Champions League Semi-Final Predictions: Goals to flow in lively contests

Real Madrid are favourites to win the Champions League for a record-extending 15th time after ending Manchester City's reign as European champions earlier this month.

Real take on fellow European heavyweight Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, with the first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday (20:00 BST) and the return scheduled for next Wednesday in the Spanish capital.

Bayern are 6/4 to take a lead into the second leg but they may struggle against an in-form Real side who are 7/4 to win in Germany, while the draw is a 13/5 shot.

And in Wednesday's contest taking place at the Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund are 7/4 to head to France next week with an advantage over Paris St-Germain, who are 7/5 to silence the Yellow Wall. The draw is quoted at 14/5.

Tip 1 - Real Madrid to win @ 7/4

Alphonso Davies returns after suspension for Bayern Munich, who are sweating over the fitness of Konrad Laimer, Matthijs de Ligt, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Dayot Upamecano. Kingsley Coman will miss out this week, though.

Real Madrid should be boosted by the returns of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy but Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba remain long-term absentees.

Real Madrid have won on their last three visits to the Allianz Arena and they could flex their muscles once more on their return to Germany.

The Spanish giants are closing in on another La Liga title and they will take some stopping in their bid to be crowned kings of Europe, too, as they arrive in Munich on a 40-match unbeaten run in all competitions stretching back to September.

Bayern are also in decent shape having won their last four matches, but this competition represents their chance of silverware in a so far disappointing campaign and the pressure to succeed may prove too much.

These are often lively contests and this week's clash should prove no different with Real Madrid fancied to have the edge.

Both teams have scored in eight of the last 10 meetings while there have been at least three goals scored in all but one of those matches.

There is little value in either of those markets this week, however, but backing Real to head home with a first-leg advantage does look a decent bet.

Tip 2 - Borussia Dortmund to win & both teams score @ 14/5

Dortmund have doubts over the fitness of Mats Hummels, Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen.

Sebastien Haller is expected to miss out once again as he struggles with an ankle injury.

Kylian Mbappe played just 45 minutes for PSG in the weekend draw against Le Havre but he will return to the starting line-up in Germany on Wednesday.

Presnel Kimpembe is stepping up his training after a lengthy absence but this match is likely to come too soon for the defender.

Borussia Dortmund scored five goals across the two legs of their quarter-final victory over Atletico Madrid, and their strength on home soil could ensure they take an advantage to the Parc des Princes with them next week.

Many gave the German side little chance following their 2-1 defeat to Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano, but they stood tall with their famous Yellow Wall at their backs in the second leg and they could make home advantage count once more.

You write off PSG at your peril, particularly with a rested Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, but the French side have never won in Dortmund despite scoring on each occasion.

They are 7/5 to break their duck this week but preference is for the home side to nick a victory in which both teams score.

Goals often flow when PSG are in action and this week's clash in Germany could be a lively affair.

Each of PSG’s last five games have featured over 3.5 goals and Borussia Dortmund are no strangers to net-bulging action either.

Both teams have scored in Dortmund’s last five outings and they will be keen to put on another show in front of their own fans, having put four goals past Atletico Madrid at the Westfalenstadion a fortnight ago.