Champions League Round Of 16 Best Bets – March 17

Arsenal were lucky to escape with a draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first-leg of their European clash as Kai Havertz’s late penalty ensured the Gunners did not see their unbeaten run in Europe brought to an end. Returning home, Arsenal will be confident as they have won all four of their matches at the Emirates. However, they cannot underestimate an opponent that beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium back in November. While I predict goals, I do not see Arsenal losing this one. 

Bayer Leverkusen will curse their luck as they saw a superb performance in the first-leg only amount to parity on the scoreboard. With a four-game unbeaten run in Europe behind them, Leverkusen do not need to fear Arsenal. This will be a contest in which all of the pressure is on the home side, and the Germans can play with some freedom. While I back them to play their part, I do not see them winning at the Emirates. 

Chelsea saw any hopes of moving into the quarter-finals of the Champions League take a major blow in France as they slipped to a 5-2 defeat. This loss came despite drawing the scores level at 2-2 after an hour. Having conceded seven goals across their last two in Europe, it is tough to see Chelsea keeping their free-scoring opponents at bay. 

PSG were outstanding in the second-half of their clash with Chelsea as they bided their time before exploding into life with a three-goal salvo as the game came to an end. Central to their big win was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored two stunners late in the game. Chelsea could not handle his direct running and tricky feet, and I predict he will cause the Blues more problems in the second-leg. 

Manchester City’s hopes of winning the Champions League took a massive blow last week as they were completely outdone by Real Madrid. Despite arriving for the match as the favourites, they were hammered 3-0 in a damaging defeat. Erling Haaland had no real service in the first-leg but I back this to be remedied in the second-leg as City put the pressure on their opponents. 

Real Madrid may arrive for their clash with City with a three-goal lead, but they will know that they cannot afford any complacency against a side full of attacking talent. Leading 3-0, Real can sit back and soak up the pressure before trying to hit City on the break. However, if they get things wrong defensively then it will allow City to utilise their creative players to feed Haaland, and I back him to gobble up a chance this week as he hits the back of the net in the second-leg.