After the return of European competitions last week, the first legs continue in the biggest soccer tournament in the world, and the Sports Gambling Podcast Network has you covered with our Champions League Round of 16 props and parlays.
The action starts on Tuesday with a doubleheader that is highlighted by Inter Milan hosting Atlético Madrid at the San Siro. PSV and Dortmund are also playing on the day in the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Arsenal heads to Portugal on Wednesday to face Porto at the same time that Napoli and Barcelone kick off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
From props to totals, we’re changing up the format this week to deliver you three different plays to cover all aspects of the UCL this week. SGPN will also have a best-bets parlay with the podcast guys to recap our Champions League Round of 16 props and parlays.
Champions League Round of 16 Props and Parlays
Favorite Prop – Arsenal -1 Asian Handicap Corners (-111) Bet365
No team in England has prioritized corners more this season than Arsenal. The Gunners lead the Premier League in corners per match at 7.52, and this has carried over into this tournament.
In the six UCL matches, Arsenal has finished with more corners in four of those games. One of the ones where the Gunners were beaten in this market was the final match of the group stage, where they played backups in a meaningless fixture.
Meanwhile, Porto has not been as successful in this market. The Portuguese side has only had more corners in one of six Champions League games.
I also just feel the game state will aid Arsenal in having more corners. I expect the home team to sit back and defend while the Gunners control the match and rack up the shots and corners.
Favorite Team Total – Napoli 1H Team Total Over 0.5 (+102) FanDuel
Make sure Victor Osimhen is fit and starting before placing this bet. The last reports say be fit enough for 50-60 minutes, which should have him in the starting 11.
When he is in, Napoli has scored in the opening half in all three Champions League matches so far. This is also a fade of a struggling Barcelona defense.
The Spanish side has given up a goal in the first half in two of three UCL games. Xavi’s team also allowed goals away from home in the first 10 minutes to both Athletic Club and Real Madrid in recent cup matches.
I expect the Italian side to look for the first goal at home.
Favorite Bet – Arsenal vs. Porto Under 2.5 (-122) BetRivers
Since the away-goals rule was removed, visiting teams have not been as adventurous for goals in the first legs of this round. This has led to a lot of unders in these matches.
The under has cashed in 13 of 16 first legs over the last two years. This same bet also hit in three of four matches last week in the UCL.
I just struggle to see how Porto scores here against Arsenal. The Gunners allowed just 0.62 expected goals per 90 minutes in the group stage, according to fbref.com.
In their last five matches in the EPL, Mikel Arteta’s team has given up just 0.34 xG per game. This includes holding Liverpool to 0.4 expected goals.
Porto are much better defensively than in attack, as well. So, I just expect Arsenal to win in a low-scoring affair.
