The second legs of the Uefa Champions League Round of 16 matches between Juventus and Villarreal and Lille and Chelsea take place on Wednesday night and BetOlimp nail up a whole host of bets.
While Juve are used to early exits in this competition, their opponents won their first European trophy last May. Europa League specialist Unai Emery took them to glory, lifting the trophy for the fourth time. While his Champions League record is nowhere near as good, that European experience can help his side in this tie. He was able to guide the Yellow Submarine to three wins from their final four group games, while they were particularly impressive on the road. Villarreal won their last two trips in the group stage, only losing at United after a last-gasp strike from Ronaldo. That means we can’t rule them out as a threat to Juve’s European progress.
Despite Villarreal’s threat away from home, they haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet on the road in this competition in 10 games. Even Young Boys found a way past them in the group stage, so don’t back them to shut out a Juve side who have scored in each of their last nine matches. However, six of the Italian side’s last eight have seen both teams score. They’ve also only managed to shut out Malmo in their last four games in Europe. Given that Villarreal have conceded in eight of their last nine trips, this game looks good for goals. Following their 1-1 draw last time out, back both teams to score again.
Four of Villareal’s five last 16 Champions League matches have ended level, while they’ve lost only once in eight games. The Spaniards have claimed high-profile draws against Manchester United and Chelsea in the last 12 months, so back them to hold firm in Turin. we're going with a draw in regular time.
Things are a bit all over the place for Chelsea off the pitch at the moment. Their immediate and long-term outlook is uncertain, with Technical Director Petr Cech saying the club is existing day-to-day at the moment. However, they haven’t let any issues show on the pitch. Including extra time, the Blues have won 10 of their last 11 matches. Their only slip in that run was the Carabao Cup final, which they lost on penalties after scoring three disallowed goals. Basically, there’s not much more Thomas Tuchel’s side could have done during a run.
Lille’s French title defence has left them sixth in the table, winning just 11 times in 28 matches. They’ve suffered home defeats to two of the top three, while they scored just once in their three group stage games at home in this competition.
Since Thomas Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have won 10 of their 14 Champions League games to nil. Back the visitors to do that again.
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change.
All of this week's Champions League markets are available here.
Good luck!