Champions League tips: Ajax hoping to finish off Benfica in Amsterdam

There are four more Champions League last-16 second leg ties this week - here's our pick of the best bets.

Ajax vs Benfica

Tuesday 15 March, 8pm, BT Sport 3

Ajax have earned the reputation as being European football’s greatest underdog in recent years. They have continually punched above their financial weight in the Champions League but face a significant challenge to progress against Benfica after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

The Amsterdam side, however, have been impressive at home in Europe. They have won all of their three fixtures, including a 4-2 win over Sporting CP and 4-0 win over Dortmund.

High scoring games have come as standard for Ajax this season but Benfica have played things rather tighter, notably drawing 0-0 away against Dynamo Kyiv and Barcelona in the group stage.

With the home side having conceded only seven goals in their 19 competitive matches to date this season, backing Ajax to win to nil holds some appeal given the long odds.

Recommended bet: Ajax to win to nil @ 3.15

Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid

Tuesday 15 March, 8pm, BT Sport 2

Manchester United’s spirits will be high going into Tuesday’s meeting with Atletico Madrid after a fine win over Tottenham at the weekend, yet they were outplayed in the first leg of this tie and were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw.

Interim Old Trafford boss Ralf Rangnick will be hopeful that Cristiano Ronaldo’s superb Saturday form continues into the midweek match, but the Portuguese threatens to be eclipsed by one of his young compatriots in this encounter.

Atleti attacker Joao Felix has scored six goals in his last six games, including the opener in the first leg. Given that he is the player in form, it is remarkable that his price to score anytime is longer than less prolific team-mates such as Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

Recommended bet: Joao Felix anytime @ 4.3

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired United to beat Spurs at the weekend, and the Old Trafford crowd will be hoping he can do the same on Tuesday night

Juventus vs Villarreal

Wednesday 16 March, 8pm, BT Sport 3

Juventus are finally starting to get their swagger back under Massimiliano Allegri, and though they might not be very attractive to watch, they are at least winning games. Indeed, Juve have won each of their last four, including three on the road.

This tie sits balanced at 1-1 after the first leg, in which Dusan Vlahovic remarkably scored just seconds into his Champions League debut. The Serb continues to be a talisman for the Italian side and is proving well worth the record January fee that his club paid for him.

Juve won their three group stages matches at home, and though Villarreal progressed thanks to a 3-2 win away to Atalanta, it would take a huge upset for them to score a second Italian victory this season. Indeed, the hosts look good value at Evens.

Recommended bet: Juventus @ 2.0

Lille vs Chelsea

Wednesday 16 March, 8pm, BT Sport 2

Chelsea’s recent problems need little introduction, with the Stamford Bridge side now Europe’s crisis club – off the field, at any rate.

In many ways, the Blues are fortunate that Lille lies within easy travelling distance from London, given the restrictions they face in terms of paying for transport, and even if the trip is not as comfortable as they may be accustomed to, it will be mercifully short.

Thomas Tuchel’s side outplayed Lille 2-0 in the first leg, with the French side playing just about as well as they could in London. A repeat should be expected here.

Recommended bet: Chelsea @ 1.94

Recommended bets

Ajax to win to nil @ 3.15

Joao Felix anytime @ 4.3

Juventus @ 2.0

Chelsea @ 1.94