UEFA Champions League - Round Of 16 Preview - Predictions and Free Tips



Tips and predictions for the Round of 16 matches featuring Tottenham, Manchester City and the top match of the day - Real Madrid vs. PSG.

Champions League free tips

UEFA - Champions League Preview - Round Of 16

The time has finally arrived for the most prestigious tournament in club football to resume play, with the Round of 16 having been set at the end of 2017, each club have had several months to game plan for their upcoming opponents.

Based on the specific match ups that were drawn at the UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, there is certain to be high drama throughout the European landscape.with the multitude of world class talent, and creative styles of play.

Each club participating are coming off domestic matches over the weekend, with as much quality offered up throughout each squad at this point in the format, the combination of games should not effect the performances provided during the first leg of competitions, always be aware of those type of scenarios when investing in European matches, the more research applied to each fixture the greater the chance for maximum returns.

Enjoy the opening rounds of these two legged affairs, with so much at stake over the next few months, we as spectators and Investors are sure to see the very best football in the world, as these worthy participants march to Kiev, Ukraine for the finals in May.


20404 Juventus - 20405 Tottenham

J-Stadium, Turin, Italy

2-13-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

The premier match on day one involves north London side Tottenham taking their talented squad to Italy, where they are set to face off with the "Old Lady" of Juventus at the majestic J- Stadium in Turin, with both clubs having similar styles of play this should be a highly contested event.

Each side know there are two games to be played over the next 2 weeks, so neither team will want to give an inch as they know this tournament is a marathon and not a sprint.

Tottenham start the Round of 16 on a high note, having defeated fellow north London side Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley stadium over the weekend, their focus quickly shifted to breaking down a Juventus back-line who have failed to concede a goal in their last 13 matches in all competitions.

Spurs have had a rather smooth path to this spot in the draw, having blown through two perennial powers in Borussia Dortmund and defending Champs Real Madrid, the Londoners topped the table with a record of 5-1-0.

With a total of 16 points, the Premier League representatives finished 3 points clear of their closest rival.

Mauricio Pochettino has a fantastic opportunity to prove his worth as a world class manager on the European stage, having failed to win any trophies during his tenure with the club, the Argentine head man is in a spot to lead Spurs too their first European Silverware since 1963.

Pochettino has been tasked with a formidable obstacle having drawn the Italian giants who have become Champions League regulars, Juve have proven to be one of the best defensive outfits in the world, while also possessing electric talent within their front-line players.

Spurs are set to stick with their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation which has brought them a tremendous amount of success to date, as many know who follow the club, Tottenham like to get out an run at any given opportunity to strike, their counter attacking and swift through ball game continues to evolve from week to week, much like many of the larger clubs in Europe they do prefer a possession based style of play, as they are content on playing through the both the middle of the pitch and down the wings with their list of attacking starlets.

Tottenham are also above average in creating their own offense through individual skill on the ball, the Spurs front-line players have the ability to create space to get their shots off on a consistent basis in the final third of the pitch, while also using Set Pieces and Direct Free Kicks to their advantage with the likes of Christina Eriksen providing service into the box.

England International Harry Kane will no doubt draw much of the attention from the Juventus defenders, the young striker continues to shine and exceed all expectations as he solidifies himself as one of the best finishers in the world, much like Pochettino the Tottenham center forward has the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of club football.

Kane will surely have a marker attached to him at all times, as he faces his toughest test to date in getting on the score sheet against the Old Lady, with 34 Goals scored in all competitions the Spurs standout is invaluable to the overall success of his boyhood team.

Tottenham have been steady away from home in the current EUFA format, getting on the score sheet in each away fixture, while scoring an average of 1.7 Goals per match in their first 3 Champions League road games.

The Tottenham defense has stayed organized during their travels, the Spurs back-line have kept their powerful opponents to 0.7 Goals per match in their first 3 Champions League road games.

Juventus are set to welcome yet another opponent to Turin, the hosts are clearly a Championship or bust type of club, after continuing to play bridesmaid over the past few years, the Italian giants enter this competition with one singular goal of lifting the Finals hardware.

Juve much like their English opponents experienced league success heading into Tuesdays contest, after grabbing a controversial 0-2 decision against Fiorentina on Friday, the Italian champs had a extra day to prepare for this Round of 16 match up.

The Zebra's have had to fight a bit harder for their place in the big dance having failed to win Group D, the Old Lady had to settle for 2nd place with 11 points and a overall record 3-2-1, making their march to Ukraine a bit more challenging this season.

Massimiliano Allegri will have quite a few decisions to make ahead of Tuesdays fixture, the Italian head man is dealing with a slew of injuries to his star studded rotation, with Paulo Dybala's status still up in the air, Juan Cuadrado is a confirmed  scratch.

