The Champions League play-offs conclude this week, and there is still so much to play for.
Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus each trail in their ties, while Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge is locked at 3-3.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain lead AS Monaco 3-2, while Real Madrid take on Benfica at the Bernabeu with a slender 1-0 advantage.
All these ties promise plenty of footballing drama, and here are some sports betting online picks for this week’s action, complete with the latest available Champions League odds.
*All odds are subject to change
Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt: Anytime goalscorer – Pio Esposito @ 2.28
Young striker Esposito has been in solid form for Inter in recent weeks. The Italian ace scored his side’s goal in the 3-1 defeat at Bodo/Glimt last week, and has netted three times in seven previous Serie A appearances, including a strike in the last home fixture against Juventus (3-2). With Lautaro Martinez ruled out of this second leg with injury, Esposito should partner Marcus Thuram up top for Inter to forge a very physical front two. And while Thuram has the extra experience at this level, we are backing the young buck to deliver the crucial blow in the final third at San Siro.
Newcastle vs Qarabag: Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.94
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will heavily rotate his XI for this second leg after a 6-1 win at Qarabag last week. The Magpies have basically already qualified for the Round of 16, so can take things a little easier at St James’ Park. Expect plenty of fringe players to be drafted into the hosts’ XI, a tactic which increases the chance of Qarabag getting on the scoresheet once again. The side from Azerbaijan have netted at least once in the last five games across all competitions, so clean sheets may be very hard to come by here.
Juventus to beat Galatasaray @ 1.52
Juve trail 5-2 in this tie, so to say the Bianconeri have a lot of work to do in Turin is something of an understatement. In truth, it is a comeback task which looks close to impossible, however, the Champions League loves to deliver unexpected twists. That being said, we still expect Juve to triumph in this second leg and make things a little edgy for Gala. Yes, Luciano Spalletti’s lost 2-0 at home to FC Como on the weekend, a result which is far from ideal preparation. But Gala also lost 2-0 away from home last Saturday, and suffered defeats in each of the last two on the road in this competition vs Monaco (1-0) and Manchester City (2-0).
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco: Anytime goalscorer – Desire Doue @ 2.08
Doue changed the game for PSG last week, coming off the bench to score two brilliant goals and help complete a 3-2 comeback win in Monaco. The young star also scored a third-minute opener against Metz on the weekend, and Luis Enrique says he should be ready for this second leg after coming off early in that contest. With Ousmane Dembele out injured, the stage is set for Doue to be PSG’s main man in attack once again, a responsibility he should take in his stride.
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