Predictions 21-24. 02-2022

Villarreal vs Juventus | Champions League (22.02.2022, 21:00).

Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus have a difficult job at the Estadio de la Ceramica, better known as “El Madrigal,” for the challenge of the Champions League round of 16 against Unai Emery’s Villarreal, the Europa League’s last winner. The bianconeri are back from two consecutive 1-1 draws in the league, against Atalanta and Turin, in which once again the game left something to be desired despite the declarations of the Juventus coach, who on both occasions saw a good match for his team.

Juve also face a series of defensive problems with the injuries of Chiellini, Bonucci, Rugani, and Pellegrini, in addition to those in other departments of Chiesa and Dybala, without forgetting Bernardeschi in doubt. In this context, the Bianconeri will find it difficult to succeed on a field where Villarreal have been unbeaten for six games in a row; the “yellow submarine” has not lost in front of their fans since November 27th.

Furthermore, contrary to what happens in Italy, the capacity of the Spanish stadiums is 100%, so the fans could give a big hand to Mario Gaspar and his teammates. Villarreal, among other things, have just returned from a nice 4-1 success at Granada, where Dutch striker Arnaut Groeneveld was the highlight, the author of a hat-trick.

Form Guide

Villarreal DLWWDW

Following their 1-4 La Liga triumph over Granada, Villarreal will be hoping for more of the same.

Villarreal had 62 percent possession and 15 shots on goal, seven of which were on target.Arnaut Danjuma (35′, 39′, 81′) and Moi Gómez (90′) scored goals for Villarreal. Granada CF, on the other hand, had 20 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Granada’s Luis Milla scored in the 61st minute.

As evidenced by their recent results, Villarreal’s backline has been in excellent form recently. Villarreal have been stingy with their goalkeepers, allowing only four goals in their last six games.

Juventus WDWWDD

Juventus had previously drawn 1-1 with Torino in a Serie A match.

Juventus had 46 percent possession and 12 shots on goal, three of which were on target during the game. Matthijs de Ligt (13′) scored the winning goal for Juventus. Torino had ten shots on goal against them, three of which were on target. Torino’s goal came from Andrea Belotti (62′).

Juventus’ defensive players have put up a sequence of great performances, allowing only four goals in their last six games. During the same time period, they have scored a total of ten goals.

  • Villarreal is unbeaten in four official matches, with three wins and two draws.
  • Juventus is unbeaten in 16 consecutive league and cup games (including a 1-1 tie at regular time in the Italian Super Cup against Inter).
  • Villarreal are unbeaten at home in 6 official matches and have not conceded a goal in 3 of the last 4.
  • Juventus have scored and conceded at least 1 goal in the last 3 official matches.

 

Injured and suspended

Villarreal: (Rubén Peña, Francis Coquelin and Paco Alcácer)

Juventus: (Leonardo Bonucci, Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini and Federico Chiesa)

 

Villarreal vs Juventus Predicted XI

Villarreal Predicted XI: Rulli, Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Pedraza, Capoue, Lo Celso, Parejo, Chukwueze, Danjuma, Alberto Moreno

Juventus Predicted XI: Szczesny, De Sciglio, Danilo, de Ligt, Alex Sandro, Cuadrado, Locatelli, Zakaria, Rabiot, Morata, Vlahovic.

Prediction

For what is the situation of the Bianconeri, with many doubts about their formation and players not at their best, limiting the damage to “El Madrigal” could be the best thing. We recall that Juve qualified for the second round in the last two editions of the Champions League, always losing away from home.

In the circumstances and state of health of the players, a draw appears to be a reasonable outcome. As a result, we’re looking at a very close game with a 1-1 score at full-time.

