THERE are some big cup games spread across Europe tonight but none bigger than Barcelona v Valencia.
The European champions haven't been their sparkling self of late and will face a tough test in the Nou Camp.
However, having fought out a 1-1 draw away the advantage is with Barca and I can see them reaching the Final with a narrow win.
Barcelona are a biggest 2-7 with Ladbrokes and BetVictor despite winning one of their last four. However, their opponents have been victorious just once in their last five which is why they are
5-1 at boylesports.
The last two meetings between the sides have been score draws but I can see Barca edging this one, possibly 2-1 which is a repeat of their weekend win against Sociedad.
Bet365 make Valencia 6-1 to qualify and a 2-2 draw would do while 1-1 (10-1, Coral) would force extra time.
Best bet could be over 2.5 goals but it pays just 8-15 at Ladbrokes but it has come up in six of the last eight meetings.
Barca have fallen seven points behind Real Madrid in the title race during their poor run and will still be without the likes of Andres Iniesta and Pedro but playmaker Xavi could be back after a two-match absence.
He is 10-3 with bet365 to score while first-scorer favourite as usual is Lionel Messi who can't be counted out despite looking jaded in some recent matches. Messi is 12-5 at Betfred to hit the opener.
For Valencia the dangerman is Roberto Soldado who is 10-1 with Skybet to break the deadlock and 7-2 to score.
In Italy, AC Milan entertain Juventus in the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-final.
Both sides drew 0-0 in the league at the weekend and this could be another cagey affair.
Going into the domestic cup tie injuries remain a headache for AC boss Massimiliano Allegri who will be without the likes of Antonio Cassano, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alberto Aquilani, Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Merkel and Rino Gattuso among others.
Veteran stopper Alessandro Nesta is also out with a muscle strain and although Zlatan Ibrahimovic picked up a three-match league ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica he is available and could indeed start against his former team.
Juve will be missing only winger Simone Pepe and boss Antonio Conte is expected to start new signing Marco Borriello up front.
Four of the last five meetings have been under three goals and with the second leg to come this could be another. It pays 4-6 with the likes of Ladbrokes and bet365.
Recommendations
Messi to score first
(12-5, Betfred)
Under 2.5 goals at MIlan
(4-6, Ladbrokes, bet365)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Paul will you be backing ivory coast and or Ghana?
Matthew, sorry didn’t respond yesterday but I’d have said Ivory Coast as they were in my treble. I couldn’t call the Ghana so was a no bet for me.
hi paul got any accumulator tips for tonights games?
George, didn’t put any up because of shortage of games but I suppose you could try Sunderland and Celtic as I have tipped plus Ivory Coast in the African Nations and if you are sure Borussia M are putting out a strong side they should win at Hertha Berlin. Check for call-offs as I know there were some doubts over French Cup ties.