Category: UEFA Champions League

Liverpool vs. Benfica odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Liverpool vs. Benfica odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Liverpool hosts Benfica at the Anfield Wednesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Liverpool vs. Benfica odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Liverpool traveled to Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz last Tuesday and walked away with a 3-1 win over Benfica in the first leg. The F Mohamad Salah-led side scored 2 in the first half and then one in the 5 minutes.

It ended with 17 shots, 8 on target and 68% of the possession. Liverpool then met Man City in a game that undoubtedly will help determine the fate of the EPL. That resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Liverpool is led by an ultra-strong defense that has allowed 22 goals in 31 EPL matches. It has an EPL-high 79 goals as well.

As for Benfica, it did manage 9 shots and 3 on target in the first leg. Benfica sits 3rd in Premiera Liga. It has scored 73 and allowed 29 in 29 league games. Benfica beat Ajax 3-2 in the first round of the knockout stage.

Liverpool vs. Benfica: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Liverpool -380 (bet $380 to win $100) | Benfica +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Draw +550
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

[tipico]

Prediction

Liverpool 2, Benfica 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

Liverpool, even at home, at -380 has no value.

Its motivation may not be there up 3-1 and coasting into the next round. It’s potentially a similar situation we say with Man City at home up 5-0 on Sporting. A draw at +550, at those odds, may give some value.

Given Benfica’s terrific attack and the fact that it was able to get 9 shots on Liverpool in the first leg, I don’t necessarily like the one team not to score at -105 either.

Overall, I’d pass and look towards the total for value.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 3.5 (-122).

Given the motivation difference, I think the best play here is the Under 3.5 (-122). Liverpool is coming off a midweek match that it wanted to get out ahead and then a tough battle with Man City.

With both teams having top-tier defenses, ranking in the top 3 in their respective league in opponents’ goals, it should be a different pace, especially as Liverpool clearly will dictate the speed of the game.

Among the 3 matchups in the first knockout stage round that entered the second leg with a 2 or more goal difference on aggregate, only LOSC and Chelsea went Over 2.5 goals. Inter-Liverpool was a 1-0 battle after Liverpool entered with a 2-0 lead.

Before the Man City game this past weekend, Liverpool hasn’t allowed multiple goals to an opponent since Jan. 2. Benfica has allowed multiple goals in UEFA Champions League matches just 4 times in 13 performances.

Put it all together, and the Under is the better play.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Real Madrid vs. Chelsea odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Real Madrid vs. Chelsea odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Real Madrid hosts Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabéu Tuesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Real Madrid vs. Chelsea odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Behind F Karim Benzema’s hat trick, Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last week.

Benzema scored twice within 3 minutes in the first half and then another in the 46th minute. F Kai Havertz scored Chelsea’s lone goal in the 40th minute despite the home side totaling 20 shots.

Real sits atop La Liga, and although it has the league’s top goal scorer, it’s been a defensive-minded club. It’s allowed 26 goals in 31 league matches this season.

As for Chelsea, it is coming off a confidence-building 6-0 win over Southampton this past weekend. Chelsea is also a defensive-first club, having allowed 23 goals in 30 EPL matches.

Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 2:23 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Real Madrid +150  (bet $100 to win $150) | Chelsea +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Draw +245
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

[tipico]

Prediction

Real Madrid 1, Chelsea 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN to the DRAW +245.

These teams are more evenly matched than the first leg showed, and Chelsea is going to be playing with some extra motivation on the brink of elimination.

While Chelsea did have 20 shots, it totaled just 5 on target with Real having 5 as well with just 8 shots. Possession was a 57/43 split favoring Chelsea. Chelsea was coming off a tough 4-1 loss to Brentford in EPL action.

This time, the confidence is a bit different, having thrashed Southampton. Chelsea F Romelu Lukaku is expected to miss the game, putting more on Havertz, who has played excellently as of late.

Chelsea should bring the motivation, while Real, which crushed PSG at home to send it packing in the second leg, will have the fans’ support.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the UNDER 2.5 (+110).

As noted, the strength of both clubs is defense. With the Blues getting D Cesar Azpilicueta back after he tested positive for COVID-19, their backline should be improved.

One would also expect Chelsea being more prepared to handle Benzema’s masterclass talent after losing to him single-handedly in the first leg.

Similarly, Lukaku is the top threat for Chelsea, and he isn’t expected to make a showing. Havertz and F Mason Mount, who have been off-and-in in terms of production this season, will be the key factors.

The strengths of both teams should shine in the second meeting, and those strengths are on the defensive end.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Bayern Munich welcomes Villarreal to Allianz Arena Tuesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

These two faced off in the first leg of this two-match battle last Wednesday.

Villarreal won 1-0 at home despite being a heavy underdog. Bayern took 22 shots, yet only put 4 on target. Villareal scored 1 on just 1 shot on target.

This was a rarity for Bayern, which sits atop the Bundesliga. Bayern has 86 goals in 29 league games. This was its first time in either league play or Champions league play in which it hadn’t scored in a game this season.

As for Villarreal, it is 3-7-5 this season on the road. It has scored 49 goals and allowed 30 in 31 league matches. Villarreal sits 7th in La Liga play.

Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:48 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bayern Munich -370 (bet $370  to win $100) | Villarreal +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Draw +550
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

[tipico]

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3, Villarreal 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

While Bayern Munich will rebound from last week’s loss, no one should back its -370 money line.

I could see backing BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE (+102).

This is great price considering there were only 5 shots on target last game. With Bayern at home, there’s a strong possibility it shuts out Villarreal. Six of Villarreal’s last seven games have involved one team not scoring.

Having held Bayern to just 4 shots on target, Villareal has a chance to do it again. Bayern has had a side not score in 4 straight matches. At the +102 price, it’s a good risk to take.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the UNDER 3.5 (-115).

The first time around, this was the best play, but there were 34 shots.

Villarreal’s defense has held up so far in Champions League play, having given up just 1 goal in 3 knockout stage games. It is allowing just over a goal per game in league play as well, so it has had success for much of the season.

Bayern’s attack is elite, and by itself is worthy of being skeptical about an Under.

But considering it has scored just 1 goal or fewer in 4 of its last 7 games, there’s not a ton of reasons to hope for an overly dominant Bayern side.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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UEFA Champions League: Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Villarreal welcomes Bayern Munich to El Madrigal Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Villarreal did the unexpected and took down Juventus in the first knockout stage round, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

With a 9-2-4 home record, Villarreal sits 7th on the La Liga table. It is led by F Gerard Moreno who has scored 8 goals in 15 matches. In 30 games, Villarreal has scored 48 goals and allowed 29.

As for Bayern, it is among the favorites to win the entire league. It is led by star F Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old has scored 31 goals in 28 appearances this season.

Bayern sits atop the Bundeglisia and averages an incredible 2.36 points per game. It beat RB Salzburg 8-2 on aggregate in the first knockout stage round.

Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:16 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Villarreal +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Bayern Munich -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Draw +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -175 | U: +135)

[tipico]

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2, Villarreal 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

You won’t be catching me hanging a -190 on a road favorite, although I do think Bayern comes out on top.

My favorite bet in this game is BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE at +110. Bayern has shut out its opponents in 4 of 8 Champions League matches and it has had yet to allow over 1.0 expected goals for its opponents.

GK Manuel Neuer is among the best in the world. While Villareal did hang 3 on Juventus in the second leg, 2 of those were penalties and all 3 were within the last 20 minutes.

I expect Bayern to have more success despite being on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS with a lean to the UNDER 2.5 (+135).

Given Bayern put 7 on RB Salzburg, I can’t give this out as a strong play, but typically at this round, both teams are competent. Villarreal has allowed 29 goals in 30 games.

It has a solid defense and should be able to limit Bayern, who scored 1 against RB in the first leg.

On the road as well, it could struggle to break down a Villarreal team that should aim to limit goals rather than keeping up with Bayern’s attack. The Under is a slight lean as the Over 2.5  at -175 offers unplayable value.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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UEFA Champions League: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chelsea vs. Real Madrid odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Chelsea welcomes Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge Wednesday for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Chelsea vs. Real Madrid odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Chelsea sits 3rd on the EPL table. It managed to get to this point in the Champions League by defeating Lyon 4-1 in the first knockout round. It finished second in Group H with a 4-1-1 record, losing the group to Juventus.