Chelsea vs Lille | Champions League (22.02.2022, 21:00)

European champions Chelsea begin the second phase of the 2021–2022 Champions League at home. Thomas Thuchel’s Blues, who, after winning the European Super Cup in August, completed the task a week ago by becoming world club champions by beating Palmeiras in extra time, returned to play in the league where they had not played since 2-0 home against Tottenham, and, albeit with some difficulty, they won another London derby at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace 1-0 thanks to the goal of Hakim Ziyech.

They are now facing the French champions (in the 2020/2021 season), who are a far cry from the team that won the title just a season ago and did not even advance past the 0-0 home match against Metz in the previous round. Coached by Jocelyn Gourvennec, they started largely disadvantaged in the odds of the bookmakers thanks to a start in 2022, which saw them win only once away from Ligue 1 and the French Cup. In both games, the two teams met in the group stage in the 2019/20 season, and in both games, Chelsea won 2-1.

Form Guide

Chelsea DWWWWW

Chelsea are looking to bounce back after their 0-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.

In the game, Chelsea had 58 percent possession and 9 shots on goal, three of which were on target. Chelsea’s only goal came from Hakim Ziyech in the 89th minute. Crystal Palace had seven shots on goal, but none of them were on target.

Chelsea haven’t had any trouble scoring, as they’ve hit the target in each of their last six games.

During that period, they have amassed a total of 9 points while also conceding a total of 3.

Lille DWLLWD

Lille drew 0-0 with FC Metz in their previous match in Ligue 1.

In the match, Lille had 64 percent possession and 13 shots on goal, one of which was on target. FC Metz had seven shots on goal, but none of them were on target.

Lille’s Jocelyn Gourvennec has reason to celebrate after scoring six goals in their last six games, giving them a goal per game average of one.

  • Chelsea have remained unbeaten in 17 of their last 19 Champions League games.
  • Chelsea have won the last 4 Champions League games played at home and always without conceding a goal.
  • Chelsea have been unbeaten at Stamford Bridge since October 2.
  • Lille has conceded goals in 16 of the 17 away games played this season (league and cup combined).

Injured and suspended

Chelsea: (Mason Mount, Reece James, and Ben Chilwell).

Lille: clean bill of health and no suspension concerns.

 

Chelsea vs Lille Predicted XI

Chelsea Predicted XI: Mendy, Thiago Silva, Ruediger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Ziyech, Pulisic, Lukaku

Lille Predicted XI: Jardim, Zeki Celik, Fonte, Botman, Gudmundsson, Weah, Andre, Xeka, Bamba, Yilmaz, David

 

Prediction

Chelsea is widely favored, as can be seen from the odds of the bookmakers. When Chelsea plays Lille, we believe they will score the goals they require. Lille, on the other hand, may struggle to score goals.

According to our predictions, Chelsea will win by a 2-0 margin at the end of this match.

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United | Champions League (23.02.2022, 21:00)

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid faces Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. At Wanda Metropolitano, they will once again face Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a great rival for Colchoneros fans since his time at Real Madrid. CR7, however, has never managed to score a goal at Atletico in the Champions League, both at the time of Real and Juventus.

The reigning Spanish champions are back from a 3-0 league victory at Osasuna with goals from Joao Felix, Luis Suarez and Angel Correa. The Red Devils also did well in the last round of the championship by overwhelming Leeds United at Ellan Road, 4-2; the scorers were Harry Magguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Atletico and United have dated back to the round of 16 of the 1991/1992 Cup Winners’ Cup, and on that occasion, Atletico won at home 3-0.

Form Guide

Atlético Madrid LWLWLW

Atlético Madrid will be looking to build on their previous match’s 0-3 La Liga victory over Osasuna.

In the game, Atlético Madrid had 38 percent possession and five shots on goal, four of which were on target. Atlético Madrid scored through Joo. Félix (3′), Luis Suárez (59′), and Angel Correa (89′). CA Osasuna had 14 shots on goal, four of them on target.

Atlético Madrid matches have been notoriously tense in recent years, with plenty of goalmouth action expected. In their last six games, both clubs have scored a total of 24 goals (an average of four goals per game), with Atlético Madrid accounting for 12 of those goals.

