With the international break now a thing of the past, we can look towards the resumption of the Champions League.
After two more instalments of Premier League action, the world’s biggest club competition returns to television screens starting next Tuesday.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are flying the flag for English football, the former taking on Real Madrid and the latter Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan are the other quarter-final ties scheduled.
With so many big teams left in the competition, we could be in for some Champions League classics.
To further whet the appetite for European chaos, we decided to ask NetBet brand ambassador Ray Parlour a few questions ahead of the quarter-final ties.
As a trusted UK betting site, we pride ourselves on providing the best Champions League football odds, which can be boosted further when you combine multiple selections into one bet using our Bet Builder feature.
Which team are you predicting to win the Champions League from the eight quarter-finalists?
Ray: “That is so tricky to answer, as so many big teams are left in the tournament. I obviously want Arsenal to win it and with a rock-solid defence, they could get to the final if the stars align. But, you have to look at Barcelona on the opposite side of the draw, who have been so, so impressive this season.”
And which four teams do you think will make up the semi-finals?
Ray: “I will go with Arsenal vs PSG and then Barcelona vs Inter Milan. I have put Arsenal in the mix because I just really hope they can find a way past holders Real Madrid.”
How big could Bukayo Saka’s return be for Arsenal’s Champions League hopes and the tie against Real Madrid?
Ray: “Big, really big! Arsenal miss him a lot, as his creativity is so important, both in build-up play and through set-pieces. That is why he gets so many assists and goals. Saka’s return would be such a big boost and it would give the entire club a huge lift ahead of the first leg vs Real Madrid at the Emirates.”
How much do you fear for Aston Villa after watching PSG’s performance over two legs vs Liverpool?
Ray: “Aston Villa have done remarkably well to get through to the last eight of the Champions League in their first season back in the competition for many a year. Huge credit to Unai Emery and the excellent job he is doing. But, you do have to think PSG will come through this tie thanks to their extra class and skill.”
Which three players have really caught your eye in this season’s Champions League?
Ray: “Raphinha has been excellent so far and is the competition’s top scorer with 11 goals. He is a key reason why Barcelona have looked so strong this season under Hansi Flick.
“Marquinhos has really impressed for PSG and the amount of work he gets through in a game is excellent. The Ligue 1 side’s captain will have a big say in their quarter-final tie.
“For Bayern, I really like Joshua Kimmich. He has four assists in the Champions League so far and Bayern have perhaps gone under the radar a bit in this season’s competition, which may serve them well!”
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