the London National at Sandown Park in December.

 

The Two Amigos (Nicky Martin)

The seven-year-old is in top form at the moment and steps up in class after a couple of facile victories at Exeter and Plumpton.

Usually front runs and acts on heavy going although Haydock has experienced a pretty dry week of weather.

 

Ballyarthur (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Ballyarthur was beaten just over four lengths when fourth in the Peter Marsh Chase and is another horse in this field that generally runs well at this venue.

Prior to the Peter Marsh, the nine-year-old was an excellent second to Daklondike in the Tommy Whittle Chase before Christmas.

 

Impulsive Star (Neil Mulholland)

Impulsive Star already has a Grade Three win to his name this season, having taken the McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick in mid-January.

Unlikely to get into this year’s Grand National, this could be Impulsive Star’s consolation prize.

 

Carole's Destrier (Neil Mulholland)

Winner of the Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury in December, Carole’s Destrier ran fourth to stablemate Impulsive Star at Warwick and boasts a similar profile.

Neil Mulholland does not want the going too soft for this chaser and it appears the trainer has got what he wished for with the favourable conditions this week.

 

Bishops Road (Kerry Lee)

Veteran performer who would probably be more at home with juice underfoot in fairness.

Bishops Road won this race in 2016 in a race where only three horses finished in atrocious conditions. Pretty hard to envisage a repeat victory but stranger things do happen.

 

Ah Littleluck (Thomas Gibney)

Has had plenty of races already this season and picked up a Beginners’ Chase at Navan on his latest start.

David Mullins is a positive jockey booking and this Irish raider could be absolutely anything.

 

Pobbles Bay (Evan Williams)

Thorough stayer who has the tendency to sit at the back of a race and pick his rivals off one by one.

He could however find things happening all too quickly for him in these quicker conditions.

 

Chef D'Oeuvre (Sam England)

Won the Last Fling Chase here at the end of December, relishing the conditions that day.

Comes into this race with no kind of weight and could quite easily run a big each-way race for his supporters and connections.

 

CONCLUSION

This race is quite often won by a horse that does not hold a Grand National entry, a prime example of that being Yala Enki who won last year and was not down to make the trip up the road to Haydock’s sister racecourse in the April.

With that in mind, the 888sport betting horse racing selection for the Grand National Trial is the Sue Smith-trained Wakanda.

A month on from his battling win here in the Peter Marsh, he can put in a not too dissimilar performance and score again.

888sports suggests: Wakanda (e/w).

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Over this winter window, we get to see what the top contending teams are really made of during the gruelling schedule in the Premier League, while other giants across Europe have returned from a welcome break to take to the pitch once again.

Over the years, we’ve seen the bite of winter take its toll on teams, causing many to slump in the second half of the season. Here are some of the most notable post-winter slumps that the top European divisions have seen in recent times.

 

1971/72: Manchester United

Manchester United and their team of superstars under the new management of Frank O’Farrell rose to the top of the First Division by five points on Christmas Day.

But, the festivities must have weighed heavily on the Red Devils as they went on to lose seven games on the trot to eventually finish eighth in the table, ten points down on eventual champions Derby County.

United have little hope of winning the Premier League this season but are at 40/1 to win the Champions League.

1992/93: Norwich City

The very first season of the new Premier League saw one Norwich City sit atop the table on Boxing Day. Having let the First Division title slip away in 1988/89, the Canaries were determined not to let history repeat itself.

But, come the end of the season, Norwich sat 12 points adrift in third. This season, leaders Liverpool are at 4/5 to win the Premier League, with Manchester City in close pursuit at 6/5.

 

2003/04: Real Madrid

Real Madrid were seeking a third title in four years, leading the way by two points at the winter break. Over the next 21 games, Los Blancos collapsed, picking up eight losses in the rest of the campaign to finish fourth.

Sitting behind Valencia, Barcelona, and Deportivo La Coruna, Real Madrid were seven points adrift by the end and are currently at 14/1 to win La Liga.

 

2016/17: RB Leipzig

The tale of RB Leipzig’s collapse was only made out to be such a big deal because of the potential history-making that was on the line by the team from East Germany.

But, after being neck-and-neck with titans Bayern Munich 15 games in on 36 points, Die Roten blazed ahead to leave Leipzig in their wake, taking the league by 15 points.

In 2018/19, Bayern are trailing in the standings and only second-favourites to win the German Bundesliga title at 11/10.

 

2016/17: OGC Nice

In 2016/17, while RB Leipzig were trying to make history in the Bundesliga, to the west, a season of giant-killing was on the cards in Ligue 1.

