Last week it was Arsenal, this week it is Atletico Madrid. The two Europa League favourites both look set to secure their spot in the semi-finals; Arsenal have a 4-1 advantage over CSKA Moscow whilst Atletico ran out 2-0 winners at home to Sporting Lisbon.

Diego Simeone’s side head our latest betting markets – punters can back the Spanish outfit at 11/10 to go on and lift the trophy in Lyon’s showpiece event on May 16^th. For now, have a read of our top tips ahead of Thursday’s action…

CSKA MOSCOW vs ARSENAL

This one has ‘banana skin’ written all over it. Fortunately for Arsenal, they did most of the hard work in the first leg on home soil and the Gunners should see this one out.

CSKA have enough quality to cause problems though and the 16/25 available for three or more goals looks like an absolute certainty. There could be plenty of chances for both sides…

As good as Arsenal were offensively in the first leg, their defensive qualities left a lot to be desired. The visitors should have a safe enough lead but nerves may start to creep in if CSKA score a couple of early goals.

The English outfit are superior in almost every department – Arsenal will be quietly confident of getting the job done and bookign their spot in the semi finals.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 16/25

 

MARSEILLE vs RB LEIPZIG

Marseille lost the first leg but plenty of punters will be getting behind the French outfit on home soil. On paper, they have the quality to put Leipzig to the sword.

The Ligue 1 side ended that game strongly and could have nicked a goal late on but for some desperate Leipzig defending. An early goal will set the tone and neutrals will be expecting big things ahead of this contest.

The Bundesliga outfit were resolute at the back in front of their home fans but standing tall at the Stade Velodrome is on another level.

Leipzig play some decent football and it would be a real shame if the visitors sit back and defend. Hopefully, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men go for the throat – they could be rewarded with an away goal. 7/10 is a decent price for over 2.5 goals.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/10

 

RED BULL SALZBURG vs LAZIO

Expect Red Bull Salzburg to throw the kitchen sink at Lazio – even that might not be enough to overturn the current deficit.

The Austrian side notched two away goals but conceded four after an incredible second half from Simone Inzaghi’s men. It might not be as entertaining as the first leg but it still has all the makings of a fascinating contest.

There is no real need for Lazio to go out and press on Thursday evening but I fancy the away side to secure a positive result in this one.

The Serie A outfit are the more complete unit and they showed just how dangerous they can be in the first leg in Rome. 13/20 for Lazio to win or draw in Austria is the way to go here.

TIP: Lazio to win OR draw @ 13/20

 

SPORTING LISBON vs ATLETICO MADRID

Sporting need a minor miracle to turn things around against Atletico. The Portuguese side are 2-0 down after the first leg in Madrid and the visitors will almost certainly score at least once in the second leg.

Unfortunately, this looks like it could be a rather dull affair – backing against the visitors would be foolish to say the least.

Antoine Griezmann has been outstanding for Atletico again this campaign and the France star can fire his side into the next round.

At 6/4 to score on Thursday night, he is well priced and Diego Simeone will be expecting big things from his main man. With nine goals in his previous eight Atletico appearances, Griezmann can be the difference maker once again.

TIP: Atletico to win @ 4/5

 

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

Despite the obvious draw of competitions such as the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga, the Champions League remains the focus of the most ardent football supporters across Europe and the rest of the world.

Whilst fans of every club eagerly anticipate the group stage draw to see who their side will be pitting their wits against, the knockout stages really do separate the wheat from the chaff and represent the real business end of Europe's top club competition.

With the calibre of teams on show, it goes without saying that the competition has had its fair share of classic clashes over the years and so, without further ado, below is a rundown of the most memorable ties that will live long in the memory of every football fan, no matter who they support.

2017: Barcelona 6-1 Paris Saint-Germain

With Barcelona inexplicably losing the first leg of this last 16 clash 4-0, it looked extremely unlikely that the Spanish giants would be able to turn things around against a PSG side full of confidence and flair.

After leading 3-0 after 50 minutes, Edinson Cavani did his best to dampen Barca's spirit with a 62nd-minute goal but the Uruguayans' effort was to no avail as Sergi Roberto scored in added time to send the Nou Camp into raptures.

Upon the final whistle, Unai Emery was left with his head in his hands, Rio Ferdinand almost trashed the BT Sports studio with his wild celebrations and Luis Enrique remarked in his post-match interview that "this is a sport for crazy people...I'd like to cry, but tears do not come out." Cracking stuff.

