CL Best Bets – Wednesday
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals - Second Legs
Wednesday, Apr. 17
Games scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET
Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur
The biggest test of Manchester City’s ability to win the quadruple and arguably cement their place in history as England’s greatest ever club team comes on Wednesday against Tottenham.
City rued an early missed penalty by Sergio Aguero as they lost 1-0 in the first game at the newly renovated White Hart Lane.
The match once again called into question two things. First, City’s mental block about the Champions League. They have reached the semis just once - and were meekly knocked out on that occasion. Second, it brought Pep Guardiola’s judgment in big games into question. As against Liverpool at this stage last season, he was outwitted by his opponent and selected a strange team, with Riyad Mahrez starting and Kevin de Bruyne on the bench.
Manchester City are 3/10 to win here - the same price as they are to win when the teams play in the league at the weekend. However I think Tottenham stand a better chance here, simply because they have so much more to play for in this match than in the league game.
Spurs have never been this close to a Champions League semi-final. If they score once, City need three. And if it gets late, Spurs may score on the break. City are narrow favourites, but Spurs look the value bet.Tip: Tottenham or draw double chance at 5/2
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
FC Porto vs. Liverpool
Liverpool got 80 percent of the job done in the first leg of their tie against FC Porto as they beat the Portuguese champions 2-0 at Anfield. They are the heaviest favourite of all to qualify for the semi-finals at a price of 1/33. Jurgen Klopp’s men are 11/10 to win at the Estadio Dragão.
With the title race reaching its climax, Klopp may make a few changes to his starting line-up tonight, and that could give Porto a chance to get on the scoresheet at least. They scored in all their Champions League games and consistently caused Roma problems in their last 16 tie.
Apart from their well deserved win at Bayern Munich, Liverpool have been poor travellers in Europe this season, losing all their away games in the group, including at Red Star Belgrade.
There is nowhere near enough to suggest that Porto can qualify - if Liverpool score the tie is over, but at a price of 3/4, a bet on both teams scoring looks the best play.
Tip: Both teams to score at 3/4
Prediction: FC Porto 1-2 Liverpool
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