At the time this goes to print Bayern Munich are a 10/11 shot to beat Barcelona in 90 minutes in a neutral venue in Portugal.
The question you need to ask yourself is, ‘is this right or wrong?’ because the price certainly stands out.
Let’s have a look and see where this price has come from:
Bayern are probably the inform team in Europe right now since the return of football in May.
They were devastating on the domestic front finishing 13 points clear of nearest rivals Dortmund, scoring 27 goals and taking maximum points on the run in.
Leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowksi has put up huge numbers, he grabbed 34 goals this season and is leading the way in the Champions League golden boot also.
They cruised past an already defeated Chelsea in the return leg last week, sending four more goals past the Blues and lining up this mouthwatering clash against the Catalan giants.
But what of Barcelona, how have they arrived here?
They caved on the domestic front, really letting Real Madrid take the reins during a period where they drew three matches from four games played. Things were not all rosy on and off the pitch, but their European form didn’t suffer.
They faced a second leg match last week against Napoli and going off a 4/6 shot, they obliged punters and got the job done to book their place in the quarter finals.
On the face of it, Bayern should be favourites as they are in much superior form going in to this tie and have the upper hand in head-to-head with Barca having beaten them more than any other team in this this competition.
The Germans will be at full strength with no new injury concerns and will enter the arena with their tails high, ready for another show.
But, our bets might surprise you! Let’s tell you about them:
Barcelona to win
However, Barca will welcome back one of their key men in midfield as Sergio Busquets returns having missed the previous tie against Napoli through suspension and has all the tactical nous to disarm the might German outfit.
Alongside Ivan Rakitić and Frenkie de Jong or Arturo Vidal the Barca midfield looks a little more fit for purpose than previous weeks. So, I reckon there is some juice in the Barca angle, and we will look down that alley!
Over 3.5 goals
We know that there will be goals and Bayern have scored three goals or more in seven of their last eight and Barca have scored 15 in their last six games. So we’re backing Over 3.5 goals here.
Lionel Messi to score anytime
The great Lionel Messi has scored in his last three games and with him in the team, anything is possible for the men from the Nou Camp. Don’t be surprised if he is on the scoresheet on Friday night again.
Sergio Busquets to be booked
As discussed, the main man Sergio Busquets is back and will be up to his old bastardry tricks to stop Bayern in their tracks. A flash of yellow could well be on the cards for Barca’s hard man.
Don’t forget, all of the above are in 90 minutes only!
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Trader’s tips summary:
Barcelona to win
Over 3.5 goals
Lionel Messi to score anytime
Sergio Busquets to be booked
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