Michael Owen: Man City will score against PSG, but Borussia Dortmund will get better of Liverpool
PREDICTIONS: The former England striker and BetVictor brand ambassador looks ahead to this week's European action, including PSG vs Manchester City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There's a wonderful midweek of European and domestic cup football to look forward to and BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen shares his thoughts ahead of the ties...
Champions League
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Barca have won their last six games against Atletico in all competitions but their march to the La Liga title was halted in the Clasico at the weekend when they let slip a 1-0 lead.
The only previous time the sides have met in the competition was again in the quarter-finals back in 2013/14 when Atletico progressed and I expect to see a tight, close affair. Atletico have kept 13 clean sheets in their last 17 CL games and how they cope with the Holy Trinity of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar will go a long way to deciding the tie; the three between them have scored 42 of Barcelona’s 51 goals since the start of last season but the Colchoneros are always hard to break down.
Michael’s recommendation: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5
Bayern Munich vs Benfica
This is the fifth successive season that Bayern have reached the quarter-finals and I expect them to be far too good for Benfica - one time European giants but a club who have not reached the last four since the 1989/90 season. Bayern have scored 25 goals in 8 CL games this season and won their last 10 CL home games; I expect them to make it 11 on Tuesday although one crumb of comfort for Benfica supporters they have scored in all eight of their CL games so far this season; until now.
Michael’s recommendation: Bayern to win to nil at 8/11
PSG vs Manchester City
I shall be in Paris for BT Sport and a game I am really looking forward to. This is the first time in their history that City have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and this is a big night for the club. PSG have been knocked out at this stage of the competition for the last three seasons and it would be no surprise to see City make it four.
The excellent Kevin de Bruyne looked sharp against a below par Bournemouth on his comeback on Saturday and his return from injury is a huge boost for the side; they need to score in Paris. I think they will.
Michael’s recommendation: Both Teams To Score at 17/20
Wolfsburg v Real Madrid
My old side will have been delighted to put one over on Barcelona in the Nou Camp at the weekend and I expect them to take a lead back to the Spanish capital against a Wolfsburg side also making their first appearance in the CL last eight.
The Whites have kept seven clean sheets in eight in the CL this season but I expect to see goals with Real Madrid getting more than their share.
Michael’s recommendation: Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 21/10
For the latest odds visit BetVictor.
Europa League
Borussia Dortmund vs Liverpool
I shall be in the Westfalenstadion for the return of Jurgen Klopp to Dortmund and the Reds boss is sure to get a warm reception until the whistle goes! Liverpool have conceded just six goals in their last 12 Europa League games but this is a top class German side who wouldn’t look out of place in the last eight of the Champions League.
Michael’s recommendation: Dortmund to lead at halftime and fulltime at 13/10
FA Cup replay
West Ham vs Manchester United
Wembley at stake and an extremely difficult game to predict; nothing could separate the sides at Old Trafford and I think this might be going all the way to extra-time and penalties!
Michael’s recommendation: game to finish 1-1 after 90 minutes at 6/1
Michael’s midweek treble: Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at 15/8
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments