
We are entering the business end of the Champions League’s league phase, with Matchday 7 taking place from Tuesday, 20 January to Wednesday, 21 January.
With just two matchdays remaining, including this one, every result carries extra importance as teams battle for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16, while places nine to 24 will head into the play-offs and the rest bow out.
Champions League tipster Ben Smith has put together a five-leg accumulator for this week on BetMGM, picking out selections he believes are well priced across the latest Champions League odds.
Bodo/Glimt’s last competitive outing came on the final Champions League matchday, when they earned a point away at Dortmund. That result kept their faint hopes of reaching the play-offs alive, but those hopes will end if they lose to Manchester City on Tuesday.
City are still feeling the effects of Saturday’s defeat in the Manchester derby, but this looks like a good chance to respond against opponents who are unlikely to be fully match sharp, despite playing a couple of friendlies in January.
With Bodo/Glimt needing a result, they may have to push forward if they fall behind, which could leave space in behind for City to exploit. If City can control the game and take their chances, they should have enough to win by two or more and cover the -1.5 handicap.
Arsenal remain comfortably in control of the Premier League title race, with both Manchester City and Aston Villa failing to apply consistent pressure in recent weeks.
However, it has not been perfect for the Gunners, particularly in front of goal. They created very little in their goalless draw with Liverpool in their last home match, and another 0-0 away at Nottingham Forest at the weekend has only added to the concerns.
In Europe, Arsenal have made light work of the league phase so far, taking maximum points and needing just one more to secure progression to the last 16.
Inter also need a result, but a draw would not be a disaster. They sit inside the top eight and have matchday eight fixture against one of the chasers, Borussia Dortmund, to come, so avoiding defeat here would still keep them well placed.
With both sides capable of keeping things tight, under 2.5 goals appeals.
Thomas Frank’s position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is reportedly hanging by a thread, but Spurs are still well placed in the Champions League. A play-off spot would be guaranteed if they can take a point from this fixture, and they may even still have a chance of finishing in the top eight.
However, based on their current level, it is hard to see them getting the job done. Tottenham have lost five of their last eight in all competitions, including back-to-back home defeats which saw them knocked out of the FA Cup and slide to 14th in the Premier League table.
Borussia Dortmund, like Spurs, are on 11 points, but the big difference is the form they bring into this match. Niko Kovac’s side have only lost three games in all competitions this season, with two of those defeats coming away to Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
They have also scored three goals in each of their last three matches, and with Spurs looking completely out of sorts, Dortmund could have too much quality and control here.
Having both played 19 games in their domestic leagues, Villarreal are seven points better off than Ajax in a much tougher division.
Ajax have also been on the wrong end of heavy Champions League away defeats, including 5-1 and 4-0 scorelines. With a loss ending either side’s hopes of reaching the play-offs, the team that falls behind should have to chase the game.
That could leave space for Villarreal to exploit on the counter, and it brings the handicap into play. Villarreal look the value option.
Frankfurt’s defensive record away from home is dreadful. They drew 3-3 at Werder Bremen on Friday, having lost 3-2 at Stuttgart previously. Even their last two away wins saw them ship a combined seven goals as they beat Cologne 4-3 and Borussia Monchengladbach 6-4.
Qarabag have scored twice in all three of their home Champions League fixtures this season, even against Premier League side Chelsea.
At the prices, Qarabag goals are the way to go.
BetMGM's Champions League betting bonus allows new users to claim £40 in free bets after signing up and placing a £10 wager. Some of those free bets can be used on this week's Champions League action. Check out the BetMGM bonus.
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