Manchester United WDDDWW

Manchester United enters the match after a 2-4 Premier League victory over Leeds United in their previous match.

In that game, Manchester United had 46 percent possession and 15 shots on goal, 9 of which were on target. Harry Maguire (34′), Bruno Fernandes (45′), Fred (70′), and Anthony Elanga (88′) scored for Manchester United. Leeds United had 16 shots on goal against them, six of which were on target. Leeds United’s goals came from Rodrigo Moreno (53′) and Raphinha (54′).

The aggregate average goals scored per game in the last six games featuring Manchester United has been a pitiful 2.5, with the average goals for the Red Devils being 1.67.

  • Manchester United have scored the first goal of the match in their last 4 away games across all competitions.
  • Manchester United have scored the first goal of the match in their last 9 games across all competitions.
  • Atletico Madrid have conceded goals in their last 4 official matches played at Wanda Metropolitano.
  • Atletico Madrid have not won at home in the Champions League for six games in a row.

Injured and suspended

Atlético Madrid: clean bill of health and no suspension concerns.

Manchester United: (Edinson Cavani, Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic, and Raphaël Varane).

 

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United Predicted XI

Atlético Madrid Predicted XI: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Savic, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Kondogbia, Correa; Felix, Suarez

Manchester United Predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

 

Prediction

 

We believe Manchester United are dangerous enough to score against Atlético Madrid in this match, but we believe it will not be enough to avoid losing.

Although Atletico Madrid have conceded so many goals recently, it will not be easy for United to score against a side that have often followed their defensive successes. With United making 9 official matches in a row, we put on Double Chance X2 and raised the final odds to under 3.5.

Benfica vs Ajax | Champions League (23.02.2022, 21:00)

The Benfica of coach Nelson Veríssimo and Ajax, coached by Erik ten Hag, meet in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. The host “Eagles” are detached from the top of the table in the Portuguese league and have already been ousted from both the Portuguese Cup and the League Cup this season, but for a few weeks they have been on a positive streak thanks to two victories that followed a 2-2 draw on the Boavista field in which Adel Taarbat and Alex Grimaldo scored.

Ajax are leading the Eredivisie and are also competing in the Dutch Cup. So, with the Champions League, the goals are all still in the crosshairs. The Lancers have won the last ten official matches, the most recent of which was a goal by Jurrien Timber on Willem II’s field. The two squads met last time in the Champions League in the group stage of the 2018/2019 season, and on that occasion, the Lisbon match ended 1-1.

Form Guide

Benfica DWLWWD

Benfica comes into this game with a 2-2 tie against Boavista in the Primeira Liga.

In the game, Benfica had 56% possession and 8 shots on goal, three of which were on target.Adel Taarabt (21′) and Lex Grimaldo (30′) scored the goals for Benfica. Boavista had 14 shots on goal against them, four of which were on target. Boavista’s goals came from Gustavo Sauer (74′) and Gaius Makouta (80′).

Benfica have been on a goal-scoring spree recently, scoring in each of their past six games.

During that time, they’ve managed to score 11 goals while allowing a total of 7.

Ajax WWWWWW

Ajax are coming off a 0-1 Eredivisie victory over Willem II in their most recent match.

In the game, Ajax had 72 percent possession and 30 shots on goal, 5 of which were on target. Jurrin Timber (81′) scored the Ajax goal. Willem II had six shots on goal against them, one of which was on target.

Ajax’s defense has put together a string of strong performances, allowing only one goal in their last six games. During that time period, they have scored 25 goals on their own.

  • Ajax won the 6 matches of the group stage, always scoring at least 2 goals.
  • Ajax have won the last 10 official matches played this season in all competitions.
  • In their last 6 official matches, Benfica have always scored and conceded at least 1 goal.
  • However, Benfica have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches.

