The 2015/16 UEFA Champions League enters its knockout phase from Wednesday morning as some of the world’s best clubs continue to vie for one of football’s most sought-after trophies.
PSG and Chelsea meet in the first of their two leg tie on Wednesday morning this week, while Real Madrid travel to Roma early on Thursday.
We’re offering the best odds on a wide range of markets for all eight matches in Leg 1 of the Champions League Round of 16!
Paris St Germain vs Chelsea
French Champions PSG meet Premier League winners Chelsea at the Parc des Princes early Wednesday morning Australian time for the first of their two leg tie. PSG were drawn alongside Real Madrid in the ‘Group of Death’ (Pool A), but were far from disgraced on their way to second overall and comfortably advanced to the knockout phase of the Champions League. Chelsea were the surprise packets of the pool stage of the Champions League when considering their form at home; topping Group G following a number of impressive performances. While second in their group, PSG’s form at home and in Europe through recent seasons cannot be ignored and at home, they’ll probably be too great a task for Chelsea.
Benfica vs Zenit St Petersburg
One of the more well-contested matches in the Round of 16 will likely occur when Benfica and Zenit St Petersburg meet in Portugal on Wednesday morning this week. Benfica were drawn in the ‘Group of Life’ (Pool C) this campaign but were not indestructible; finishing second to Atletico Madrid on 10 competition points. Zenit were far from troubled on their way to top spot in Group H and undoubtedly face their biggest task to date in the Benfica. In current form and at home Benfica probably deserve favouritism however Zenit represent terrific value for money at current $3.80 odds to win.
Gent vs Wolfsburg
Belgian club Gent are a surprise including in the Round of 16 and face a tough task in progressing past German club Wolfsburg into the final eight. A crucial win over Valencia saw the Belgian champions through to the knockout phase of the tournament and they club have continued to build in form since; currently tied atop standings in their domestic league with Club Brugge. Wolfsburg’s form at home on the other hand has slipped somewhat since losing Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City and they will have to dominate possession early if they are to beat Gent on Thursday.
Roma vs Real Madrid
Group E runners up Roma host Real Madrid in what could be one of the more one-sided affairs in the Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday morning. Roma were lucky to scrape through to the second phase of the competition; drawn on only six points alongside German club Bayer Leverkusen but ahead on a countback, while Real Madrid dominated Group A from the outset; winning five matches and drawing only one. Even at home, Roma probably face too great a task in the class and depth of the Madrid roster.
Arsenal vs Barcelona
In-form English giants Arsenal host arguably the world’s best team in Barcelona on the morning of Wednesday, February 24th. The Gunners continued England’s consistency in progressing from the pool stages at the Champions League second behind Bayern Munich in Group F, while Barcelona were never in doubt on their way to top spot above Roma in Group E. Arsenal will be full of confidence after defeat Leicester City in the Premier League, but it will take a monumental effort to take the upper hand in this tie to the second leg in Spain.
Juventus vs Bayern Munich
2014/15 runners up Juventus host 2013/14 champions Bayern Munch in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, February 24th. Juventus ran a close second to Manchester City in Group D and have not been close to as consistent as they were in last year’s tournament, while Bayern Munich were another club who were barely bothered on their way to topping Group F. Both teams currently lead the way in their respective domestic tournaments which undoubtedly adds an extra element to their Champions League tie. Bayern Munich are a serious chance of winning this competition this season and represent great value as $2.40 favourites.
PSV Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid
Consistent Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven play host to Atletico Madrid in the first of their two leg tie on the morning of Thursday, February 25th. PSV snuck under the radar on their way to second in Group B; seeing off opponents like Manchester United and CSKA Moscow, while Atletico beat Benfica to the line in Group C. In considering Atletico Madrid will probably be far too good for PSV to beat at home, the result of this match is sure to be crucial. A low-scoring draw is worth consideration in win-draw-win markets.
Dynamo Kiev vs Manchester City
Ukraine champions Dynamo Kiev face a somewhat out of sorts Manchester City in the Round of 16 of this seasons’ Champions League. Tied atop standings in the Ukraine Premier League with Shakhtar Donetsk, Kiev are a proven performer in Europe’s headline competition and will be confident of defeating a City side who rarely progress further than the pool stage. City undoubtedly have one eye focused on next season’s campaign after signing two-time Champions League winner Pep Guardiola but realistically, remain a chance of progression this time. City have a terrible record on the road in Europe and will likely win this tie at their home leg.