Champions League Tips

Wimbledon have seven points from the last nine available and they’ve won their last three league games at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Dons should be able to overcome Blackpool, who have won just one of their last eight games and have five defeats in their last seven on the road.

Coventry have won five on the spin and can extend that run, paired with a clean sheet, against a Preston side who have been struggling as of late. North End have failed to score in six of their last 11 matches.

Norwich are one of the Championship’s form teams with seven wins in their last nine league games. The Canaries can claim maximum points against a Sheffield United side who underwhelmed in a draw with West Brom at the weekend and have four defeats in their last eight away from home.

Manchester City have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and should be able to get the better of an injury-hit Real Madrid who they already beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season. Both teams have found the net in ten of the last 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City and considering the array of attacking options at both teams’ disposal, a repeat of that is fancied.

There have been at least four goals scored in five of PSG’s last seven games across all competitions and in five of Chelsea’s last seven. Both of these teams also scored on average over two goals per-game in the league phase, while Chelsea shipped nine goals across their four trips and PSG conceded six goals in their four home games. With both attacks looking sharp and both defences showing occasional signs of vulnerability, there is the potential for a high-scoring affair in Paris and over 3.5 goals appeals.

The poor record of winners from that Grade 1 in this race was halted by The New Lion 12 months ago and NO DRAMA THIS END can follow him in. He’s looked very good so far, Paul Nicholls has offered a favourable Denman comparison, and his strong-travelling style promises to be suited by the Irish raiders likely to serve up a strong gallop.

Henry de Bromhead’s string usually come to life here and he’s got two. His mare The Big Westerner was touted for this race from Christmas and so it’s noted that Darragh O’Keeffe instead rides KOKTAIL DIVIN. He was last spotted romping to victory at Leopardstown in December and his earlier form bodes well. There should be more to come.

MAJBOROUGH put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

BE AWARE looks potentially well-treated off a mark of 147 for Dan and Harry Skelton. He was second in an Arkle Trial here in November and runner-up to Lulamba in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December.

The poor record of winners from that Grade 1 in this race was halted by The New Lion 12 months ago and NO DRAMA THIS END can follow him in. He’s looked very good so far, Paul Nicholls has offered a favourable Denman comparison, and his strong-travelling style promises to be suited by the Irish raiders likely to serve up a strong gallop.

Henry de Bromhead’s string usually come to life here and he’s got two. His mare The Big Westerner was touted for this race from Christmas and so it’s noted that Darragh O’Keeffe instead rides KOKTAIL DIVIN. He was last spotted romping to victory at Leopardstown in December and his earlier form bodes well. There should be more to come.

FARREN GLORY wasn’t far behind re-opposing Storm Heart at Gowran Park in a Grade 3 last time over 2m and his third in last season’s Boyle Hurdle (2m6f, soft to heavy) suggests going back up in trip is wise. He’s 3lb better off with Storm Heart and sports first-time cheekpieces. He can thrive for Jack Kennedy.

PIED PIPER is an interesting Cross Country debutante for Gordon Elliott with Sam Ewing riding. Stamina shouldn’t be a forte on breeding but nobody told Tiger Roll that when he made this race his own and this eight-year-old has won over trips in excess of three-miles. He wasn’t done when falling in the Thyestes and has never been out of the first three in six Cheltenham over hurdles/regulation fences. If this quirky test lights his fire he can outrun a big price.

MAJBOROUGH put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

BE AWARE looks potentially well-treated off a mark of 147 for Dan and Harry Skelton. He was second in an Arkle Trial here in November and runner-up to Lulamba in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December.

Willie Mullins has won five of the last six renewals and a staggering 14 overall. The champion trainer runs five of the 22-strong field now and they’ve combined to win five bumpers this season by a combined tally of just over 48-lengths. LOVE SIGN D’AUNOU accounted for 24 of those lengths in his impressive Naas win seven weeks ago.

Henry de Bromhead’s string usually come to life here and he’s got two. His mare The Big Westerner was touted for this race from Christmas and so it’s noted that Darragh O’Keeffe instead rides KOKTAIL DIVIN. He was last spotted romping to victory at Leopardstown in December and his earlier form bodes well. There should be more to come.

