Champions League tips: back Ajax to extend streak

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

Chelsea vs Lille

Tuesday 22 February, 8pm, BT Sport 2

Chelsea were below par on Saturday, when Hakim Ziyech’s late goal earned them a rather fortuitous 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Patrick Vieira was entitled to feel hard done by after his side created the better openings in the second half at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea will now turn their attention to the defence of their European crown. With all due respect to Lille, Thomas Tuchel could not have asked for a kinder draw in the round of 16. The French champions are toiling in the bottom half of the table in Ligue 1, and they will struggle to stop Chelsea racking up a substantial first-leg lead at Stamford Bridge.

There is little value to be had in backing a simple Chelsea win, so instead take a look at the Asian handicap market.

Recommended Bet: Chelsea -1.5 Asian handicap at 1.9

Villarreal vs Juventus

Tuesday 22 February, 8pm, BT Sport 3

Villarreal have found form at just the right time. Unai Emery’s side were 13th in La Liga less than two months ago, but a run of seven wins and two draws in their last 10 matches has seen them climb up to sixth place.

That bodes well for their last-16 tie against Juventus, the first leg of which will take place on Villarreal’s home turf – where they are unbeaten in six games despite visits by Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

Juventus are on a 12-match unbeaten run in Serie A, but their performances have often been unconvincing. Max Allegri would probably settle for a 0-0 on Tuesday, while Emery’s own tendency towards caution suggests this could be a low-scoring affair.

Recommended Bet: Under 1.5 goals at 3

Can Cristiano Ronaldo help Man United pick up a first-leg lead at Atlético Madrid on Wednesday night?

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United

Wednesday 23 February, 8pm, BT Sport 2

Atletico Madrid are going through a testing period at present, with many wondering whether Diego Simeone has taken the club as far as he can. The Spanish champions registered a much-needed win at the weekend, beating Osasuna 3-0, but they have still lost four of their last seven matches.

Nevertheless, Manchester United will be in for a tricky evening on Wednesday. Results have improved under Ralf Rangnick, but the Red Devils still struggle to control matches, and their response to in-game adversity often leaves a lot to be desired.

Neither side has defended particularly well of late, so we could be in store for an entertaining match.

Recommended Bet: Both teams to score at 1.94

Benfica vs Ajax

Wednesday 23 February, 8pm, BT Sport 3

Ajax were the sensations of the group stage, amassing maximum points from meetings with Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP and Besiktas, and scoring a total of 20 goals. The Dutch giants reached the semi-finals of the Champions League three years ago, and Erik ten Hag could lead them there again this term.

Benfica have been struggling for consistency in Portugal and warmed up for Wednesday’s match with a 2-2 draw with Boavista. Ajax, conversely, have won 10 games in a row – back them to make it 11 here.

Recommended Bet: Ajax to win at 1.94

Recommended bets

Chelsea -1.5 Asian handicap at 1.9

Under 1.5 goals in Villarreal vs Juventus at 3

Both teams to score in Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United at 1.94

Ajax to win at 1.94