Following last night's Champions League drama, Barcelona host Juventus whilst Borussia Dortmund visit Monaco as all four look to earn semi-final places.
Barcelona v Juventus - 19.45
Luis Enrique's Barcelona side welcomes reigning Italian champions to the Nou Camp, knowing they'll have to overcome a three goal deficit to join both Real and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
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For any other side it would seem like an impossible task, but Barcelona have already proven that they can beat the odds and now the expectation is there for them to do it again.
After an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of PSG in Paris, the Blaugrana were faced with the proposition of their earliest Champions League exit since a Round of 16 defeat to Liverpool in 2007. However, as we all know it was not to be. The Catalan Giants slayed Les Parisiens on that night in March thanks to a stunning final 10 minutes and a scintillating performance from Brazilian superstar Neymar.
While that 6-1 victory was incredible, Juventus are really a different kettle of fish. The Old Lady are much better defensively than PSG and are much less likely to capitulate in the same way the French Champions did. They've conceded just two goals in the Champions League this season and kept seven clean sheets in their nine games - making it a tough ask for Luis Enrique's side.
To stand any chance of qualifying, Barça will need to score at least three times. Juventus haven't conceded more than twice inside 90 minutes of a Champions League away game since a 3-2 loss at Werder Bremen in 2006. They have only ever lost by three clear goals on two occasions - 3-0 to Manchester United in 2003 and 4-1 to Bayern Munich in 2009. Both were at home.
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To say this represents a major challenge for Barcelona would be an understatement, but they've come back from three goals down on four different occasions in European competition and if you were banking on anyone to do it; it would be Lionel Messi and co. The Catalans have scored at least three in their last six (as well as 13 of their last 15) games at the Nou Camp, so they're more than capable of completing this unlikely turnaround.
As good as Juventus' defence is, I'm taking the the 6/5 on Barcelona Over 2.5 Team Goals. They're a different kettle of fish in Catalunya and if they can grab an early goal and get the crowd behind them, the Bianconeri could be in for a long old night. On a similar note, I also like Barcelona to Win and Over 3.5 Goals at 15/8 and Barcelona 3-1 Anytime Correct Score at 4/1.
With so much riding on this game, I think it also has the potential to get rather scrappy. Barça picked up five bookings in the home game against PSG, and I fancy them to pick up a few tonight so I'm backing Barcelona 40+ Booking Points at 9/4. My picks for a couple of players to be carded would have to be Dani Alves and Luis Suarez at 11/2. Both were booked in the first leg and have the potential to do the same at a tidy price.
As a side bet, a Penalty To Be Awarded at 2/1 is also worth backing. Barcelona were awarded two against PSG and after winning with it in the Madrid game last night, I fancy it again here.
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Monaco v Borussia Dortmund - 19:45
French League leaders Monaco welcome Borussia Dortmund for the second leg of their Champions League tie in which they hold a slender 3-2 lead. In reality, the first leg should never have been played when it was but I won't dwell on UEFA's greed and incompetence.
As it was in Germany, I'm expecting this one to be a goalfest. Monaco's three Champions League knockout games have seen an incredible 17 goals, whilst Dortmund's own campaign featured the highest scoring game in competition history when they beat Legia Warsaw 8-4.
Here are my selections for the game:
- Monaco Over 1.5 Team Goals - 5/6
- Both Teams to Score Two or More - 9/5
- Both Teams to Score in Second Half - 23/20
- Mbappe to Score Anytime - 6/4
Read Kieran Spratt's full match preview here.
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