@Matkafee Champions League Picks & Preview - 3/16

Lille host Chelsea tonight hoping to overturn an 0-2 deficit after the first leg. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic were on the scoresheet that evening and Chelsea now have one foot in the quarter finals. With everything going on around the club, you have to admire how Thomas Tuchel has guided his team through the storm. 

If Lille have any hope of turning this tie around it starts with keeping a clean sheet. They’ve kept it water tight in Ligue 1 this month but Chelsea have more quality than the clubs they’ve played during that time. Good luck scoring twice on the Blues who will be content on sitting back and defending their lead.

All things considered this is a match that screams unders. With the goal line sitting at 2.5 there are a few results that make too much sense and cash an under bet; 0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1 and 0-2 are all winners and scores Chelsea will be happy with. For these reasons I’m taking Under 2.5 at -146 on FD.

The ‘Old Lady’ plays host to the ‘Yellow Submarine’ after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. New signing Dusan Vlahovic gave Juventus the lead within the first minute but they were unable to build upon that fast start. Dani Parejo grabbed an equalizer after the hour mark and set up a very interesting second leg.

Unai Emery is a conservative manager and has a very strong record in knockout tournaments. I suspect he concedes possession and looks to hit on the counter. Juventus will be forced to take the game to their opponents and in the buildup Max Allegri has called for his team to show the required ambition. 

Both clubs are dealing with injuries to key players but Juve will welcome back Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala and I am predicting they will have just enough to get by Villarreal tonight. Bet Juventus to win at +115.

If you’re looking for a goal scorer Dusan Vlahovic at +170 is a great price.