 

 

Injured and suspended

Benfica: (Haris Seferovic, Lucas Veríssimo, and Rodrigo Pinho).

Ajax: (Zakaria Labyad, Mohamed Ihattaren, Sean Klaiber, Brian Brobbey, and Maarten Stekelenburg).

 

Benfica vs Ajax Predicted XI

Benfica Predicted XI: Vlachodimos; Lazaro, Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo; Silva, Taarabt, Weigl, Everton; Yaremchuk, Nunez.

Ajax Predicted XI: Pasveer; Mazraoui, Schuurs, Martinez, Blind; Alvarez, Klaassen; Antony, Berghuis, Tadic; Haller.

 

Prediction

Erik ten Hag’s Ajax are given as favorites because they play much more interesting football than the Lusitanian team that is struggling even at home. In 5 of the last 7 Champions League matches, Benfica kept a clean sheet in 5 of the last 7, but it is also true that in the group stage, Ajax (who scored at least 2 goals per game) scored at least one goal in the first half of 4 of the 6 races.

As a result, we expect a hard-fought match, with Ajax prevailing by a score of 0-1 at the end of the game.

Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund | Europa League (24.02.2022, 21:00)

It takes ninety minutes to decide who will pass the round in the Europa League. Rangers arrived at the match against Borussia Dortmund 4-2 strong in the first leg, a real challenge achieved in the fiery Teutonic stadium.

Away goals are no longer worth it, but two lengths of advantage are good help. The Germans have a mountain in front of them that will not be easy to climb, even if they come from a good period of form with two wins in a row in the Bundesliga.

Form Guide

Rangers LWWWWD

Rangers are coming off a 1-1 draw with Dundee United in the Premiership.

In the game, the Rangers had 74 percent control and 29 shots on goal, three of which were on target. Joe Aribo (76′) was the only player for the Rangers to score. Dundee United had six shots on goal, two of which were on target. Dundee United’s goal came from Ross Graham (29′).

Rangers games have recently proved to be entertaining affairs, with a lot of goalmouth activity being a typical feature. In their last six meetings, both teams have scored a total of 21 goals (at an average of 3.5 goals per game), with the Rangers scoring 15 of them.

Borussia Dortmund LWLWLW

Borussia Dortmund are coming off a 6-0 Bundesliga win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in their previous match.

In the match, Borussia Dortmund had 50 percent possession and 16 shots on goal, 10 of which were on target. Marco Reus (26′, 82′), Donyell Malen (32′), Marius Wolf (70′), Youssoufa Moukoko (74′), and Emre Can (90′) scored for Borussia Dortmund. Borussia Mönchengladbach attempted eight shots on goal, four of which were successful.

At least three goals have been scored in each of Borussia Dortmund’s past six games. Within that time period, the average number of goals scored per game is 5, with Borussia Dortmund averaging 2.83.

  • Rangers have scored a total of twelve goals in their last four home games.
  • Four of Borussia Dortmund’s last five matches have ended with an Over 3.5.
  • The Germans have scored ten goals in their last four away games.
  • In the first leg, the match ended 4-2 for Rangers.

Injured and suspended

Rangers: (Nnamdi Ofoborh and Ianis Hagi).

Borussia Dortmund: (Thomas Meunier, Marcel Schmelzer, Erling Haaland, Abdoulaye Kamara, and Mateu Morey Bauzà).

 

Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI

Rangers Predicted XI: McLaughlin; Lundstram, Ramsey, Lowry; Sakala, Barker, Itten, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Simpson

Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI: Kobel; Akanji, Hummels, Zagadou; Hazard, Bellingham, Dahoud, Guerreiro; Reus, Brandt; Malen

 

Prediction

 

It will once again be a spectacular match between Rangers and Borussia Dortmund. The 4-2 result of the first leg in favor of the Scots was an achievement, but it does not end the discussion definitively. The Yellow Wall has an atomic attack and must unleash it if they want to try to overturn the game. The Germans will have to play a hyper-offensive game to try to make up for the two goals behind.

