CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 FIRST-WEEK PREDICTIONS
2023-02-14 · 3 min read · Champions League/Soccer
Getty Images | Thomas Coex
The Champions League is back! After a longer-than-normal hiatus due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023-23 UCL campaign rolls on with the knockout stage kicking off on Tuesday. The massive Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich clash highlights a fine slate, while Chelsea will look to right the ship and put their poor Premier League form behind them when they face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Here's my predictions for each match and more:
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AC Milan vs. Tottenham
Tuesday, Feb. 14th @ 3:00
Caesars Sportsbook
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It sounds like a difficult game to predict. AC Milan are coming from their first win in more than a month, while Tottenham lost and conceded four goals against Leicester and need to react immediately. Both teams have some defensive issues, and I don't see one of them winning on Tuesday. 2-2. Both teams to score would be the best bet.
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Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich
Tuesday, Feb. 14th @ 3:00pm
Caesars Sportsbook
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PSG's season hangs in the balance coming into this one after their Coupe de France defeat to bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille. Expect to see a focused and determined Christophe Galtier side raise their game by a few levels compared to some of the underwhelming displays they have produced of late. Do not be surprised if the hosts win by a goal and for both sides to score which will set things up nicely ahead of the return leg next month.
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Borussia Dortmund vs. Chelsea
Wednesday, Feb. 15th @ 3:00pm
Caesars Sportsbook
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Neither of these teams have particularly set the world alight in the last few months, but Chelsea in particular seems to have uncovered a heady cocktail of underwhelming performances and horrendous luck. The German giants have seemed to figure something out having won five straight matched across all competitions. They’re last loss was way back in November (before the World Cup). That might be enough to swing this tight contest to Borussia Dortmund, 2-1.’
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Club Brugge vs. Benfica
Wednesday, Feb. 15th @ 3:00pm
Caesars Sportsbook
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Even without Enzo Fernandez, Benfica are a strong side that will be tough to stop for a Club Brugge team that has struggled since the World Cup break. Brugge have only won one match in all competitions since things stopped for the World Cup as the return of Champions League play couldn't be returning at a worse time for the club. Benfica will manage this match to a 1-0 victory.
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By: Aaron Cantin
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