Next week the final Champions League group stage matches are on. There is still a lot to be decided in several groups and I wanted to post my betting tips on the most important matches. With over a week before the matches there is lots of time to research.
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- Bet Bayer Leverkusen (1.95) vs. Real Sociedad
Leverkusen beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at home back at the beginning of October. They now have an away match that they need to win in order to have a chance at making the knockout stage. If Leverkusen wins and Shakhtar Donetsk lose then Leverkusen advances.
Manchester United should beat or draw at home against Shakhtar Donetsk. Leverkusen hasn’t done too well in away matches yet, but they did score two goals against Manchester United. Look for them to beat Real Sociedad who still hasn’t won a CL match.
- Bet Schalke 04 (1.72) vs. Basel
In Group E the winner of this match will qualify for the knockout stage although Basel would advance with a draw as well. Schalke was able to beat Basel 1-0 in an away match already during the group stage and my money is on them to win at home next week.
Schalke dominated their home match against Steaua, but they were also held scoreless at home against Chelsea. Basel just won a big match at home against Chelsea 1-0 to move into 2nd place in the group, but I think they’re going to struggle Germany versus Schalke.
- Bet Zenit St. Petersburg (1.57) vs. Austria Vienna
Atletico Madrid is likely to win at home against Porto, which means Zenit would finish in 2nd place, but I don’t think Zenit will leave anything to chance. If Zenit can win their away match against Austria Vienna they guarantee their spot in the knockout stage.
Austria Vienna is 0-0-2 in home matches during the group stage and I don’t think they can beat Zenit. The Russian squad is talented and they showed they could win away from home with their 1-0 win over Porto. Both teams struggle to score, but I like Zenit.
- Bet AC Milan (1.57) vs. Ajax
Milan hosts Ajax in a match with huge implications. If Ajax can win in Italy they’ll take over 2nd place in Group H, but as long as Milan wins or draws they’ll advance. Ajax has to win, so I expect them to try and pressure Milan early in order to score a quick goal.
These two teams had a 1-1 draw in the Netherlands in October, but with this match being in Italy I’ll be betting on Milan. They will be happy with a draw, but I think Milan will score multiple goals because Ajax will be pressing forward trying to win the match.
There are a handful of other important matches to be played between December 10th and 11th next week. By the end of the matches we’ll know exactly who has made it to the UEFA Champions League knockout stage and that’s when the real fun starts to begin.