BE AWARE looks potentially well-treated off a mark of 147 for Dan and Harry Skelton. He was second in an Arkle Trial here in November and runner-up to Lulamba in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December.

FARREN GLORY wasn’t far behind re-opposing Storm Heart at Gowran Park in a Grade 3 last time over 2m and his third in last season’s Boyle Hurdle (2m6f, soft to heavy) suggests going back up in trip is wise. He’s 3lb better off with Storm Heart and sports first-time cheekpieces. He can thrive for Jack Kennedy.

PIED PIPER is an interesting Cross Country debutante for Gordon Elliott with Sam Ewing riding. Stamina shouldn’t be a forte on breeding but nobody told Tiger Roll that when he made this race his own and this eight-year-old has won over trips in excess of three-miles. He wasn’t done when falling in the Thyestes and has never been out of the first three in six Cheltenham over hurdles/regulation fences. If this quirky test lights his fire he can outrun a big price.

FARREN GLORY wasn’t far behind re-opposing Storm Heart at Gowran Park in a Grade 3 last time over 2m and his third in last season’s Boyle Hurdle (2m6f, soft to heavy) suggests going back up in trip is wise. He’s 3lb better off with Storm Heart and sports first-time cheekpieces. He can thrive for Jack Kennedy.

PIED PIPER is an interesting Cross Country debutante for Gordon Elliott with Sam Ewing riding. Stamina shouldn’t be a forte on breeding but nobody told Tiger Roll that when he made this race his own and this eight-year-old has won over trips in excess of three-miles. He wasn’t done when falling in the Thyestes and has never been out of the first three in six Cheltenham over hurdles/regulation fences. If this quirky test lights his fire he can outrun a big price.

Both of these teams also scored on average over two goals per-game in the league phase, while Chelsea shipped nine goals across their four trips and PSG conceded six goals in their four home games. With both attacks looking sharp and both defences showing occasional signs of vulnerability, there is the potential for a high-scoring affair in Paris. PSG come into Wednesday’s game in mixed form with just three wins in normal time in their last eight games. Since Liam Rosenior has been in charge, Chelsea have only lost to Arsenal – albeit on three occasions – and the visitors may be able to get a positive result in this first leg. A 2-2 draw is the correct score pick as PSG have won just one of their last four home European games but they’ve also only lost once at home in this competition. Chelsea have three draws in their last six games.

Manchester City have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and should be able to get the better of an injury-hit Real Madrid who they already beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season. Both teams have found the net in ten of the last 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City and considering the array of attacking options at both teams’ disposal, a repeat of that is fancied. Take a 3-1 win for the visitors.

MAJBOROUGH put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

Arsenal are on a 13-game scoring streak and they hit an impressive 23 goals in their eight league phase games. The Gunners should be able to score at the BayArena but a clean sheet could be beyond them. Arsenal have conceded in five of their last seven games and Leverkusen rarely draw blanks at home, having scored in 18 of their last 19 home games across all competitions.

MAJBOROUGH put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Majborough put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

Emma Lavelle has previous with the Stayers’ Hurdle, winning with Paisley Park in 2019, and her latest progressive seven-year-old Ma Shantou could emulate him now. Like Paisley Park, he has come through the handicap ranks and he won the Cleeve Hurdle here in January. Five Cleeve winners since 2008 have followed up in this contest come March and Ma Shantou was an impressive winner seven weeks ago.

Jango Baie was only fourth in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, beaten less than a length, but he could turn it around with his conquerors back at a track where he has a perfect 2-2 record. He defied mistakes to win the Arkle here last season, coming up the hill with a wet sail to gun down a trio of smart horses that seemed to have his measure. He’s still low-mileage and Nicky Henderson’s inmate could shine brightest in the closing stages if his stamina reserves hold up.

Jurrien Timber is an outside contender to get on the scoresheet as he has been making a key contribution in attack recently. The Gunners full-back has one goal and two assists in his last three Premier League games, while he scored against Bayern and provided an assist against Inter in the league phase.

Arsenal are on a 13-game scoring streak and they hit an impressive 23 goals in their eight league phase games. The Gunners should be able to score at the BayArena but a clean sheet could be beyond them. Arsenal have conceded in five of their last seven games and Leverkusen rarely draw blanks at home, having scored in 18 of their last 19 home games across all competitions.

