Champions League Picks: Bayern to Keep Heat On

Half of the quarterfinal field is set for 2020-21 UEFA Champions League betting – and the battle for the final four spots should produce some entertaining matches this week.

Eight more teams hope to advance as the Round of 16 concludes this week. Unfortunately, there might not be much drama this time around, with the "away" team having won the first leg in all four matchups – and all four teams enter the second leg as home favorites, with two matchups expected to be decidedly one-sided.

Here are our top Champions League picks and predictions for March 16-17:

Champions League predictions for March 16-17

Manchester City vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Manchester City are heavy favorites to not only advance to the next round, but to claim the Champions League title entering their second leg matchup with Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday. Man City did as expected in the first leg, cruising to a 2-0 road triumph while dominating shots (9-3) and possession (60.8-39.2 percent) in a result that actually flattered the hosts.

Monchengladbach have no choice but to look to press the issue in the second leg, which leaves them susceptible to Europe's most dangerous counter-attack. And with the visitors riding a six-game losing streak heading into an encounter with a Man City side that hasn't allowed a goal in six straight home games, it goes without saying that this could get very, very ugly.

PICK: Manchester City -2 (+162)

Real Madrid vs Atalanta

To say that the first meeting between these teams did not go according to plan is a massive understatement. Real Madrid pulled out a 1-0 victory at Gewiss Stadium on an 86th-minute goal from Ferland Mendy despite enjoying an incredible 19-2 shots advantage, fueled by host Atalanta playing the majority of the game with just 10 men after Remo Freuler was sent off in the 17th minute.

Fans and bettors should expect plenty more fireworks in the return engagement, with Atalanta looking to erase the sting of that early red card, and Real Madrid hoping to fare better this time around after squandering multiple solid scoring chances. Sportsbooks are still favoring the O2.5 here, but the payoff isn't so offensive that you should consider going in a different direction.

PICK: Over 2.5 (-138)

Bayern Munich vs Lazio

The first leg of this Round of 16 matchup was over before the game was 25 minutes old – and oddsmakers are expecting a similar result in the return engagement at Allianz Arena. There have been 88 teams that have trailed by three or more goals after the first leg of a knockout series in Champions League history, and none of them have rallied to win the matchup.

So, with that little bit of history out of the way, it's time to find a bet worth making – and when it comes to Bayern, you can't go wrong with tabbing their leading scorer to strike. Robert Lewandowski got it out of the way early last time out, scoring in the ninth minute – and we like him repeating the feat in Wednesday's rematch as part of another Bayern goal barrage.

PICK: Robert Lewandowski First Goalscorer (+187)

Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid

Wednesday's Champions League tilt between Chelsea and visiting Atletico Madrid is expected to be a close affair after the Blues snagged a pivotal 1-0 away win in the first leg. Still, Chelsea dominated possession (63.1-36.9) and finished with an 11-6 shots advantage in the win, giving them a clear advantage as they return to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been ridiculous since hiring Thomas Tuchel as manager, having registered five consecutive clean sheets while conceding just two goals since January. And after settling for a scoreless draw at Getafe over the weekend, Atletico are scrambling to find an offensive spark. That's a big problem for the visitors – and makes the home shutout a strong play.

PICK: Chelsea clean sheet (+150)

Champions League betting card for March 16-17

• Manchester City -2 (+162)
• Over 2.5 (-138)
• Robert Lewandowski First Goalscorer (+187)
• Chelsea clean sheet (+150)

Where can I bet on Champions League soccer?

You can bet on Champions League soccer at most online sportsbooks and mobile apps. Find the best sportsbook in your region in our top listing section.

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