At the halfway point of the season, both OGC Nice and AS Monaco led Paris Saint-Germain who were seeking a fifth league title in as many years.

At the close of the campaign, PSG led Nice by nine points, but they were outdone by Monaco, who won the league with an eight-point cushion on the tyrant reigning champions.

This season, it’s back to the status quo in Ligue 1, with PSG also at 3/10 to win the Coupe de France.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Europa League is back in our lives on Thursday evening. You all know what that means – the return of squad rotation, Thursday night football and the speculation of a ‘continental hangover’.

Arsenal and Chelsea face favourable ties after cruising through the group stage. We have the prospect of a great clash between Lazio and Sevilla and an Iberian peninsula matchup in the Portugal’s capital between Sporting and Villarreal.

Looking at 888sport’s football betting odds ahead of Thursday night, we have picked out some of the best bets from these four games.

 

BATE Borisov vs ARSENAL

Unai Emery rotated the Arsenal squad heavily in the group phase, giving plenty of minutes to youngsters.

We can expect more of the same here, though Emery will be wary of relaxing too much, considering that the Europa League might be Arsenal’s best route into the Champions League.

BATE Borisov finished second in Chelsea’s group, being thoroughly outclassed by Arsenal’s London rivals in both matches. They will be optimistic about an upset here, facing an Arsenal side that have been unimpressive in 2019.

The Gunners only failed to win one of their group matches, though, and have the talent to win this easily. A lot depends on the number of first-teamers that Emery names. He could prioritise this competition now, or he may protect his already injury-hit squad.

TIP: Arsenal to win @ 21/50

PREDICTED SCORE: BATE 1-3 Arsenal (Priced at 21/2 with 888sport)

 

LAZIO vs Sevilla

A pair of defeats to Eintracht Frankfurt left Lazio settling for second. The Italian club have won their last two league matches 1-0 to keep themselves in the competitive race for a top four spot.

Their home form has not been great however, only winning two of their last six Serie A outings in front of their own fans.

Sevilla made hard work of a favourable Europa League group stage, finishing level on points with FC Krasnodar after a couple of surprise defeats.

The Europa League specialists will be confident as they head to Italy, but they are not in good form, losing three of their last five La Liga matches to drop off the pace.

Neither team comes into this match in the best mood. Home advantage just tips the scales in Lazio’s favour.

TIP: Lazio to win or draw @ 4/11

PREDICTED SCORE: Lazio 2-0 Sevilla (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

Malmo vs CHELSEA

Maurizio Sarri is under severe pressure after Chelsea’s 6-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday. The Blues are outsiders for a Premier League top four spot as it stands, and a disappointing result here will only further frustrate and already irritable fanbase.

Similarly to Arsenal, the Europa League could be Chelsea’s priority for the remainder of the campaign. Chelsea picked up 16 points in their group, but they were not at their best for several of the matches.

Malmo notched a remarkable win away to Besiktas to book their spot in this round, losing only once in their six matches. This is a mismatch in terms of resources, talent and reputation.

Chelsea should win this easily despite Sunday’s nightmare result and regardless of the team Sarri names.

Rotation is a must in this intense part of the schedule and the fans will be desperate to see starts for Ethan Ampadu, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

TIP: Chelsea to win (-1) @ 10/11

PREDICTED SCORE: Malmo 0-3 Chelsea (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

 

SPORTING LISBON vs Villarreal

Sporting Lisbon comfortably qualified from their group, picking up 13 points but finishing behind Arsenal.

Being unable to pip the Gunners left Sporting facing Villarreal, who won their group. Sporting’s form has been patchy, but they picked up an away with against Feirense at the weekend.

Villarreal overperformed in the group phase, considering their La Liga struggles. The Yellow Submarine are 19^th at the moment and have not won in 10 league outings.

Draws have been the bane of their season, resulting in three league wins and only winning two group stage matches. They went unbeaten in a competitive group but face a challenge in Portugal on Thursday.

The up and downs for Sporting this season might make some cautious about backing them. Going for a double chance is a safer way to go

TIP: Sporting Lisbon to win OR draw @ 4/11

PREDICTED SCORE: Sporting 2-1 Villarreal (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Champions League is back. Football fans across Europe will be expecting big things as we enter the business stage of the competition this week. With a few of the continent’s most successful clubs in action, we could be set for a thrilling couple of days.