There have been at least four goals scored in five of PSG’s last seven games across all competitions and in five of Chelsea’s last seven. Both of these teams also scored on average over two goals per-game in the league phase, while Chelsea shipped nine goals across their four trips and PSG conceded six goals in their four home games. With both attacks looking sharp and both defences showing occasional signs of vulnerability, there is the potential for a high-scoring affair in Paris and over 3.5 goals appeals.

Glimt are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Champions League that started with a draw against Borussia Dortmund before wins over Atletico Madrid and Man City. They then beat Inter Milan in both legs in the play-off round. The Norwegian side’s artificial pitch has been a key advantage in Europe in recent seasons and they can add Sporting to their list of victims on Wednesday.

Manchester City have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and should be able to get the better of an injury-hit Real Madrid who they already beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season.

Arsenal are on a 13-game scoring streak and they hit an impressive 23 goals in their eight league phase games. The Gunners should be able to score at the BayArena but a clean sheet could be beyond them. Arsenal have conceded in five of their last seven games and Leverkusen rarely draw blanks at home, having scored in 18 of their last 19 home games across all competitions.

Both teams should be able to get on the scoresheet in this proverbial six-pointer. Both teams have scored in Oxford’s last three games and they have conceded in eight of their last 10. Blackburn have also seen goals at both ends in their last three games and they have shipped 12 goals across their last five trips.

Both teams have scored in four of Vale’s last five league games and they have scored in all of them. Bradford have scored in eight successive games and have conceded in three of their last four.

Both teams have found the net in ten of the last 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City and considering the array of attacking options at both teams’ disposal, a repeat of that is fancied.

Wimbledon have seven points from the last nine available and they’ve won their last three league games at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Dons should be able to overcome Blackpool, who have won just one of their last eight games and have five defeats in their last seven on the road.

Coventry have won five on the spin and can extend that run, paired with a clean sheet, against a Preston side who have been struggling as of late. North End have failed to score in six of their last 11 matches.

PSG come into Wednesday’s game in mixed form with just three wins in normal time in their last eight games. Since Liam Rosenior has been in charge, Chelsea have only lost to Arsenal – albeit on three occasions – and the visitors may be able to get a positive result by at least avoiding defeat in this first leg.

Norwich are one of the Championship’s form teams with seven wins in their last nine league games. The Canaries can claim maximum points against a Sheffield United side who underwhelmed in a draw with West Brom at the weekend and have four defeats in their last eight away from home.

Wimbledon have seven points from the last nine available and they’ve won their last three league games at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Dons should be able to overcome Blackpool, who have won just one of their last eight games and have five defeats in their last seven on the road.

Both of these teams are leaking goals as Birmingham have gone five games without a clean sheet and QPR have shipped an alarming 11 goals across their last three games, that should lead to a high-scoring affair. Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of QPR’s last five and in three of the Blues’ last four.

There have been at least four goals scored in five of PSG’s last seven games across all competitions and in five of Chelsea’s last seven. Both of these teams also scored on average over two goals per-game in the league phase, while Chelsea shipped nine goals across their four trips and PSG conceded six goals in their four home games. With both attacks looking sharp and both defences showing occasional signs of vulnerability, there is the potential for a high-scoring affair in Paris and over 3.5 goals appeals.

Over 3.5 goals has landed in five of Wimbledon’s last six League One games, they have scored in all of those and have just one clean sheet in that period. There have been at least four goals scored in four of Blackpool’s last six games and they have just one clean sheet in their last eight.

Glimt are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Champions League that started with a draw against Borussia Dortmund before wins over Atletico Madrid and Man City. They then beat Inter Milan in both legs in the play-off round. The Norwegian side’s artificial pitch has been a key advantage in Europe in recent seasons and they can add Sporting to their list of victims on Wednesday. Goals at both ends are fancied as Glimt are yet to keep a clean sheet in the main draw of the Champions League and both teams scored in all four of Sporting’s trips. 

Manchester City have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and should be able to get the better of an injury-hit Real Madrid who they already beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season. Both teams have found the net in ten of the last 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City and considering the array of attacking options at both teams’ disposal, a repeat of that is fancied. 

Both of these teams also scored on average over two goals per-game in the league phase, while Chelsea shipped nine goals across their four trips and PSG conceded six goals in their four home games. With both attacks looking sharp and both defences showing occasional signs of vulnerability, there is the potential for a high-scoring affair in Paris. PSG come into Wednesday’s game in mixed form with just three wins in normal time in their last eight games. Since Liam Rosenior has been in charge, Chelsea have only lost to Arsenal – albeit on three occasions – and the visitors may be able to get a positive result in this first leg. A 2-2 draw is the correct score pick as PSG have won just one of their last four home European games but they’ve also only lost once at home in this competition. Chelsea have three draws in their last six games.

Manchester City have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and should be able to get the better of an injury-hit Real Madrid who they already beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season. Both teams have found the net in ten of the last 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City and considering the array of attacking options at both teams’ disposal, a repeat of that is fancied. Take a 3-1 win for the visitors.

Coventry’s Haji Wright has 16 goals in 32 league games this season and is back in form as he has scored in three successive games, while he has six goals in total in his last five games. The USA international can continue his hot streak with a strike against Preston.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the play-off round against Monaco and has four goals in the Champions League last season, while he’s had nine shots without scoring in his last two domestic fixtures so has been getting plenty of chances. PSG’s Georgian forward is a contender for an anytime effort.

Kasper Hogh starred for Glimt in the latter stages of the league phase and in the play-off with Inter, hitting four goals in his last four appearances in this competition. Hogh has scored in Glimt’s last two home European games and he appeals as a candidate for an anytime strike here.

Antoine Semenyo has seven goals in 11 games for Manchester City and his pace could be a major weapon against an injury-hit Real Madrid back line, he is fancied to get on the scoresheet on Champions League debut.

Liverpool look like the best value pick, with the Reds putting their struggles behind them with an eight-game unbeaten run. The Reds have the fourth-best Expected Goals record across the first six Champions League gameweeks, while they’ve recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan in Europe. Arne Slot’s side have a kind double-header in January, leaving them primed for a top-eight finish. With the Premier League coasting towards a fifth Champions League berth, the Reds should be in a good position to focus on European success in the spring.

Spain have some incredibly talented individuals, Lamine Yamal being the prime example, but are strong in all areas and don’t have any particular weaknesses. They won Euro 2024 with relative ease and they should be too good for their continental rivals at the World Cup. They also look a level above South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, suggesting they will be the team to beat at the World Cup this summer.

These two sides are meeting in the knockouts for the fifth straight year, and Real Madrid have won three of the previous four meetings, including the last two. The Spanish giants have won eight of their last 10 under new boss Arbeloa at the time of the draw, and they are one of the few sides in Europe with the individual talent to match City.

While Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the summer’s Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca’s tactical tweaks were key in that victory. Months on, and the Blues look to have gone backwards. PSG clearly took issue with the Blues, and they can claim some revenge after eliminating three Premier League sides on their way to last season’s final.

Sporting are arguably the weakest of the top-eight sides, while Bodo have won four straight European games including home and away victories over Inter Milan. The Norwegian side went to the semis in the Europa League last year, and they can see off a Sporting side who overperformed their xG numbers at a huge rate in the League Phase.

Atletico Madrid were handily beaten by Arsenal and Liverpool in the League Phase, while they were a mess defensively against Club Brugge in the last round. Spurs won all four home games on their way to finishing fourth in the first round, and they can match an Atletico side who have been far from dominant in Europe in recent seasons.

Velez Sarsfield remain unbeaten after eight rounds of fixtures, with five wins. Tigre have also made a strong start but their form has dipped with just two points from their last three games, Sarsfield have conceded just twice across their four road games (W2, D2) and can claim the points here.

Velez Sarsfield remain unbeaten after eight rounds of fixtures, with five wins. Tigre have also made a strong start but their form has dipped with just two points from their last three games, Sarsfield have conceded just twice across their four road games (W2, D2) and can claim the points here.

Platense have lost just one of their eight games so far and should be able to claim the spoils at woeful Newell’s, who have just two points to show from their eight games. Goals have been an issue for the visitors but Newell’s have shipped seven goals without scoring themselves across their last three games, and one goal is likely to be enough for the visitors to come away with a win.