UEFA Champions League action continues on Wednesday with Real Madrid set to host APOEL Nicosia, while Chelsea will host Portuguese giants Benfica at Stamford Bridge.
As usual, this segment will include betting odds, match previews, match predictions and more importantly my opinions.
I’d like to thank you in advance for listening to what I have to say. Without further useless banter, let’s get started.
Betting Odds
Chelsea (7/10) v Benfica (9/2); Draw (3/1)
Real Madrid (1/10) v APOEL Nicosia (33/1); Draw (11/1)
Bet of the Day
Wednesday’s value bet of the day is Benfica to draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, paying 3/1.
Preview: Chelsea v Benfica
Jorge Jesus leads Benfica to west London to take on Roberto Di Matteo and Premier League giants Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night at 19:45 GMT.
The Blues may be underdogs in the Champions League, but they are surely the favorites against Benfica at Stamford Bridge, and rightfully so.
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic had this to say on the Blues being considered Champions League underdogs: “If people think like that, it can be good for us because we feel less pressure, which in games like this can be very important.
“But Wednesday is a huge game for us. It`s a big opportunity.
“We’ve got a great result in Lisbon, but it`s not over because they don’t have anything to lose.
“They played very well in the first game so it will be difficult. We have to be careful.”
Can Di Matteo’s rejuvenated Chelsea do the unthinkable and reach the Champions League semi-finals?
Prediction
Chelsea stave off elimination, 1-1 draw.
Preview: Real Madrid v APOEL Nicosia
APOEL Nicosia travel to the Santiago Bernabéu to battle European Cup giants Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Having defeated the Cypriot Championship First Division champions 3-0 in the first leg in Nicosia, Los Blancos are enormous favorites to the tune of 1/10 odds.
Subsequently, APOEL are huge underdogs at 33/1 odds to win at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday.
Regardless of what happens on the pitch in Madrid, Los Blancos have already sealed their place in the semi-finals.
Players to Watch
Karim Benzema, who leads Real Madrid in goals — 7 — and assists — 5 — in the Champions League in 2011-12, is the man to watch for the home side.
On the other side of the touchline, Aílton José Almeida, who has netted three goals in eight UCL starts this season, is the danger man for APOEL Nicosia.
Prediction
Real Madrid breeze into the semi-finals, 4-0 Los Blancos.
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