Chelsea is expected to be led by M Mason Mount and F Kai Havertz on the attacking half. Having given up only 23 goals in 29 EPL games, its strength is in its defense, although it will be without D Ben Chilwell.

Real Madrid is led by F Karim Benzema, who leads La Liga in scoring. Benzema has 24 goals in 26 matches played this season as Real sits atop La Liga.

Real defeated one of the favorites, PSG, in the first knockout round, losing 1-0 in the first leg and then winning 3-1 in the second with all 3 goals by Benzema.

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:48 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Chelsea +111 (bet $100 to win $111) | Real Madrid +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Draw +235 (bet $100 to win $235)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -150)

[tipico]

Prediction

Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN to the DRAW +235.

These two teams are as close as it comes and both have strength on the defensive side. Chelsea has 5 draws in 14 home matches (7 wins and 2 losses).

Also, it should be without F Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to leave the Blues this summer. That’s going to cripple its attack and Chelseas may struggle against the strong Real defense.

As for Real, it lost to PSG on the road 1-0. It did come back and win at home, but it isn’t necessarily in elite form, having lost 4-0 March 20 to Barcelona.

Considering each teams’ form, I expect a close battle that results in a draw.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 2.5 (-150).

Obviously, Chelsea and Real both did well in the group stage as both are still playing.

However, when faced with quality competition, Real is 1-3 O/U, having taken on Inter twice in the group stage and PSG twice in the first round. Chelsea is 4-4 O/U in Champions League action.

Chelsea doesn’t have an overly strong attack without Lukaku, and its defense is among the EPL’s best. It’s a strong price to pay, but it’s certainly the better side here.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Benfica vs. Liverpool odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Benfica vs. Liverpool odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Benfica will meet Liverpool in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League Tuesday. Kickoff from Estádio da Luz is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Benfica vs. Liverpool odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Liverpool, which sits second on the EPL table and will challenge Manchester City for the top spot, advanced on aggregate against Inter. It won 2-1, losing the second leg 1-0 in the first knockout round.

Liverpool is led by the EPL’s leading scorer, F Mohamed Salah. It features D Virgil van Dijk on a backline that sits second in the EPL in goals allowed. Liverpool is a heavy favorite despite being on the road.

As for Benfica, it sits in 3rd place in the Primeira Liga, the top league in Portugal.

It has scored 70 and allowed 28 in 28 games. It advanced by defeating Ajax 3-2, drawing 2-2 in the first leg. Benfica is led by 22-year-old Uruguay F Darwin Núñez. Nunez has 21 goals on the season.

Benfica vs. Liverpool: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Benfica +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Liverpool -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Draw +400
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +125)

[tipico]

Prediction

Liverpool 3, Benfica 1

Money line (ML)

PASS.

There isn’t a lot I like here. Liverpool at -250 on the road is far pricey. I even think betting on either team to, or not to, score is a difficult play considering how teams play outside of their league.

The total will be the best way to play this game.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-160).

It’s a bit pricey, but it’s the best way to play this.

Liverpool has the EPL’s most dynamic offense, and its dominance should continue here. Salah and F Sadio Mané are a dynamic duo and should pose a huge challenge.

Benfica also has a terrific attack behind Nunez. It scored 7 and allowed 9 in group stage. Considering it hasn’t taken on a team of Liverpool’s caliber, it should struggle to keep up.

Liverpool has scored 77 times in 30 league games while Benfica has been just as amazing offensively. I expect both to have ample opportunity to score. I’d play the price on OVER 2.5 (-160) over the plus-money value at 3.5 (+155).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid visits Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Atletico Madrid did what many were not expecting it to do — go into Old Trafford and come out with a 1-nil win. It was even outshot 11-8 and had 2 fewer shots on target. It drew Man U in the first leg 1-1.