Manchester United’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain has flipped on its head in recent weeks. When the draw was made, most expected PSG to cruise to victory but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has United fans believing again. A famous night under the Old Trafford lights beckons…

Roma and Porto will do battle in Tuesday’s second fixture and punter may find it difficult to split the two sides. With the Italian side at 19/20 and Porto at 4/5 in the latest Champions League odds, this one is evenly matched and could go down to the wire.

Without further ado, it is time to take a closer look at Tuesday’s European fixtures. The race for Champions League glory is well and truly on – and securing a first leg lead could be huge. Scroll down for my best bets ahead of February 12^th.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED vs Paris Saint-Germain

Solskjaer has done an incredible job since taking over at Old Trafford, leading United on an 11-match unbeaten run. The Red Devils have won 10 of those games and confidence is high right now.

Paul Pogba is starting to justify his £89 million price tag. The Frenchman has been a huge hit under Solskjaer and he can make the difference on Tuesday night. 3/1 to score at anytime is an excellent price considering he has notched eight goals in his last nine games.

Meanwhile, PSG have gone in the opposite direction. An injury to Neymar in mid-January has thrown the French champions off their game. Thomas Tuchel’s men needed extra-time to get past National 1 side Villefranche in the Coupe de France just a few weeks ago.

Write the Ligue 1 leaders off at your peril. PSG have one of the strongest squads in world football and the visitors will be quietly confident of notching a positive result. 13/20 for PSG in 888sport’s double chance odds is worth considering.

United won’t have everything their own way on Tuesday night but I fancy Solskjaer’s side to notch a first leg lead. Given PSG’s injury woes and recent struggles, 13/10 for United to win at Old Trafford is huge price.

TIP: Manchester United to win @ 13/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Manchester United 2-1 PSG (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

AS ROMA vs FC PORTO

With just one victory in their last four games in all competitions, Roma have failed to inspire confidence in recent weeks. Now sixth in the Serie A table, the Italian side will be hoping for a huge win on Tuesday night as they look to build momentum.

Roma got back to winning ways with a 3-0 success at Chievo on Friday and that extra day of rest should help the hosts. 21/20 for Roma to emerge victorious might be enough to tempt punters to side with the Italian outfit.

Porto are sitting pretty at the top of the Portuguese table but Benfica are just one point off the pace. Sergio Conceicao’s men have gone through a rough spell of their own in recent times but the 4/5 for Porto to avoid defeat in Rome is a solid price.

The Portuguese side picked up 16 points from their six Champions League group games and it would be foolish to write them off on that form. With just one loss in their previous seven European away games, Porto will be a tough nut to crack on Tuesday night.

I’m expecting a close, low-scoring encounter here. Both teams will be wary of falling too far behind on aggregate and that brings the 22/25 for under 2.5 goals into play. It might not be the most enthralling Champions League fixture of the week…

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 22/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Roma 1-1 Porto (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Premier League football will grace our television sets for the second Monday night in a row – what a time to be alive.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (10/13) welcome Newcastle United to Molineux for what could be the game of the weekend. On paper, this one has potential…

Wolves have lost just two matches since Christmas Day; with one of those defeats coming at Manchester City.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have beaten Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks and another victory beckons for Wolves on Monday night.

Newcastle are no slouches but the Magpies may struggle to cope with Wolves’ attacking threat.

Rafa Benitez’s men were hard done by against Tottenham last time out and we could see another spirited effort from the visitors here.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, spirit only gets you so far. Wolves secured a 2-1 win in the corresponding fixture in December and punters may fancy a similar outcome at Molineux.

Without further ado, let’s look at the latest Premier League Odds ahead of Monday’s clash.

 

Wolves Too Strong On Home Soil

You won’t find too many punters backing against Wolves in this clash.

The hosts are starting to put a solid run of form together and another positive result beckons here. 26/25 for over 1.5 home goals is an excellent price.

Wolves have gone from strength to strength over the last couple of months and Nuno’s side are now up to seventh in the Premier League table.

With a winnable FA Cup last-16 clash at Bristol City approaching, this is a good time to be a Wolves fan.

Those confident enough should back Wolves to score in both halves at 11/5. The visitors are likely to sit back and defend but Wolves will take some stopping on home soil.

An early goal for the hosts could see the floodgates open, particularly in the second half as Newcastle tire.

 

Newcastle Happy With A Point?

Consistency continues to elude Newcastle in 2018/19 – the Magpies are now out of the FA Cup and Premier League survival is the only objective.

With Benitez at the helm, Newcastle are fancied to stay up but the north east side need to put a run of results together.

