This week sees the second legs of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and the UEFA Europa League.
Much drama is expected with quarter-final spots up for grabs, and you can get close to the action at Bet9ja! As Nigeria’s number one sportsbook, we’re the place for you to turn your predictions and football knowledge into some significant cash.
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European giants such as Juventus, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona are in action this week. Have a look below at the best betting odds and tips in our European preview, bet on your favourite teams & win big!
Champions League Round of 16 second leg: Juventus vs Villarreal, Wednesday 16th March 9 pm
The second leg of the last-16 tie between Juventus and Villarreal at the Allianz Stadium couldn’t be better poised. Dusan Vlahovic’s goal on his Champions League debut after just 32 seconds was cancelled out by Dani Parejo in the first leg as the match ended 1-1.
In terms of form, the Old Lady are unbeaten in their past 12 matches in all competitions, following Alvaro Morata’s brace in the 3-1 win away to Sampdoria at the weekend. Juventus are also unbeaten in 10 games at home, and Massimiliano Allegri’s men are favourites to make it through to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2017.
But Unai Emery’s Villarreal are experienced in Europe, having won the Europa League last season. Currently seventh in La Liga, Villarreal head into Wednesday on the back of a 1-0 win against Celta Vigo on Saturday. However, they haven’t qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League since 2009.
Juventus are at odds of around 2.0 to win the match, with Villarreal outsiders at around 4s. With both teams usually strong at the back, don’t expect many goals to be scored, with under 1.5 goals a 3.10 option at Bet9ja. It could even be a close 1-0, and you can get odds of 6.90 for Juventus to win by this scoreline.
Champions League Round of 16 second leg: Lille vs Chelsea, Wednesday 16th March 9 pm
A lot has happened since Chelsea beat Lille 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in late February. Firstly, Thomas Tuchel’s men were defeated by Liverpool 11-10 on penalties in the final of the EFL Cup, but have since won four on the bounce.
Also, Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea after he had his British assets frozen last Thursday. The Blues have won twice since the news, which hasn’t impacted the results on the pitch yet. It was a comfortable 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge against the French Champions last month, with Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic scoring for the Champions League holders.
Although the Ligue 1 holders haven’t lost in three matches since playing Chelsea in the first leg, Lille are underachieving sixth position in the French League and face a challenging task to overturn the deficit. That’s why Lille are at odds of more than 12 to qualify for the quarter-finals at Bet9ja, with Chelsea just 1.03. The Blues will be hard to beat, and knowing a draw at odds of around 3.60 is all that’s needed to qualify.
Europa League Round of 16 second leg: Galatasaray vs Barcelona, Thursday 17th March 6:45 pm
Last week’s goalless draw in the first leg of this Europa League Round of 16 tie was a surprise considering Barcelona’s upturn in fortunes under Xavi. However, the 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna on the weekend made it 10 unbeaten in all competitions, scoring 26 in the process. January singings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres have both adapted brilliantly to life at the Catalan giants, scoring six and five times respectively.
Their Turkish counterparts have struggled this season. They are currently underachieving in 14th position in the Super Lig, worryingly closer to the relegation zone than the European qualification places. Considering Barcelona’s recent form and goalscoring prowess, it’s hard to look beyond them at odds of 1.38. That goalscoring form could make Over 3.5 goals at 2.5 or Over 4.5 goals at more than 4 viable selections.
Europa League Round of 16 second leg: West Ham vs Sevilla, Thursday 17th March 9 pm
It’s been a memorable season for both West Ham and Sevilla, which will continue for one of them after this second leg at the London Stadium. The Spanish side have the advantage after a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, thanks to a Munir El Haddadi goal on the hour mark. It was an even game until then, but it’s still all to play for.
West Ham’s 2-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday means David Moyes’ men are still hunting for Champions League qualification, three points off fourth in the sixth position.
But Sevilla are enjoying a fine season of their own, currently sitting second in La Liga, seven points off leaders Real Madrid and looking for a first top-three finish in the Spanish top flight since 2008. As a result, Julen Lopetegui’s side will be slight favourites to make it through to the last eight of a competition they have won a record six times, including as recently as 2020.
West Ham are more than 2.20 to win on the night, with a draw and a Sevilla win both 3.30. Sevilla know a draw will be enough to guarantee progression, so could that be a winning selection? Don’t forget to check out our combined markets, which include predicting the match result and Over/Under along with an array of Double Chance and other Goal/No Goal combinations.
Come check out our great odds and markets on another crucial midweek of European action! And if you haven’t already signed up, make the most of the biggest Welcome Offer bonus in Nigeria once you make your first deposit.
