European action is back this week as Champions League teams commence the 2nd leg of their Round of 16 ties, and the Europa League kick-off the Round of 16!
Chelsea vs Dortmund
Chelsea will have work to do as the team tries to bounce back from a 1-0 first-leg defeat. The Blues went on to lose to Southampton and Tottenham, until recently securing a 1-0 win over Leeds United. Unfortunately, the win marked their first in their last 7 competitive bouts. Yet again, Graham Potter is struggling to find a consistent goal scorer in his side, as the Blues have failed to score any or more than 1 goal in the last 12 competitive games. Considering Dortmund`s form, this is unlikely to change on the night.
Although the underdogs, Dortmund goes into the game in exceptional form, having won 10 consecutive games across all competitions. They travel to London on the back of a strong run after the first-leg victory, having won all 3 of the following games. Contrastingly to the Blues, who have won just 2 of their 12 games in 2023, BVB has won 100% of their games in 2023. It is clear on the form that Dortmund are on the right track, while Chelsea is trying to get out of the mud, but one thing for certain is that both sides will go all out in this game. Therefore, we expect Dortmund to win, and over 2.5 goals.
Bayern vs PSG
Bayern Munich has yet again gotten the best of the Parisians with a 1-0 win in Paris in their first-leg clash. Unfortunately, the Bavarians followed up with a 3-2 fumble in M`Gladbach but quickly recovered with 2 consecutive league victories. Heading into the second leg, the Bavarians hold an outstanding advantage of being unbeaten in their last 23 successive games on home soil. In their favour, the Bavarians are also considered to be the clear favourites in this clash, and it is going to be hard for PSG to perform at the iconic Allianz Arena.
PSG went on an unstoppable, goal-scoring streak after taking the first-leg defeat – having won all 3 of the following games and scoring 11 goals. To their disadvantage, the Parisians have lost half of their 8 competitive away games in 2023, and it is unlikely to be easier being in Munich, however, they did manage to secure a 3-2 victory at the Allianz back in 2021 and knock Bayern out in the quarterfinal. Considering that both sides have been playing in excellent forms and their previous encounters, it is difficult to predict a winner in this one. However, we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Manchester Untied vs Real betis
A scoreline for the ages – 7-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was Manchester United`s fate in their last EPL appearance. Although many may jump ship, we have to consider that this was United`s only 2nd loss in their last 21 games since the World Cup return. The Red Devils managed to secure a 4-3 victory over Barcelona in the Round of 32 and are currently the clear favourites in this match-up. Considering that Erik ten Hag will demand a response from his side, we expect to see a much better display from the Devils.
Real Betis has played in great form leading up to the game – having won 3 consecutive games and drawing just one against Real Madrid in their last 4. A cause for concern is their lack of defensive strength, having conceded a minimum of 1 goal in 5 of their last 6 games. Still, Betis can be problematic for United, seeing that they are currently chasing the Top 4 and even holding Real Madrid to a draw. Although we expect Manchester United to win, it will certainly not be easy and we are anticipating over 2.5 goals.
We hope you have a great week!