It’s a big midweek of Champions League action as both Liverpool and Spurs look to come from behind and secure a spot in the final on June 1 in Madrid.
Liverpool have a mountain to climb as they trail Barcelona 3-0 going into the second leg tonight at Anfield, while Spurs head to Amsterdam with a 1-0 deficit to claw back.
Our football betting expert previews both ties, and picks out the best bets ahead of the action.
Liverpool v Barcelona
The Reds will need another historic European night if they are to make the Champions League final for the second successive year.
Jurgen Klopp’s side lost 3-0 at the Nou Camp last week and will have to produce the comeback of all comebacks without star strikers Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino who both miss out through injury.
Most football fans will know Liverpool have previous in the competition for overhauling a 3-0 deficit, having famously trailed AC Milan 3-0 after 45 minutes in the 2005 final, before a Steven Gerrard inspired performance saw them win on penalties.
It can happen, but it is hard to see the majestical Lionel Messi and former Red Luis Suarez being kept at bay for the whole 90 minutes here.
If Liverpool get off to a good start and score early on then the Kop will look to inspire their side to victory, but whether they can remains to be seen.
As much as it would be great to see the Reds in the final, I simply cannot see it, and my bet for the game would be Barcelona to win and both teams to score at 3/1.
Ajax v Spurs
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have it all to do as they bid to turn around a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Amsterdam Arena tomorrow.
Donny van der Beek’s first half strike separates the two sides, and Spurs head into the game on possibly their worst run of form this season.
The Lilywhites have lost five of their last six games, including a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday when reduced to nine men following Heung-min Son’s and Juan Foyth’s dismissals.
Son will return to the Champions League fold though, following his suspension from the first leg last week, and that is a massive boost for the visitors.
One crumb of comfort is Ajax’s home form in the Champions League this season – their last home win was back in October. Also, the Amsterdammers last won a home game in the knockout stages of the competition back in 1996, so Spurs will travel with some hope of a turnaround.
Ajax have been a breath of fresh air in this competition though, defying the odds to knock out both Real Madrid and Juventus on the way to reaching the last four.
It would be stuff of fairytale if this young, talented squad could reach the final and despite their poor home record in this competition I fancy the Dutch side to progress on the night.
The bet that appeals the most to me is the draw on the night, and both sides to score, which can be backed at 3/1.
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