It will be interesting to see how Allegri plays the first leg, if he is willing to go for it knowing how important a lead can be going back to England.

The Juve alignment is quite similar to their English opposition, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 - 4-3-3 formation the Italians also enjoy a heavy ball possession philosophy in play, while being very strong down the wings and also having a tremendous center forward to attack through the middle of the pitch, the Old Lady also offer skillful players who can create their own offense and are very effective in Set Pieces and Direct Free Kicks.

Gonzalo Higuain will hold the mantle as the primary danger man at the top of the Juventus line, as the Argentine just scores goal, after his big money move from Napoli in the summer of 2016, he has not missed a beat in his own methodical way of hitting the back of the net, with 19 Goals scored in all competitions, Higuain will no doubt draw much of the attention from the Spurs defenders.

Douglas Costa and Miralem Pjanic are two other players to watch in the Juventus attack, with Costa's pace down the wings he will continue to test the visitors to get back and keep the Brazilian from causing havoc, while Pjanic much like Eriksen is very influential as the service provider, he can also easily flip a tight match from a Direct Free kick with his precise ball placement, the Bosnian goes under the radar much of the time, but his presence is invaluable to the hosts progressing to the next round.

Juventus posted double figures in 2 of their first 3 Group Stage fixtures, while scoring an average of 1.3 Goals in their last 3 Champions League home games.

The Juventus defense has been outstanding to say the least, keeping 2 clean sheets while at the J-Stadium, Juve conceded 0.33 Goals in their last 3 Champions League home games.

Prediction:,

This match has all makings of a highly contested affair, it will be quite difficult to see a high scoring output with the organization shown by each sides defense coming into the Round of 16.

Even so their are some interesting stats and trends heading into this fixture, Juventus are undefeated in 19 of their last 21 Champions League matches, while Tottenham have won 6 out of their last 7 Champions League games.

Tottenham have also been highly effective in putting the ball in the back of the net, scoring a minimum of 2 Goals in 5 of their last 6 Champions League matches, while seeing the Total Exceed 2.5 Goals in 7 of their last 8 European fixtures.

Juventus have been on the other side of the spectrum, seeing the Total go Under 2.5 in their last 3 Champions League games.

Expect both clubs to be looking into a mirror once they step onto the pitch together, each are in possesion of superior center forwards and dynamic wingers, while normally enjoying a bulk of the possession in their opponents side of the pitch, and being above average in set piece and direct free kick situations.

I am not anticipating a large amount of shots on target in the first leg, with either club having any significant weaknesses if any, I see it being very difficult for the front-line players to get a high amount of clean looks on goal, with so much attention to detail being drawn up on the defensive side of the ball, attackers should have a long day at the office.

Add in world class Goal Keepers on both sides who add an extra dimension on the back-end, goals will be at a premium through this two legged affair.

Tips:

Draw   +225 / 3.25 - Full Game

Tottenham  +0.25  -135 / 1.74 - 1st Half Spread

Tottenham  +0.5  -120 / 1.83 - Full Game Spread


*Bonus Tips - Day One*

20401 Basel - 20402 Manchester City

2-13-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

Manchester City  -0.5  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Spread

Manchester City  -1.5  -105 / 1.95 - Full Game Spread

Manchester City - Team Total Over  2  -135 / 1.74 - Goals

Manchester City To Win and Over  2.5  Goals  -115 / 1.87


20410 Real Madrid - 20411 PSG

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain

2-14-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

The showcase match of the opening round takes place in Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu will host a spectacular event as the Parisians of PSG take their high powered show on the road, they are scheduled to meet 2 time defending Champions League champs Real Madrid in what should be a instant classic.

PSG travel back to Spain after last seasons debacle, after taking a 4-0 lead to Barcelona, the Paris side blew their huge lead on aggregate to be eliminated in historical fashion from the European tournament, now with a new look squad the Red and Blues are focused on dethroning Los Blancos, while lifting the Silverware in Kiev.

The Parisians cruised to the Round of 16, posting a overall record of 5-0-1 with a Goal Differential of +21 in route to winning Group B.

Unai Emery has been saddled with a tremendous amount of pressure on his back, the Spanish manager is expected to win the Treble or risk being sacked based on the money spent in the transfer market to build this Super-Team.

Emery was granted a second season by the front office after being ousted from the Champions League, on top of not winning France's Ligue 1, the PSG head man seems to have responded by getting the maximum effort from his squad, the Paris club have dominated on both fronts through the first half of the campaign.

PSG have been stead fast with a 4-3-3 formation, their side is unquestionably one the top 5 attacking alignments in the world, if not the best.

The Parisians enjoy a fast pace within their offense, with world class wingers Emery's men routinely slice their opponents up on the break, the guests are highly equipped at finding the open man with pin-point passing, while breaking down defenses with their precise runs in the final third of the pitch.

