17:45 Tuesday

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona  - Barcelona -1.75 Asian Handicap @ 1.98 with Bet365 - 1.5 points

  • Barcelona only won this fixture 2-1 at home but I wouldn’t let that put us off backing Barca with the handicap today.
  • That last match fell three days before El Clasico and Barca took their foot of the pedal after the 2nd goal, they also fielded a weaker XI than usual and Lewandowski was injured.
  • Furthermore Barca host 14th placed Alaves at the weekend so they have no reason not to field their strongest XI here.
  • Lewandowski  is set to start here and he should be itching for a goal considering his recent run
  •  Although he hasn’t been that prolific this season, Barca will be happy he’s back as the team tends to perform better as a whole when he starts. From all competitions this season Barca have averaged 2.37 goals scored per 90 with him on the pitch (season average 2.13)
  • Shakhtar were never that competitive in this competition but since the war with Russia and the exodus of their foreign talent they have really declined
  • Over the last 12 months Shakhtar have played seven games in Europe and conceded an average of 2.57 goals per game
  • Shakhtar used to have a serious advantage in Europe with teams having to travel to Eastern Ukraine sometimes in sub zero temperatures at this time of year, however that’s not the case again this year, this game will be played in Volksparkstadion in Hamburg
     

20:00 Tuesday

FC Porto v Antwerp - Mehdi Taremi to score anytime at 2.5 with Bet365 - 0.75 points

  • According to reports from the Portuguese media, Taremi is anticipated to be in the starting lineup for this match.
  • Although his goal-scoring form hasn't been particularly prolific this season, he still tops the squad's non-penalty expected goals (xG) and is expected to be on penalties
  • Taremi has recorded a solid expected goals rate (0.45 per 90 minutes) and averaged 3 shots per game in his last 8 home Champions League matches against much stronger teams than Antwerp, indicating that we can expect him to post similar, if not better, statistics given the calibre of the opposition.
  • Porto's attack proved potent in Belgium with a four-goal haul, and they should find the back of the net with ease once more, with Taremi likely to play a significant role in their offensive exploits.