 

2012: Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea

Under Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea had a newfound steely resolve and proved this in the first leg of the 2012 semi-final with a narrow 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. However, the Blues found themselves 2-0 down at half-time with goals from the sublime Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

As if things couldn't get any worse for Chelsea, their chances of progressing through to the final suffered a further blow when skipper John Terry was sent off for kneeing Alexis Sanchez.

In a miraculous turn of events, Ramires brilliantly chipped Victor Valdes before Chelsea misfit Fernando Torres ran the full length of the pitch and coolly slotted the ball home, which consequently led to much-loved pundit Gary Neville making some of the strangest sounds we've ever heard.

 

2005: AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool

Touted by many (not including Manchester United fans) as the most dramatic and memorable Champions League tie in the modern era, Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph still feels like some sort of distant, vivid dream.

In the Premier League that year, Liverpool had finished a mind-boggling 37 points behind champions Chelsea and 'boasted' a squad that consisted of Djimi Traore, Steve Finnan and Harry Kewell. When you consider that Mo Salah is the red-hot favourite at 3/4 to win the top flight's Golden Boot award, it's fair to say that things have improved somewhat since then.

After finding his team 3-0 down, Steven Gerrard grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and, along with Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso, put himself on the scoresheet to force a tense penalty shootout.

With spaghetti legs that Anfield legend Bruce Grobbelaar would have been proud of, Jerzey Dudek went on to provide a penalty-saving masterclass and Liverpool lifted their fifth and most remarkable cup European Cup in their history.

 

2017: Manchester City 5-3 AS Monaco

In a game that saw Manchester City come from behind twice, this eight-goal thriller marked the arrival of Leonardo Jardim's young, energetic side onto the European stage. Sadly, this ultimately meant that other clubs ended up nicking their best players - City themselves got in on the act, acquriing Portuguese talisman Bernardo Silva.

Nevertheless, the game between the two teams will live long in the memory, and goals from Sergio Aguero, John Stones and Leroy Sane completed one of the most memorable last 16 clashes in the history of the Champions League.

Unfortunately for Pep Guardiola's men, City lost 3-1 in the return leg three weeks later and were ultimately sent packing. With the Premier League title all but secured, Pep and co will be aiming to win this year's competition and bookmakers tend to agree that they will - Manchester City are EVS to reach the final in Kiev on the 26th May.

 

2013: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga

Bearing in mind that Jurgen Klopp's men had blitzed through a group consisting of Real Madrid and Manchester City and breezed past Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16, Champions League new boys Malaga looked easy pickings on paper.

Fortunately, football isn't played on paper and, after the first leg in Spain ended goallessly, Dortmund were 2-1 down with eight minutes left on the clock, needing two goals to progress into the semi-final.

After Marco Reus equalised in the 91st minute, the world sensed that something big was about to happen and that came in the form of Brazilian centre-back Felipe Santana, who completed the comeback two minutes later whilst being all of two yards offside. After some crazy celebrations, Jurgen Klopp said: "My assistants and me were looking at each other in shock and saying 'this is crazy' [...] this is the best I've ever felt."

 

1999: Juventus 2-3 Manchester United

Whilst every football fan on the planet will remember Manchester United's Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in their iconic treble-winning season, their semi-final clash with Juventus was arguably the game that won them the competition.

As Manchester United captain, Roy Keane dragged the team through more games than you can shake a stick at but his performance in this match is rightly considered by many to be his best in a United shirt.

After Filippo Inzaghi controversially put the 'Old Lady' 2-0 in front within the first 11 minutes of the game, Keane was instrumental in United's resurgence, playing a vital role in both Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke's goals as well as netting one for himself.

As many footballing aficionados will know, Keane was also booked in the game and missed the final as a result but was in attendance to watch his team beat Bayern Munich in one of the most unforgettable finals in the modern era.

 

More of the Same? There's Only One Way To Find Out...

With this year's Champions League reaching fever pitch, we now know the quarter final line-up. Despite the fact that Tottenham couldn't manage to get past a dogged Juventus side, an English side is still 13/10 to lift the Champions League trophy come May, although Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona will have something to say about that.

Whilst it's becoming increasingly difficult to pick a winner, one thing that we can be certain of is that there are plenty of twists left in this year's Champions League tale so sit back, enjoy the ride and, if your team doesn't win, don't fret - we have a World Cup to look forward to after this. Result.

 

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

With the five-day confirmations just a week away on April 9^th and the final declarations being made at 10am on April 12^th, we take a look at the probable final line-up with a brief runner-by-runner guide.

There is a maximum field of 40 runners plus four reserves - the second part of our Grand National preview is available here...

Total Recall

A fast-improving chaser from the yard that won the Grand National in 2005.

An easy winner over hurdles at Leopardstown, plus the Ladbrokes Gold Trophy Handicap back in December.  He fell three from home in the Gold Cup.

Blaklion

Fourth in the last year’s renewal. Rated 9lbs higher this year, but enjoys these fences and has been a popular choice since winning the Becher Chase here in December. Will be of interest if Haydock has not left its mark on him.

Tiger Roll

Recorded his second Cheltenham Festival win when romping home in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. Will stay the trip and has finished in the top three in 10 of his 15 chase starts to date.

Minella Rocco

Was runner-up in the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but hasn’t really built on that since. Former winner of the 4m National Hunt Chase for novices at the Cheltenham Festival which proves he can stay.

The Last Samuri

Came second in the 2016 Grand National, but finished well back in 16^th place 12 months ago. Loves the track and fences and should give another bold showing.

Anibale Fly

Never raced at Aintree and done most of his racing in Ireland. Recently came third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

From a shrewd stable and his Paddy Power Chase victory last Christmas gives him leading claims.

Seeyouatmidnight

Has won or placed six times from eight chase starts but has only had one run since March last year due to a ligament problem.

Was third in the 2016 Scottish National and has beaten some notable scalps. He is a strong contender at a good price.

Gold Present

Notched up back-to-back wins at Newbury and Ascot in December. He fell in last year's Topham Chase and hails from a stable that has never won the race.

Regal Encore

Ran into 8^th place in the Grand National in 2017. Gets in off the same mark so every chance he could be in the mix again, however significant improvement will be required to go seven places better this year.

Ucello Conti

Went off the favourite the race 12 months ago, but unseated at the 22nd fence when in mid division. Rated 2lbs lower this season.

Was also fourth in the 2016 Becher Chase over these fences and knows them well.

Gas Line Boy

Won the Grand Sefton over the Grand National fences in December and stays all day. Came 5^th in last year’s race and his trainer Ian Williams has just hit a purple patch at present. A respected each-way player.

Rathvinden

Winner of the Cheltenham National Hunt Challenge Chase saw his odds sliced from 50/1 to 20/1 in a blink of the eye.  Has been running with credit in decent Grade One races in Ireland and has won four of his ten chase starts.

Vieux Lion Rouge

Was well-fancied for the race in 2017 and finished a fair 6th that day, beaten 27 lengths. Only rated a pound higher and has won over these fences before (2016 Becher Chase). Campaigned quietly this season and could easily spring an upset.

I Just Know

Sue Smith’s runner has an excellent record with eight wins or places from ten chase starts and recently won over 3m6f at Catterick so clearly has stamina and solid jumping ability. Stable won the race in 2013 with Aurora’s Encore.

Vicente

Winner of the Scottish National twice before and owned by Trevor Hemmings, who has won this race three times in the past.

Unseated at the first fence 12 months ago and may be routed back up to Ayr again.

Pleasant Company

Came 9th in 2017 and off a pound lower mark would have a chance of improving on that run. Comes from a top stable but it is debatable whether his stamina held out 12 months ago.

The Dutchman

Winner of the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January, but pulled-up in the Grand National Trial there last time in desperate going. Only had 8 chase runs and been placed in the top 3 in 6 of those. Acts on most ground and could be an interesting outsider for the Tizzard team.

Milansbar

Will be ridden by the new star of the 2017/18 season, Bryony Frost. Won the Classic Chase at Warwick in January, but failed to follow-up next time in the Eider Chase. Finished second over 4m1f in the Midlands National last time out so clearly has no stamina issues.

Vintage Clouds

Fourth in the Welsh National and has won at Aintree in the past. A very consistent sort and his trainer has won the National before. Ran well at the Festival and is the type to still be galloping hard at the end when others have cried enough.

Raz De Maree

He came 8th in the 2014 running and unseated last year and this will be his last chance to take the spoils.

Clearly in great heart this season at the age of thirteen – a point proven with his marvellous win in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

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

With the five-day confirmations just a week away on April 9^th and the final declarations being made at 10am on April 12^th, we take a look at the probable final line-up with a brief runner-by-runner guide.

There is a maximum field of 40 runners plus four reserves - check out our thoughts on the first half of the field here...

 

Shantou Flyer

Notched up four second place finishes on the bounce this season, the last of which was at the Cheltenham Festival but all were on heavy ground. He pulled-up in last year's race and the suspicion is that connections will run him in the Topham instead.

 

Warriors Tale

Second in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January but this distance is somewhat of an unknown for him.  Recently bought by leading Grand National owner, Trevor Hemmings, and comes from the Paul Nicholls yard that won this in 2012.

