The Champions League knockout stages are upon us, and the Round of 16 first legs promise a feast of elite European football. Our experts have studied the group stage form, historical records, and tactical matchups to deliver their best bets for this week’s ties.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich — Tuesday 20:00

Tip: Draw — 11/4 (bet365)

This is a meeting of two of Europe’s most well-drilled sides, and first legs at this stage of the competition tend to be cagey. Arsenal were outstanding in the group phase, conceding just three goals across six matches, whilst Bayern under Vincent Kompany have become far more disciplined than the chaotic outfit we saw during their transitional period. Arteta will set up to be difficult to beat, and Bayern will be wary of overcommitting away from home. The draw at 11/4 with bet365 looks generous for what could easily finish 1-1.

Alternative: Under 2.5 Goals — evens (Betfair)

Five of Arsenal’s six group stage home matches saw under 2.5 goals. Bayern are happy to control possession and limit chances. Evens on under 2.5 with Betfair is a strong play.

Liverpool vs Inter Milan — Wednesday 20:00

Tip: Liverpool to Win — 4/5 (William Hill)

A repeat of the 2021/22 Round of 16 tie, and Liverpool will fancy their chances under the Anfield lights once again. Arne Slot’s side topped their group with a perfect record, and they’ve been devastating in European competition this term. Inter are a resilient outfit, but they’ve struggled on English soil historically — losing on their last three visits to Premier League grounds. Liverpool at 4/5 with William Hill is our banker of the round.

PSG vs Real Madrid — Tuesday 20:00

Tip: Both Teams to Score — 4/5 (Paddy Power)

When these two heavyweights collide, there are usually goals. PSG’s forward line remains electric, with Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola terrorising defences in Ligue 1. Real Madrid, even in transition, carry the individual brilliance of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Neither defence has been watertight in Europe this season. BTTS at 4/5 with Paddy Power is the smart play here.

Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund — Wednesday 20:00

Tip: Barcelona -1 Handicap — 7/4 (Sky Bet)

Hansi Flick has transformed Barcelona into one of the most potent attacking forces in Europe. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have been breathtaking, and the Camp Nou has been a fortress. Dortmund, for all their spirit in last season’s run to the final, have been inconsistent and are vulnerable on the road. Barça to win by two or more at 7/4 with Sky Bet is a punchy but justified selection.

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester City — Tuesday 20:00

Tip: Under 1.5 Goals — 13/8 (bet365)

Diego Simeone’s Atlético remain the masters of the low block, and this fixture has been a tactical chess match every time these sides have met. City’s struggles this season — by their lofty standards — mean they’re unlikely to blow Atlético away. The 2022 quarter-final produced an aggregate of just two goals over 210 minutes. Under 1.5 goals at 13/8 with bet365 is our value pick of the round.

Round of 16 Accumulator

Combining the Draw in Arsenal vs Bayern, Liverpool to Win, BTTS in PSG vs Real Madrid, and Barcelona -1 gives a four-fold accumulator at approximately 28/1 with bet365. A tempting punt for the Champions League faithful.

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