Sports

The Scout: Champions League Quarter-Finals (Leg 2)

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Barcelona vs Manchester United
17th April, 3am WST

Barcelona appeared borderline lethargic in Leg 1, and while the Spanish giants dominated possession (67%-33%) they managed just six shots on goal en route to a 1-0 victory. This won’t be the case at home, Barcelona are ruthless at Camp Nou and their star players should be well rested for this match.

Unfortunately for Manchester United, their battle for a top four spot in the Premier League means no rest for their key players, and it will take a minor miracle to advance to the semi-finals.

Barcelona will look to attack and pressure a vulnerable Manchester United defense and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them blow this game wide open with three or more goals. This is the kind of game that brings the best out of Lionel Messi and Barcelona haven’t lost in 15 games at Camp Nou.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Barcelona & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.77*

Juventus vs Ajax
17th April, 3am WST

Underdogs Ajax were impressive in the 1-1 draw in Leg 1, and after their miraculous comeback against Real Madrid in the Round of 16, this is far from over. The Dutch side were more than gallant, dominating several key stats including winning the possession battle 61% to 39%.

Juventus did enough in the first leg, a stunning Cristiano Ronaldo header saw them get a much-needed away goal and now they return to a venue where they’ve won their last 11 matches.

Juventus have conceded in three of their last six home games and Ajax are playing incredible attacking football – they had 19 shots on goal in Leg 1 to Juventus’ 7! There should be goals here but ultimately I see the might of Ronaldo leading Juventus to victory.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Juventus & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.50*

FC Porto vs Liverpool
18th April, 3am WST

Two first half goals at Anfield was enough to see Liverpool take command in their quarter-final match up with Porto. The visitors threatened at stages, but ultimately could not penetrate this mighty Liverpool defensive unit.

Porto are undefeated at home in the Champions League and will obviously look to be aggressive from the outset here. An away goal could well be enough be enough for the The Reds to progress, and I think that will be their aim, rather than looking purely to restrict their hosts.

Porto’s last three home games in the Champions League have seen at least three goals. With their need to attack, and the offensive prowess of Liverpool’s Salah, Firmino and Mane, we should see plenty of goals in this one.

Suggested Bet: Over +2.5 Goals @ $1.91*

Manchester City vs Tottenham
18th April, 3am WST

Tottenham made history at their new stadium with a 1-0 win in Leg 1. It came at a cost however, with star striker Harry Kane suffering a severe ankle injury which will see him miss this match. Although the Spurs were able to win in the Premier League last weekend without Kane, Manchester City at home is a completely different beast.

Despite the 1-0 deficit, City will be full of confidence coming into this fixture nearing full strength and having having won 14 of their last 16 matches in all competitions, and their last 11 at Etihad Stadium.

With midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in impeccable form, the Manchester City frontline, spearheaded by Sergio Aguero, should see plenty of opportunities at goal. For City to advance in normal time, they have to win by 2+ goals, and I think they will.

Suggested Bet: Manchester City -1.5 @ $1.82*

*Odds correct as at 6pm WST 16th April 2019.

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