Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg Betting Tips
There are two cracking Champions League semi-finals to look forward to on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Arsenal hosting Paris Saint-Germain and Inter travelling to Barcelona.
The stage is set for two thrilling last-four showdowns and we have a bet in each of the first-leg ties.
Tip 1 – Arsenal to beat PSG @ 11/10
Arsenal host PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday night and the Gunners look a good bet to take a lead to Paris.
Mikel Arteta’s men produced two sweeping displays to down Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals and that does look the standout performance in the competition so far.
Gabriel’s injury opened doubts about Arsenal’s defence, but Jakub Kiwior has slotted in seamlessly into the centre-back position and the Gunners have arguably the most resolute rearguard in the Champions League.
Mikel Merino has deputised well for the stricken Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in attack and there are other forward options, with Leandro Trossard scoring three goals in his last two matches.
PSG have improved since their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates in the league phase of the competition and the Parisians will carry a threat on the counter-attack.
However, the development of Luis Enrique’s men may have been overplayed. The pace and direct running of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola always gives the impression of threat, but the level has been seriously hyped and there are concerns in other areas of the pitch.
PSG lack physical strength and power in midfield, while the French defence is suspect at set pieces.
The thought of a free-kick and corner bombardment will have Arsenal relishing Tuesday night’s tie and the Gunners are strongest in the Parisians’ positions of weakness.
Enrique's team were beaten 3-2 at Aston Villa and PSG were clinging on to their advantage at the end of the second leg of that last-eight clash.
The Parisians have also been beaten by Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in Europe this term and they look an overrated outfit.
Tip 2 – Under 2.5 goals in Barcelona v Inter @ 11/8
Inter’s Champions League hopes are complicated with the Nerazzurri deep in a Serie A title battle, but Simone Inzaghi’s men are likely to make things tricky for Barcelona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night.
Inter have lost only one of their 12 Champions League matches this term and the success of the Milan side has been built on a rock-solid defence.
Inzaghi’s robust side have conceded only five European goals this term and seven of their 12 games have gone under 2.5 goals.
Of course, Barcelona will bring plenty of attacking intent, but Barca aren’t likely to be afforded anything like the space they were given against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the quarter-finals when they ran out the 4-0 winners.
Hansi Flick’s men battled with Real Madrid for 120 minutes in last weekend’s Copa del Rey final success and that fierce contest in Seville may also have left its mark on the Spaniards.
Barcelona could struggle to break down an expertly-coached Inter side and, at 11/8, backing under 2.5 goals could be the best way to play Wednesday’s showdown.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation