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Champions League Match Day 7: Barcelona & Heavyweights Eye Knockout Spots
The UCL Match Day 7 Checklist: 3 Things to Check 1 Hour Before Kick-off
- The second round of the penultimate CL round in the League Phase is heavily important for many of Europe’s top teams. Barcelona is a favorite against Slavia Prague, but the cold weather in the Czech Republic may make things worse for the Blaugrana.
- Last minute fitness rests and injuries can derail everyone’s plans as well. Stars such as Lamine Yamal are suspended, while injuries to Ferran Torres and other players can affect the Champions League Matchday 7 odds for every team.
- Rotations to Champions League predicted lineups can have a major impact on the odds. Look for surprise rests with domestic schedules tightening.
- Our Champions League betting tips will take a look at the most important matches, and share some important thoughts as we enter the UCL endgame.
The Champions League Round 7 is a time for desperate measures, as European heavyweights eye the knockout spots. While Arsenal is comfortable at the top of the table with 7 wins out of 7 matches, other teams still have a long road to walk. In our Champions League betting tips for round 7, we’ll life the veil on some of the most important matches from a fan and betting perspective.
Plenty of things can go right or wrong in the penultimate round. Major European teams such as Barcelona don’t have any room for error. With the cold weather affecting play and key lineup rotations, matches can go either way. Read on to learn more in our Champions League Matchday 7 predictions.
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona: Can the Czech Giants Upset the Blaugrana?
Barcelona travels to wintry Prague for a match against Slavia Prague. Slavia is currently sitting on the 34th spot in the UCL, with three draws and losses each – no wins. It’s a David vs. Goliath narrative, but the cold weather could go in Slavia Prague’s favor.
As expected, Barcelona are the heavy favorites in our Slavia Prague vs Barcelona prediction. The team is worth more than the Czech champion, opening up numerous soccer betting opportunities beyond the moneyline. Canadian bettors won’t find a lot of value backing up Barcelona to win. However, Lewandowski as anytime goalscorer or Barcelona winning to nil offers strong value.
Slavia has been struggling to find the net, scoring only two goals in the Champions League. Our Champions League betting tips suggest looking at over three goals, as Barca’s xG analysis suggests it. Despite coming off a rare loss against Sociedad in La Liga, Barcelona has the quality to win this match.
The best Champions League Matchday 7 odds for this match suggest taking a deep look at Hansi Flick’s team. Props and goalscorers are a solid option, just like Asian handicaps. Over 3 and 3.5 goals seem like a solid pick for bettors from Canada, although the odds for each market will be impacted by the Champions League predicted lineups.
Barcelona needs this win badly. Currently sitting on the 15th spot in the group stage standings and with key lineup rotations, it could struggle in Prague. The good news from last night is that Inter, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund have all lost. With a two-goal to nil win in Prague, Barca can overtake these teams and get closer to the top eight. That’s why Hansi Flick is considering, although it will take a good performance from Rashford and other players to get the three points in Prague.
Top Picks: Juventus vs Benfica & Marseille vs Liverpool
Aside from Barcelona and Slavia Prague, bettors can put their wagers on a few other interesting matches. Juventus plays Benfica at home and enters the match as a heavy favorite. However, Benfica won’t do the Italian side any favors. It will be a tight tactical battle with Jose Mourinho at Benfica’s helm in the middle of rumors about his return to Real Madrid.
From a betting angle, the moneyline European football odds only make sense when picking Benfica. However, the Italians are pushing for the postseason, sitting on the 17th spot below Marseille and Barcelona. Benfica trails three points behind on the 28th spot, and a win could see it level with Juventus.
The latest Champions League betting tips suggest a tight match with goals on both sides. Don’t be surprised if the match ends in a draw. Mourinho’s tactics against big teams have worked many times before.
Marseille and Liverpool meet at the Velodrome in another exciting Round 7 match. Liverpool is desperate for a win that will push it into the top 8. Marseille aims to stay in the hunt for a UCL postseason, and it has the fans and atmosphere at the Velodrome on its side.
This is another match where the BTTS betting market makes sense. Totals over 3 goals are priced at -104 at BetPlays, while the Champions League Matchday 7 odds for the same market jump to +148 for over 3.5.
Live betting is a good option for this match as well, especially if Liverpool falls behind. Considering the team’s recent draw streak, a correct score with a draw and goals on both sides is another strong option.
Top Champions League Betting Tips for Matchday 7
- Barca to win to nil: This is a great pick as Barcelona’s expected to make a strong push in the last two rounds. Slavia Prague comes first for Barca, and the Blaugrana won’t let this opportunity slide. It will be affected a bit, as the latest Champions League predicted lineups show that it’ll be without Lamine Yamal because of yellow cards suspension. Considering Slavia’s goalscoring struggles, Barcelona should win to nil behind a disciplined defensive performance.
- Marseille vs Liverpool BTTS: Marseille is a tough challenge at home, although it has defensive vulnerabilities. Despite Liverpool’s current 12-match unbeaten run, the defensive line looks disjointed. This is a match that has both teams to score written all over it, and the win could go any side.
- Juventus vs Benfica Under 2.5 goals: This will be a tactical affair, most likely with just a couple of goals on both sides. Juventus will be missing Dusan Vlahovic. Mourinho will implement a chess match tactic, so both sides will have to be on the defensive.
Current Standings & What’s at Stake
The teams ranked 9-24 in the Champions League league phase will be looking to avoid the playoffs. Their motivation for automatic qualification is key for bettors who are looking at must-win scenarios such as Barca’s.
Once again, we strongly recommend looking at the latest lineup changes before the matches kick-off. Lineup rotations are common at this stage, yet some teams hunting for the top 8 will be looking to field their strongest squads.
The weather will impact Champions League Matchday 7 odds, so if you’re betting, place your wagers before the odds drop. Stay disciplined, bet responsibly, and have fun with the latest UCL betting tips at BetPlays.