There are some blockbuster ties to look forward to in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on Wednesday night, with the first legs set to give a clue as to how each tie could go.
The earlier kick-off sees league phase table toppers Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen away from home, while perhaps the standout clash of the later kick-offs is Real Madrid hosting Manchester City in what will be the 12th meeting between two of the heavyweights in this competition in just six years!
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also host Chelsea in a repeat of last summer's FIFA Club World Cup final, while the clash of the underdogs sees Bodo/Glimt host Sporting.
Make sure to check out our expert and best betting tips from Wednesday's Champions League matches below:
Today's Champions League betting tips and predictions
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal (17:45)
Bayer Leverkusen host Arsenal on Tuesday at the BayArena in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with both sides looking to take control of the tie before the return leg in London.
Click here to read our full expert preview for this match
Tip 1: Arsenal win & over 1.5 goals
Arsenal to win with over 1.5 total goals stands out as a strong betting angle when they travel to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16.
Arsenal have been the most dominant side in the competition during the league phase. They won all eight matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding only four while producing a +19 goal difference. The Gunners also opened the scoring in every one of their eight Champions League fixtures this season.
Their attacking process underlines that dominance. Arsenal generated 20.31 xG from 135 shots while hitting 63 shots on target and creating 44 big chances, the second highest total in the tournament. That attacking pressure resulted in an average of 2.88 goals per match.
Leverkusen’s defensive record suggests Arsenal will find opportunities again in this match. The Bundesliga side conceded 14 goals across their eight Champions League matches and allowed 13.07 xG against during the league phase.
There is also a significant difference in attacking production between the sides. Leverkusen generated 113 shots and 26 big chances across the campaign, well below Arsenal’s attacking output.
Arsenal’s recent scoring form in the competition strengthens the case for goals. They have scored three or more goals in each of their last six Champions League matches, highlighting the consistency of their attacking structure.
The Gunners also arrive with strong momentum after eight consecutive Champions League victories. Their ability to control matches, create high volumes of shots and generate big chances has made them one of the most productive teams in the tournament.
With Arsenal regularly scoring multiple goals and Leverkusen conceding consistently against stronger attacking sides, the combination of an Arsenal win with over 1.5 goals fits the statistical profile of the matchup.
Tip 2: Arsenal to score over 1.5 goals & Leverkusen to be carded
Real Madrid vs Man City (20:00)
Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night for a blockbuster Champions League round of 16 clash.
Click here to read our full expert preview for this match
Tip 1: Both Teams to Score & Both Teams to Receive a Card
Backing both teams to score alongside each team to receive a card offers an enticing 10/11 shot on bet365.
This combination proved profitable when the two sides met at the Bernabeu back in December.
It’s also worth noting that the same formula would have paid out during Real Madrid’s home leg of their playoff tie with Benfica last month.
Tip 2: Vinicius Junior To Score or Assist
With Real Madrid's star man Kylian Mbappe sidelined, more attacking responsibility will fall on Vinicius Junior, who looks good value at 6/5 to either score or assist with bet365. The Brazilian forward has already registered three goals and five assists in his 10 Champions League appearances this season.
Tip 3: Matheus Nunes To Commit 2+ Fouls
Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes could be tasked with the thankless job of man-marking Vinicius, which makes Manchester City’s right-back an appealing option to commit two or more fouls at 11/8 on bet365.
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting (20:00)
We are all wondering how long Bodo/Glimt's fairy tale will continue, but after eliminating Inter Milan and defeating Atletico Madrid and Manchester City within a month, Sporting CP hardly look like an opponent that cannot be overcome.
Click here to read our full expert preview for this match
Tip 1: BTTS
Even with far more spectacular clashes taking place, the whole world will be watching this match unfold.
After the last few weeks, we can't help but expect goals in this match. Bodo have proven that they can score against any team, especially at home. We cannot say that any of their recent opponents have dominated them, even in terms of possession.
Sporting are another team in great form, and we certainly expect them to perform well despite all the difficulties, such as the pitch and the temperature.
Tip 2: Bodo/Glimt Draw No Bet
But we have to stick with Bodo to not lose at home, although backing them with the regular market might be too risky. Thankfully, the high odds allow for a Draw No Bet pick with good value.
When a price looks too good to ignore, that’s value. Learn how to identify it with our Value Betting guide.
Tip 3: Jens Hauge to score or assist
Several players have made a name this season and will be targeted by clubs from the big leagues next season, but Jens Hauge has really been unreal for Bodo/Glimt.
He averages a goal contribution every 95 minutes of Champions League play with his six goals and four assists this season. He scored in both games against Inter Milan, and scored one of the goals against Manchester City too.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea (20:00)
Chelsea travel to the French capital on Wednesday night to take on holders PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Click here to read our full expert preview for this match
Tip 1: Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals
This should prove to be an entertaining clash in Paris on Wednesday night, with backing goals looking the sensible way to go.
Both teams to Score has been a winning selection in 17 of Chelsea’s previous 21 matches in all competitions – including in 11 of their past 13 away from home – whilst 16 (76%) have gone Over 2.5 Goals.
What’s more, PSG’s opening 10 Champions League contests have averaged an eye-catching 4.10 goals per game, with Over 2.5 Goals landing in eight (80%) of them, whilst eight of their past nine have produced goals at both ends.
Tip 2: Joao Pedro to Score or Assist
Liam Rosenior seems to be getting the best out of Joao Pedro, with the Brazilian scoring 11 goals across his 13 appearances since the Englishman took over from Enzo Maresca.
That includes a stunning double in Naples in Chelsea’s previous continental clash, and the 11/8 on offer at bet365 for the ex-Brighton attacker to score again on Wednesday night appeals to me.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Adam is a freelance sports journalist who has worked for North Star Network since September 2023. He has also written for Football Whispers and Sports Mole as well as Mr Fixit's Tips (MFT), and you can find his weekly Fantasy Premier League (FPL) column and other articles on the MFT website.
GambleAware