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The second legs of the Champions League Quarter-Finals with all to play for. There will be some shocks in these games or deficits overturned, let’s see if we can predict some!
Aston Villa v PSG – Aston Villa to win or draw
Villa Park will be absolutely electric tonight. The biggest game in 50 years and most of their fans lifetimes. PSG are arguably favourites for the Champions League right now and playing some of the best football in the world. PSG ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Villa in Paris, but something is brewing at Villa Park, and it has become somewhat of a fortress under Unai Emery. Villa have lost one of 13 in Europe as Villa boss at home, and have just once in their last 24 home games in all competitions. Emery stated, “we will win at home”.
Villa sat deep in Paris and soaked up pressure, whilst limiting PSG big chances, it was actually Villa who had the two biggest chances of the game according to the XG. Tonight, Villa will play completely differently in-front of their home crowd and PSG do not have to win the game. Villa or draw is a nice price for our Champions League accumulator bet tonight.
Borussia Dortmund v Barcelona – Both teams to score
Last year’s finalists Borussia Dortmund were thrashed 4-0 in the first leg in Barcelona but also had 13 shots of their own, 6 corners and a 1.45 XG. Barcelona were fantastic, but 4-0 maybe didn’t reflect the game and Dortmund will feel unlucky to not have notched at least a goal to keep the tie slightly open.
Now at home in front of their famous yellow wall, Dortmund have to throw the kitchen sink at Barcelona, who may choose to have some rotation in their line-up give they are four goals ahead.
Based on the chances created last week, and Dortmund have to attach, we think both teams have a very good chance of scoring.
Real Madrid v Arsenal – Real Madrid to win
Rice, Rice baby. What a worldie two strikes they were. We are a week on, and I am still not fully over those free kicks. A very different night is ahead now, though, and nobody is writing off a Madrid come back.
Real Madrid probably should have taken the lead in the first half and created two very good chances before a masterclass of a second half from the home side at the Emirates. Madrid have to attack now and a 3-0 lead could be a scary place to be from Arsenal as they head to Madrid just trying to hold on.
We have seen some huge comebacks over the years from Madrid, but I don’t think they’ll overturn this one. I am predicting a 2-1 home win here, with Arsenal progressing.
Inter Milan v Bayern Munich – Bayern Munich or draw
This looks the pick of the Quarter-Finals for the neutrals, as all is to play for as Milan try to hold on to their slender lead against the German giants.
Milan won the first leg in Munich 2-1 but very much against the run of play, as Munich had 58% of the possession, 20 shots and a 2.3 XG. Milan are a great defensive outfit and I think they’ll play to frustrate Munich here, even given the home advantage.
Bayern have to attack and try to overturn the deficit, and I believe they will win this leg over 90 minutes and potentially take the tie to extra time.
