It’s all changed at two of the eight clubs bidding for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals this week.
That will provide an added dimension to two of these football games, not to mention make sports betting fans think twice about the effect a new boss can have on results.
Certainly, I’d be lying if I said my betting tips have not been influenced by the managerial roundabout.
Leicester City vs Sevilla (March 15, 03:45 GMT+8)
He’s never managed full-time before but that hasn’t stopped Leicester City from appointing Craig Shakespeare as boss of the English champions until the end of the season.
After overseeing back-to-back wins as caretaker since taking over from Claudio Ranieri – whose final game in charge of the Foxes was the first leg defeat – Shakespeare knows his main task is ensuring Premier League survival.
But what kudos if he could guide Leicester to the quarter-finals of the top competition in the game?
They will give it a damn good go, too, and should they get the first goal, all the pressure will be on Sevilla whose recent slips include being held to a 1-1 home draw by strugglers Leganes at the weekend.
Jorge Sampaoli has warned his players they must improve and I expect them to prevail over two legs as the side that has dominated the Europa League in recent years bids to become regulars in the latter stages of the Champions League.
It should be close and exciting though.
My 🌟🌟🌟 tip is First Half over 1.25 goals @ 2.31 and a 🌟🌟 bet of Total Goal 4-6 @ 3.05.
Juventus vs Porto (March 15, 03:45 GMT+8)
It’s time for Juventus to deliver in the Champions League.
After dominating Serie A for the past six years, fans have become even more focused on UEFA’s elite competition.
Indeed, for the sake of Italian football, success in Europe would improve the reputation of its national game.
Inter Milan’s 2010 success aside, it’s been a decade since an Italian club won in the Champions League and 1999 since there was a UEFA Cup (now Europa League) triumph.
Realistically, the Old Lady vintage of 2017 aren’t good enough to win the competition but a last eight berth should not be too much trouble.
I’ll go with a 🌟 tip of Asian Handicap -1.00 Juventus @ 2.20.
Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen (March 16, 03:45 GMT+8)
Bayer Leverkusen never really gave themselves a chance three weeks ago.
They trailed from early on and never pulled it back, despite coming within a whisker of making it 3-3 before Fernando Torres sealed a 4-2 success.
Since then, just like Leicester, it’s been all change at the helm with Roger Schmidt replaced by Tayfun Korkut.
This is his second game and they have nothing to lose, which should make it an attacking contest, especially with Javier Hernandez always a threat.
However, even with Diego Simeone’s squad stretched by injuries – Stefan Savic the latest casualty with a broken nose – the runners-up in Europe last season should finish the job they started.
And I expect a strong home start with a 🌟🌟 tip of First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 Atletico Madrid @ 2.33.
AS Monaco vs Manchester City (March 16, 03:45 GMT+8)
It’s a ‘defining week’ for City, according to boss Pep Guardiola, as a place in the FA Cup semi-finals has been secured.
Now they bid for a quarter-final spot in the Champions League followed by a key top four match versus Liverpool in the Premier League.
There’ll be no repeat of the eight-goal thriller the first leg produced.
But I do think there will be further goals with City ultimately progressing.
I’ve got another selection dilemma.
I will go for 🌟🌟 prediction of total goal 2-3 @ 2.24 and a 🌟 tip of 1X2 Draw @ 3.40.
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