Madrid is led in scoring by F Ángel Correa and F Luis Suarez, both of which have 11 on the season. Madrid sits 3rd in La Liga and has a 7-3-5 road record in league play.

As for Man City, it sits No. 1 in the English Premier League and has been on a dominant tear there. It cruised to a win over Sporting in the first round of the knockout stage, winning on aggregate 5-0.

It is led by a superstar-filled midfield that includes M Jack Grealish and M Kevin de Bruyne. City should be at full strength as it enters its first competitive UEFA Champions League knockout round battle.

Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Manchester City -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Atletico Madrid +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Draw +420
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -122 | U: +100)

[tipico]

Prediction

Manchester City 2, Atletico Madrid 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

The value for both teams not to score at -175 and for the home favorite to win at -300 is just not worth it.

There are only so many good bets when it comes to battles involving Man City considering how dominant it is on a team-specific bet just won’t be in the equation here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 2.5 (+100).

If there’s anything the quarterfinals taught us, it’s that Madrid’s defense is legit. It is allowing just 1.23 goals per game in La Liga competitive and allowed just 8 goals, scoring 7, in the Champions League group stage game.

At the same time, if it taught us anything about its attack, it’s that they aren’t that good, scoring 2 on Man U and totaling just 4 shots on goal through both games.

As for City, it has the best defense in the EPL, and D Kyle Walker will be back from his suspension. It has allowed 18 goals in 30 EPL games and didn’t allow a single goal in either first-round showing.

Man City’s elite midfield play does typically produce goals, so I expect it to get on the board at least once, having averaged 3 goals per game in the group stage.

However, both defenses are good enough to warrant fewer goals being expected.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Juventus vs. Villarreal odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Juventus vs. Villarreal odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Juventus welcomes Villarreal to Allianz Stadium Wednesday for the second leg of their Round of 16 UEFA Champions League matchup. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Juventus vs. Villarreal odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Juventus kicked off the first leg with a quick, 1st-minute goal from F Dusan Vlahovic. Villarreal eventually countered with a goal from M Dani Parejo. Parejo scored in the 66th minute and both teams held on for a 1-1 draw.

Villarreal had 9 shots (3 on goal) in that Feb. 23rd battle while Juventus had 7 (2 on goal).

Juventus conquered Group H to get to the Round of 16 by winning five of its six games. The Italian side scored 10 goals and gave up 6 across those six games. Juventus currently sits 4th in Serie A.

Villarreal won three of its six outings in a Manchester United-led Group F, scoring 12 and allowing 9. It sits 7th in La Liga action with 48 goals scored and 26 conceded through 28 matches.

Juventus vs. Villarreal: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Juventus +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Villarreal +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)

[tipico]

Prediction

Juventus 2, Villarreal 1

Money line (ML)

BET JUVENTUS (+115).

Juventus has won four straight games across all competitions and hasn’t lost outright since a Jan.12 match at Inter.

Both D Giorgio Chiellini, the team’s defensive staple,and F Paulo Dybala, the team’s second-leading scorer, are expected to have some action in the match.

Villarreal’s head coach is reportedly concerned about the fitness of one of the team’s two leading scorers, F Gerard Moreno, who has 8 goals on the season.

While Villarreal had more shots and more possession in the first leg, it has collected 31 league points in 15 home games and 14 league points in 13 away games. It is far worse on the road and may down a key scorer.

I’ll take Juventus to win outright in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the OVER 2.5 (+115).

The value is here for the over. Villarreal was the most aggressive team among its 4 Group Stage teams.

It scored 12 goals in six games and has continued that dominance in its league matches. It has 48 goals in 28 league games, and with five players that have 5 or more goals on the season, it may be able to still produce even if Moreno can’t go.

Juventus scored nearly 2 goals per game in the Group Stage round as well with 10 netted in six games. It has scored 45 in 29 league games.

Both teams have solid, high-quality attacks which could easily produce 3 goals if 16 shots are repeated in the second leg.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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LOSC vs. Chelsea odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LOSC vs. Chelsea odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

LOSC welcomes Chelsea to Stade Pierre-Mauroy Wednesday in the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the LOSC vs. Chelsea odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Chelsea won the first leg at home 2-0.