 

Buywise

Regarded by many as somewhat of an enigma but on his day he can spring a surprise. Well handicapped on old form and was 12th in the 2016 running.  Don’t expect to see anything of him until very late in the race.

 

Alpha Des Obeaux

Ran second in the 2016 Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and came 8th in the 2017 Irish National. This Irish runner is often seen in Graded races and his yard took this race in 2016 for the same connections. Not one to dismiss lightly.

 

Baie Des Iles

Katie Walsh’s third on Seabass remains the closest any female jockey has come to landing the world’s greatest steeplechase and she will be hoping to go two better here on the seven-year-old mare trained by her husband. No seven-year-old has won since 1940 and the last winning mare was in 1951.

 

Captain Redbeard

Won the Tommy Whittle Chase this season at Haydock Park.  He is 9lbs higher for that win but ran a creditable second in the Peter Marsh off this rating next time. He came 6th in the Grand Sefton so has handled these fences this fences before. There are certainly a lot worse 100/1 chances around.

 

Carlingford Lough

Former winner of the Grade One Punchestown Gold Cup and has run well in some top company during his career, notching up more than £500k in the process. Hopelessly out of form this season but does have plenty of back class should he rediscover it.

 

Perfect Candidate

The eleven-year-old was pulled up last year but does have 6lbs less to carry this time and was a good winner at Cheltenham in Nov over 3m3f. He has only pulled-up twice in his 30 start career.

 

Tenor Nivernais

Came 17^th in the race 12 months ago and gets in off the same mark this year. Stable won the race in 2009 with Mon Mome but this runner does not appear to be in the same league as him.

 

Go Conquer

Has been aimed at this race all season and goes into the race in good form having won two of his four starts since October. Often front-runs but will his stamina last out in this marathon test?

 

Acapella Bourgeois

He was a 32 length Grade One winner at Navan last season. However, he has been the beaten favourite many times this season and is a pretty unreliable sort at the moment.  Look elsewhere.

 

A Genie In Abottle

Ran well to be second in the BobbyJo Chase at Fairyhouse in February and skipped the Irish Grand National in favour of a tilt at this. Has beaten Tiger Roll and Mala Beach this season so is certainly no slouch. There is however an unknown quantity about the trip.

 

Chase The Spud

Won the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter last season and started this season off with another win at Haydock but has subsequently been pulled up at Chepstow and Newcastle. He probably needs rain of biblical proportions to figure here.

 

Saint Are

Saint Are is an Aintree stalwart and has run there 12 times including the last two Grand Nationals where he fell the first year but was a very respectable third place finisher last year. His experience over the fences will be invaluable and you can see him being in the shake up again this year.

 

Beeves

Has the experience over the national fences having competed in the Becher Chase in 2016 when finishing in eighth after a clear round. Finished off last season in fine form with wins at Fakenham and Perth. Trainer Jenny Candlish does seem to peak around this time every year so this one is worth a precautionary look on the day.

 

Virgilio

Virgilio has run at Aintree six times, winning three times and finishing third on a fourth occasion. He has put in two poor runs this season but has since undergone a wind operation which may or may not revive his fortunes.

 

Maggio

Maggie sprang a 50/1 shock victory in 2016 in the race just before the Grand National after he failed to make the cut for the main event itself. This year the thirteen-year-old has finally made the race proper but you would suspect he would want some juice in the ground again.

 

Pendra

Pendra has only been seen three times since December 2015. He ran in the 2016 Grand National and finished 13^th, came second in the 2017 Kim Muir, then ran 15^th in the Kim Muir this season. He is clearly a fragile sort and winning this race looks an extremely tall order.

 

Final Nudge

Third in the Welsh National and gets in off a low weight here. Acts on most ground and finished in the top three in 7 of this 10 chase starts. Likely to get overlooked in the betting because he doesn’t come from a well known stable.

 

Childrens List

Fair bits of form, but pulled-up in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February. Certainly does not look like Willie Mullins’ best chance and most be a doubtful starter.

 

Lord Windermere

Winner of the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup and was 7th in this race 12 months ago. This will be his third attempt at the race. Dangerous to ignore purely because of what he has achieved in the past and the fact that he could just recapture that old spark.

 

Double Ross

He finished fourth in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last time out showing signs of his old ability. His trainer is no stranger to sending out Grand National winners having done so twice before.

 

Houblon Des Obeaux

Finished in 10th place in last year's Grand National and will be carrying 6lb less this year. Venetia William’s eleven-year-old has contested some top races over the years but you do get the distinct impression that his form is waining nowadays.