Neymar also makes his triumphant return to Spain, after spending several years in La Liga perfecting his craft, the Brazilian now takes the spotlight after his massive (€222 million) transfer in the summer from Barcelona.

The versatile play-maker was brought to Paris just for these type of occasions, PSG were always expected to win Domestically, but the true test comes during Champions League play, and after several years of failing to advance to the finals.

The addition of Neymar is believed to be the missing key in the Parisians capturing their first European title, with 27 Goals and 14 Assists compiled in all competitions, the investment has already paid dividends up to this point.

Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe are also to be feared on Wednesday night, Real Madrid will be equally worried about Neymar's running mates as they have proven to be just as much as a threat in the attacking half, with 44 combined Goals scored in all competitions, look for the two-some to play off the Brazilian in arguably the most dangerous front-line in the world.

PSG have been an unstoppable force during their travels to start the European campaign, scoring an average of 3.3 Goals per match in their first 3 Champions League road games.

The PSG defense often gets overlooked with such a star studded attack, but the back-end has been respectable while posting 2 clean sheets, and conceding an average of 1 Goal per match in their first 3 Champions League road games.

Real Madrid enter Wednesday's match with a point to prove, after a terrible start to the domestic season by their high standards, Los Blancos are left with the Champions League to validate their status among the top clubs in the world, the Spanish giants are known for being a different side once European competitions start, but the route to a 3rd straight title could not be more complicated having drawn the powerful PSG team in the Round of 16.

The Whites did not help themselves by failing to win Group H, with a overall record of 4-1-1 the hosts finished 2nd to Tottenham with 13 points, drawing the 2nd seed in the group has put Madrid at a disadvantage in having to play the final leg away from home.

Zinedine Zidane welcomes his native country's top team to the Santiago Bernabéu for this must see event, the Frenchman has endured a trying year after pushing all the right buttons over the past 2 seasons, he has faith he will get the best showing out of his underachieving squad during the first leg.

Cristiano Ronaldo has to be fully enthused with the arrival of Champions League play, the Portuguese tally's man comes alive during European competitions, having struggled domestically to meet up to his lofty standards.

Ronaldo always seems to save his best performances for the biggest events, with 9 Goals scored in just 6 appearances during the Groups Stages, expect the Madrid danger man to make his presence known against the PSG defenders.

The full compliment of "BBC" attackers will also be in tact as the match day starts, with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema both returning from injuries earlier in the season, both are now at full strength giving Los Blancos a fully fit line at the top of their 4-3-3 formation, with 15 combined Goals scored in all competitions, the guests must not overlook the accomplished strikers during their travels.

Real Madrid have been potent on their own pitch, the  Madridistas have scored an average of 2.3 Goals per match in their first 3 Champions League home games.

The Whites defense will get its toughest test over the past 3 years in European play, the hosts have been steady while conceding 1 Goal per match in their first 3 Champions League home games.

Prediction:

When this match was drawn it immediately drew the majority of the interest with these two high powered teams meeting this early in the tournament, with both clubs preferring to go forward as their main strategy of success, we will no doubt receive a great gift on Valentines day.

The offensive numbers have been staggering for these two sides up to this point, PSG has seen the Total Exceed 2.5 Goals in their last 13 matches during Champions League play, while Real Madrid have particpated in the Total Exceeding 2.5 Goals in 18 of their last 19 games during European competitions.

This match will certainly see Goals by both clubs, which so much world class attacking talent possessed on the pitch at one time, we should see a frantic pace with both super teams who love to get out an run as much as possible.

Counter attacking football is a huge part of what both teams do well, with PSG holding the slight advantage in that category, as the Madrid back-line have found themselves struggling to defend in those types of situationsduring the first part of the season.

Both Teams also struggle to defend players who can create their own offense, so we should see goals generated from individual brilliance on both sides of the ball.

Defending Aerial duels also haunt each team, so be aware during Set Pieces and Direct Free Kicks as opposing clubs will look to take advantage of those specific scenarios.

This match up would be fitting of a 2-2 score-line heading back to Paris, backing multiple goals by each powerful side has to be the way to go based on the personal, and styles of play.

Tips:

Draw  +275 / 3.75  -  Full Game

Over  1.25  -120 / 1.83 - Total 1st Half Goals 

Over  1.5  -140 / 1.71 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over  3.25  -105 / 1.95 - Total Full Game Goals

PSG - Team Total  Over  1.5  -115 / 1.87 - Goals

Real Madrid - Team Total  Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -140 / 1.71


*Bonus Tip - Day Two*

20407 Porto - 20408 Liverpool

2-14-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -110 / 1.91


Best Of Luck To All


Sign-up for the OSGA Newsletter!

Every week get news and updates, exclusive offers and betting tips delivered right to you email inbox.