Liverpool’s Champions League second-leg clash with RB Leipzig in Budapest presents punters with a fascinating conundrum. In terms of recent domestic results, the German outfit are in much better form, but the Reds were convincing victors in the first encounter, which was also played in Budapest.
Juventus have work to do to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after losing their opening leg away to Porto but we’re sticking with them. A late Bianconeri goal in that 2-1 defeat left this tie very delicately poised, but we feel the Italian giants have more scope for improvement in the return fixture.
Sevilla simply couldn’t cope with the pace and power of Borussia Dortmund’s forward line in Spain and we fear a repeat scenario in Germany. Los Rojiblancos did have their moments in a 3-2 loss at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but turning this Champions League tie around will be a tall order.
Arsenal were the better team in last week’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Benfica in Rome and are taken to come out on top in the second leg in Greece. Coronavirus issues have created the need for neutral venues, but the Gunners have performed well on the road in this competition in recent years.
The first leg of the Europa League last-32 tie was a scrappy 0-0 draw but Leicester are now clear favourites to go through in the second leg. A clean sheet in the Czech capital means the Foxes should progress if they can be more ruthless with their finishing at the King Power Stadium.
Rangers have one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League after a 4-3 win in the first leg but still face a tricky test in the return match at Ibrox. Borna Barisic’s spot-kick double ensured Steven Gerrard’s team claimed a one-goal lead from a roller-coaster clash in Belgium.
Tottenham may see winning the Europa League as their best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League following a dip in their domestic form. Spurs already look assured of a place in the last 16 after beating Wolfsberger 4-1 in Budapest in the opening leg of this tie, even with Harry Kane rested.
European teams have won the last seven renewals of the FIFA Club World Cup and Bayern Munich are expected to extend that sequence when facing Tigres. Their Mexican opponents upset the odds when knocking out Palmeiras of Brazil in the semis in Qatar but look out of their depth in the decider.
Chelsea have already thrashed Barnsley in the EFL Cup this season so should be confident of a routine victory when they meet in the FA Cup fifth round FA Cup. Kai Havertz hit a hat-trick as the Blues cruised to a 6-0 win at Stamford Bridge in September, although both clubs have since had a change of manager.
Burnley seem ready to have a real crack at FA Cup glory this season and are fancied to get the better of Bournemouth at Turf Moor. The Clarets were convincing 3-0 victors at Fulham in round four and have performed with credit in the Premier League since that tie.
Sheff Utd have used the FA Cup to try and build much-needed confidence this season and are expected to do the same when they host Bristol City. The Blades remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League but have again been handed a kind cup draw, having squeezed past two League One opponents.
Swansea gave Manchester City a scare in the FA Cup two years ago and will hope to have their moments in this season’s fifth-round tie at Liberty Stadium. The Swans led 2-0 with just over 20 minutes left on the clock on that occasion, before a late turnaround saw them slip to a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat.
Championship basement dwellers Wycombe are expected to find Tottenham too hot to handle in Monday night’s FA Cup fourth-round tie. However, Wanderers are in good form going forward at present, drawing a blank up front in only one of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Everton are enjoying an impressive season in the Premier League and a favourable draw could also have them dreaming of FA Cup success. The Toffees are again at home to Championship opposition from South Yorkshire and are expected to put out a strong side as they return to action after a 12-day break.