They will most likely score more than one goal, but they will find a defense that often goes into difficulty. In the first leg, they conceded four goals at home and are unlikely to remain unbeaten against the Scots. So we think that, in the end, a result similar to that of the first leg can be repeated, and we aim for the Over 3.5 with Borussia favored by the bookmakers for the final victory but not for the qualification.

Napoli vs Barcelona | Europa League (24.02.2022, 21:00)

There is a desire for European competitions in Naples. At Maradona, the Neapolitans are facing Xavi’s Barcelona, convinced that they will be able to eliminate them from the Europa League. At the Camp Nou, Spalletti’s team held out against the Catalans and came out with a precious 1-1 that has postponed everything for this return match. Insigne and his teammates are aware of the difficulty of the match, but the chances of qualifying for the round of 16 are there.

The Italian team must first of all try not to concede a goal, but the statistics show that at home they have kept a clean sheet only once in the last eight occasions. Even the defensive phase of the blaugrana leaves enough to be desired: only one clean sheet in the last 9. Barcelona had scored 9 goals in the Champions League group stage, which was not an impossible task. The hosts have to deal with yet another injury: in the first leg, Anguissa suffered a strain and will not play in this match, while Matteo Politano is recovering well from his muscle problem and should be available. There are always numerous absences from Barcelona: Depay, Ansu Fati, Lenglet, Sergi Roberto, and Umtiti will still be out.

Form Guide

Napoli LWWWDD

Napoli prepared for this match after a 1-1 Europa League draw with Barcelona.

Napoli controlled the ball for 33% of the time and had four shots on goal, four of which were on target. Zieliski (29′) was the only player to score. Barcelona, on the other hand, had 21 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Barcelona’s Ferrán Torres scored in the 59th minute.

Matches against Napoli have recently been engrossing contests, with plenty of goalmouth action. In their last six meetings, both teams have scored a total of 20 goals (at an average of 3.33 goals per game), with 12 of those coming from Napoli.

Barcelona LWWDDW

Barcelona enters the match after a 1-4 La Liga victory against Valencia in their previous match.

In the game, Barcelona had 64 percent possession and six shots on goal, six of which were on target. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led the way for Barcelona with six shots on goal, six of which were on target. Aubameyang (23′, 38′), Frenkie de Jong (32′), and Pedri (63′) scored for the Catalans. Valencia took 11 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Valencia’s goal came from Carlos Soler (52′).

Barcelona have been a menace moving forward in recent contests, scoring 14 goals in their last six games. This does not obscure the fact that Barcelona can improve defensively after conceding goals in five of the same games.

  • The Gol sign has always come out in the last 3 games played at home by Napoli.
  • In the last 3 direct clashes between Napoli and Barca, both teams have always scored.
  • Barcelona have always collected at least one goal in their last 9, except on one occasion.
  • Two teams that are among the best attacks in their respective national leagues face off.

 

Injured and suspended

Napoli: (Matteo Politano, Axel Tuanzebe, Hirving Lozano, and Stanislav Lobotka).

Barcelona: (Memphis Depay, Álex Balde, Clément Lenglet, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, and Samuel Umtiti).

 

Napoli vs Barcelona Predicted XI

Barcelona Predicted XI: Ter Stegen: Dest, Piqué, Araújo, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Traoré, Aubameyang, Dembélé

Napoli Predicted XI: Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Mário Rui; Zambo Anguissa, Fabián Ruiz; Elmas, Zieliński, Insigne; Osimhen

 

Prediction

 

With the primary goal of the championship, Napoli have shown so far that they don’t snub Europe, and they won’t do it this time either. Previous and last results clearly tell us that we can expect an open challenge with different goals.

Let’s see how it goes, but a draw appears to be the most likely outcome. As a result, we expect a close game that ends in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time.