 

Splash Of Ginge

A decent handicapper that won the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham this season and ran a blinder at The Festival last time out. Very borderline whether he will get in but should he do so he would be a very popular winner for local businessman John Nield.

This is when the Premier League should be at its most interesting. Teams have either six or seven matches to play. Everything should be on the line. Unfortunately, this year it’s a little different.

Few teams have much to play for even with over a month left, and the main storylines could well be about the contests for World Cup places.

The relegation battle is all we really have. That’s okay, of course, because it’s still a fierce competition in the bottom-half. We’re here to look at this weekend’s 3pm kick-offs, so here are a few thoughts…

AFC Bournemouth vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Late heartbreak at home to Liverpool makes this match even more significant for Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson could see his team drop into the bottom three if they fail to win here. The Eagles picked up a vital win in their last away match, and they will be positive of doing the same on the south coast.

Bournemouth were held by Watford last weekend. Eddie Howe has comfortably guided his team to safety once again, however, despite only winning six matches at home so far this season. The Cherries have only won once in their last five, and it will be interesting to see how they deal with Wilfried Zaha here.

I like the 11/20 price on Palace to avoid defeat. Bournemouth have not been at their best of late and could begin to relax a bit.

TIP: Crystal Palace to win OR draw @ 11/20

 

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs Huddersfield Town

Brighton have suffered back-to-back defeats that have lurched them into the relegation conversation again. A stellar run took the Seagulls to 34 points, which probably has them a win from safety, but a daunting set of remaining fixtures has Chris Hughton’s side under pressure in this one.

The visiting Terriers have taken just a solitary point in four league matches. David Wagner’s team look the most likely to drop into the bottom three should Stoke or Southampton pull off a dramatic escape.

Brighton have been great at home all season. I expect that to continue here. It might be a low-scoring affair, but it’ll be enough to get Hughton across the line.

TIP: Brighton to win @ 4/5

 

LEICESTER CITY vs Newcastle United

Consecutive wins to nil have put Newcastle a whisker away from safety. Amid the talks of takeover and discontent around the club, stability of another Premier League campaign is a necessity. Rafael Benitez has worked his magic.

Leicester recovered from a bit of a winter blip to go unbeaten in four, winning their last two. Claude Puel’s side are playing fast-paced, quick-break football that made the Foxes a sporting sensation. Riyad Mahrez is back somewhere near his best, and the Algerian could be the difference maker here.

The hosts are without a win in three straight at home. The 19/20 price to pick up three points seems good value, though, given that Newcastle have picked up two points from the last 12 available on the road.

TIP: Leicester to win @ 19/20

 

Stoke City vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

A trip to the blustery Potteries used to be fearsome. That intimidation has waned as Stoke City have dropped from mid-table side to relegation candidates. Stoke have not won at home since January and have only been victorious at the Bet365 Stadium five times all season.

Spurs head to the West Midlands full of confidence. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have the best record in the league in 2018, and as good as confirmed their Champions League status for next season with an historic win over Chelsea last weekend.

via GIPHY

Stoke put up a bit of resistance against Arsenal. Unfortunately for Paul Lambert, Spurs are simply a better team than Arsenal. This could get ugly.

TIP: Tottenham to win @ 8/25

 

WATFORD vs Burnley

Watford’s draw with Bournemouth last weekend took them to 37 points. That should be safe this season. The Hornets flirted with a special campaign in the opening months, but the turbulence around Marco Silva’s final weeks in the job have meant they will have to settle for a comfortable mid-table finish.

Burnley were the latest team to beat West Brom in their last outing. Sean Dyche’s case for Manager of the Year is only getting stronger, and the Clarets could yet catch Arsenal in sixth. Three straight wins have kept Burnley in seventh in this remarkable campaign.

The hosts are unbeaten in five on home soil. Burnley have made a habit of defying odds over the last two seasons, but I fancy Watford to put their Premier League status beyond doubt.

TIP: Watford to win OR draw @ 33/100

 

West Bromwich Albion vs SWANSEA CITY

West Brom sacked Alan Pardew this week but are yet to name a replacement for this match. The Baggies are already preparing for the Championship next season having won just one of their last 30 Premier League matches.

Carlos Carvalhal takes his Swansea team to the midlands boasting a great recent record, despite taking one point from their last two. The Welsh club have picked up more points in 2018 than Chelsea and Arsenal.

It’s meltdown time at the Hawthorns. I don’t think Pardew’s departure will change too much, but it could be enough to end the losing streak.

TIP: Swansea to win OR draw @ 4/7

 

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