The 21/20 on offer for Newcastle to win or draw at Molineux is a reasonable price.

Wolves played in midweek and those excursions might be evident on Monday night. If the Magpies work hard, a positive result is certainly there for the taking.

According to 888sport Premier League odds, Newcastle are priced at 13/20 to score over 0.5 goals in this fixture.

That in itself is an excellent price. Benitez’s side have scored in five of their last seven away league games – failing only at Liverpool and Tottenham.

 

Other Match Betting Tips

Wolves are on the verge of something special and we could see the hosts send out a real statement of intent as we enter the business stage of the campaign.

18/5 for Wolves to hit over 2.5 goals is well worth considering if you fancy a home masterclass.

Newcastle are big underdogs to win at Molineux but Magpies fans will be quietly confident of a solid performance.

Both teams to score at EVS is the way to go if you are expecting a close affair at Molineux.

TIP: Wolves to win @ 10/13

LONGSHOT: Wolves to score in both halves (Priced at 11/5 with 888sport)

PREDICTED SCORE: Wolves 3-1 Newcastle (Priced at 14/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Wednesday’s Champions League action sees the reigning champions travel to the Netherlands to face another historic giant of the game.

Real Madrid have had a turbulent season but are favourites to overcome an impressive Ajax side.  Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund face-off at Wembley at the same time.

Here are a few thoughts and tips on Wednesday’s two matches...

 

AJAX vs REAL MADRID

Real Madrid’s troubles this term have seen their Champions League winner odds slip to 12/1.

Their form has picked up of late, however, including a 3-1 win away to Atletico Madrid at the weekend. Sergio Ramos was at his big-game best in the derby – the decorated Real centre-back is 10/3 to score anytime in Amsterdam.

Teenager Vinicius Junior has shone this season and will be their primary attacking threat on Wednesday. He’s a thrilling player to watch, jinking past opponents at will, but his production has been limited with just four goals this season.

Gareth Bale could return to the line-up for this one, having been on the bench for the last two matches. The Welshman is a great price at 7/5 to score anytime.

One win in four Eredivisie matches has seen Ajax drop off PSV Eindhoven’s pace atop the table. Defeat to Heracles at the weekend was a surprise, and hardly the ideal preparation for a match against the European champions.

Ajax went unbeaten in the group stage, including a 3-3 draw with Bayern at Amsterdam Arena.

A win in that match would have seen the Dutch side pip the German giants to top spot in the group – they were going toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite despite their comparatively minute budget. The hosts are Evens to avoid defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

This match will come down to controlling the midfield. Real Madrid need to limit the supply to Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic.

The visitors will be very dangerous in attacking transition through Vinicius and Bale, putting the pressure on Ajax’s trio to limit space in the middle third for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Even since Real Madrid’s form has improved, their defence has been far from faultless. The attack is flourishing though, which could lead to a high-scoring match on Wednesday. Ajax will pose problems through Ziyech and Tadic – over 3.5 goals is the way to go.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 7/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Ajax 2-2 Real Madrid (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Borussia Dortmund

Tottenham turned around their Champions League campaign in dramatic fashion after losing their first two matches.

A draw with Barcelona at the Camp Nou secured a spot in the last 16 for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who have put a string of good results together despite injuries to key men Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

Heung-min Son has been superb for Spurs this season, and that form has continued since his return from the Asian Cup. Son is a great price at 11/5 to score anytime.

Spurs have won their last four in the league despite some less than impressive performances. Leicester created chances aplenty at Wembley on Sunday and Borussia Dortmund will be very confident of doing the same in midweek.

Dortmund have scored 54 goals in the Bundesliga this season – they are 33/20 to score over 1.5 at Wembley. Lucien Favre’s side remain top of the Bundesliga, though they collapsed from 3-0 up to draw 3-3 with Hoffenheim at the weekend.

A disappointing 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in their match before that has piled the pressure on, but Favre’s side will continue with their expansive approach in London this week.

While both teams are in the chase for a league title, Tottenham are outsiders and that perhaps puts them under a little more pressure for this one.

Pochettino’s side need a positive result with the second leg on the road, while the visitors would be happy to still be in the tie.

Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus and co will fancy their chances against a Spurs defence that conceded several good chances to Leicester at the weekend.

These are two well-matched teams. Spurs come into this in good form and there might not be a better time to play Dortmund all season after an indifferent run of results. Spurs look a good bet at 4/11 to avoid defeat.

TIP: Spurs to win or draw @ 4/11

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 2-1 Dortmund (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*