Who are you backing to win the Champions League this season? Paris Saint-Germain, one of the leading contenders for European glory in 2018/19, have a two-goal cushion to defend against Manchester United in Paris on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils will be without the suspended Paul Pogba for that game but United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains positive. If the Norwegian can mastermind a come-from-behind win here, the club may decide to give him a 25-year contract.
Meanwhile, Porto take on AS Roma in Wednesday’s second Champions League clash. Much of the focus has been on United’s trip to Paris but this may turn out to be the better contest – Roma will take a slender 2-1 lead to Portugal ahead of the second leg.
Enough chitchat, let’s look at Wednesday’s Champions League odds. Tuesday’s European double worked out at 9/2 – Wednesday’s double is a tad shorter at 5/2 but it looks tasty. Scroll down for my best bets ahead of March 6th.
FC PORTO vs AS Roma
Recent form suggests that Porto may struggle on Wednesday night. The hosts have won just three of their previous seven matches in all competitions and Roma will be wary of Porto’s recent struggles.
Saturday’s defeat to Benfica has handed the initiative to their rivals in the Primeira Liga title race. However, they have won five of their last six Champions League home games – scoring 16 goals in those victories.
Roma had won four on the spin prior to Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Lazio. The Serie A outfit were involved at the quarter-final stage last season and punters will fancy Roma at 11/20 to move on to the next round.
The visitors will know that an away goal might be enough to secure safe passage to the last eight. Roma’s defence will be quietly confident of keeping Porto at bay on Wednesday night – the first goal in this contest will be crucial.
Yes, Porto have struggled in recent fixtures but EVS for the hosts to win is a huge price. The Portuguese outfit have given themselves a chance of progression with that away goal and Roma will be wary of an early onslaught.
I’m expecting a low-scoring affair. 23/20 for under 2.5 goals could turn out to be one of the bets of the tournament.
TIP: Porto to win @ EVS
PREDICTED SCORE: Porto 1-0 Roma (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs MANCHESTER UNITED
It has been a case of ‘no Neymar, no problem’ for PSG in recent weeks. The Ligue 1 giants have won their last eight games in all competitions and another victory could be on the cards at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
United are up against it here – even the most pro-Solskjaer fan can admit that. For the Red Devils to advance to the next round, they will need a minor miracle. Channeling the spirit of 1998/99 could prove useful ahead of the trip to Paris.
Despite their injury woes, United are still a very good team. Confidence is sky high and the visitors will fancy their chances of nicking a goal.
Should the Red Devils score first, they will stand an outside chance of upsetting the odds. Both teams to score looks like the way to go here.
3/4 for a goal at both ends offers punters value – especially considering United’s recent prowess in the final third. The Red Devils may fall short in their pursuit of qualification but they will give it a good go.
The 33/20 for over 3.5 goals is well worth considering here. Even with the likes of Neymar and Pogba ruled out, there is still enough offensive talent for this one to be a thriller.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4
PREDICTED SCORE: PSG 2-1 Man United (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
