CL Best Bets – Tuesday
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 - First Legs
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Games scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET
Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich
Liverpool are narrow outsiders to qualify against Bayern Munich, but they look good value both to go through and to win the first leg at Anfield at a price of 23/20.
Although their league form has faltered slightly, Jürgen Klopp’s side remain in slight control of the Premier League title race, and their run to last year’s Champions League final proves that they are a big force in Europe as well. They have not lost in 19 consecutive home European matches, and the home advantage of Anfield could prove the difference on Tuesday night.
Liverpool got the better of PSG and Napoli at home in the group stages, and it could be crucial that they have had a weekend off as their rivals competed in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
One big problem is the absence of Virgil van Dijk, which is compounded by the fact that Dejan Lovren is also unlikely to feature. Bayern have been better in recent years, but their attack can still hurt Liverpool.However, in a match that is likely to be open, 23/20 about the home side looks good value.
Tip: Liverpool at 23/20
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Bayern Munich
Lyon vs. Barcelona
It is a long time since Lyon dominated Ligue 1 with an astonishing haul of consecutive title wins, but their performances in this year’s group stage show that they will be no easy task for Barcelona in the last 16.
Bruno Genesio's side became the first side in France to beat PSG this season, winning 2-1 against the champions earlier this month, and they collected four points from their group-stage contests against Manchester City. They were very unlucky not to beat the English champions at home in a 2-2 draw and caused Pep Guardiola’s men more problems than the vast majority of Premier League teams.
There is one huge problem for Lyon here. Their talisman, Nabil Fekir, is suspended, which makes the 18/5 about the home side seem less tempting, although Memphis Depay is able to produce moments of magic.
Barcelona have been involved in some frenetic Champions League ties over recent years, but it may be worth backing a low-scoring game at relatively long odds here. Barca have won only seven of their last 19 away matches in the Champions League, and they would probably take a draw here. This game may be less open than expected.
Tip: Lyon 1-1 Barcelona
Prediction: Under 2.5 at 6/4
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