It wasn’t necessarily an impressive showing for the Blues. Chelsea was out-shot 15-9 despite coming out on top. F Kai Havertz scored in the 8th minute and F Christian Pulisic added to the lead in the 63rd. Chelsea won the possession battle 51% to 49%.

Chelsea sits third on the EPL table and has allowed 19 goals through 28 games, the second-fewest goals in league action. The Blues finished second in Group H to advance to the Round of 16.

LOSC won Group G and currently sits 6th on the Ligue 1 table with 37 goals scored and 35 conceded across 28 league matches.

LOSC vs. Chelsea: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:26 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: LOSC +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Chelsea -106 (bet $106 to win $100) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)

[tipico]

Prediction

Chelsea 1, LOSC 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN to the DRAW (+240).

LOSC is going to put up a better fight at home. It is at full strength while Chelsea is going to be missing several key pieces.

D César Azpilicueta is questionable and D Reece James and D Ben Chilwell are both expected to miss the match. That’s three key defenders for Chelsea. Azpilicueta has captained Chelsea in six of its seven Champions League matches.

LOSC has notched 24 league points in 14 home games this season which compares well to its 19 league points in 14 road matches.

It should put up an effort worthy of a draw with its back against the wall, and it seems like a bet worthy of consideration given how well they played Chelsea in the first leg.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-145).

Chelsea won the first leg 2-0 and it should have no real plans to push the pace knowing it is leading in aggregate.

While Chelsea may have key defenders out, it is a deep side, and the leadership will still be there in 37-year-old D Thiago Silva.

Chelsea’s relationship with F Romelu Lukaku might cause some uncertainty in its attacking, especially with LOSC giving up just 1.25 goals per game.

Both teams allowed just 4 goals in their six Group Stage games. Expect a hard-fought, defensive battle in this one, which would be similar to the first time these two teams met.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

Manchester United welcomes Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford Tuesday. Kickoff for the second leg of their Round of 16 UEFA Champions League matchup. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

The first battle between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 draw Feb. 23. Atletico F Joao Felix scored in the 7th minute in the team’s only shot on goal, despite finishing with 13 total shots. Manchester United tied the game with an 80th-minute goal by F Anthony Elanga. It was just Man U’s second shot on target which suggests Tuesday could be a low-scoring battle.

United is riding high following a 3-2 win over Tottenham Saturday in EPL action. It sits fifth on the EPL table and got to the knockout stage by winning Group F. D Luke Shaw is doubtful and will face a fitness test ahead of Tuesday’s match.

It currently sits fourth on the La Liga table and has conceded 36 goals in 28 matches. Atletico finished second in a Liverpool-dominated Group B. The Spanish side will be down a plethora of players including 26-year-old French M Thomas Lemar for Tuesday’s affair.

 

Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:51 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Manchester City +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Atletico Madrid +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)

[tipico]

Prediction

Manchester United 1, Atletico Madrid 0

Money line (ML)

LEAN to MANCHESTER UNITED (+110).

Man U has played better at home this season. The English side has picked up 27 points off 15 games at Old Trafford compared to 23 points through 14 road games.

United is riding high off a big-time win over a quality EPL opponent as it toppled Tottenham 3-2 Saturday. The victory was powered by a F Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick.

United dominated possession in the first leg 63% to 37%. With its team far healthier, it should be able to find success against Madrid’s talented back end.

Madrid will be without two players that started in the two teams’ first meeting. Being short-handed and on the road means that siding with the home side, Man U, makes more sense here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-145).

There was little offense in the first battle (3 total shots on goal and 2 goals) with Man U not finding success when trying to break down Madrid’s defense.

We highlighted Madrid’s defensive numbers in La Liga earlier. It also allowed just 8 goals across six Group Stage games, 5 of which were against Liverpool. It has one of the best defenses in the world.

Both the players Atletico will miss that started previously are in its midfield which could hurt its ability to transition the ball. Given that and Madrid’s defensive play, it would be shocking to see an abundance of goals in this battle.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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