Galatasaray ran out 1-0 winners against Liverpool at home when these sides faced off in the league phase, with the Turkish side causing Liverpool quite a few problems in that game - ending the clash with an xG of 1.34 from just nine shots.

Galatasaray put five goals past Juventus in the home leg of their playoff tie to reach this stage of the competition and this goal output at home is very common for the Turkish champions. Galatasaray have netted 18 goals across their last five home matches across all competitions, working out to an average of 3.6 goals per game.

Galatasaray have scored in four of their five matches at home in the Champions League this season, with the exception of a 1-0 defeat to Union Saint Gilloise - a clash in which Galatasaray were reduced to 10 men and should have really ended up on the scoresheet with 15 shots and an xG of 1.18. 

Barnsley are fast becoming one of the most must watch teams in the EFL, and their recent form suggests more of the same here. Both teams have found the net in four of their last five matches across all competitions, continuing a trend that has defined their season. At Oakwell, the numbers are hard to ignore - their 17 home league games have produced 60 goals, averaging 3.52 per game. With a playoff push still very much in sight, they’ll be desperate to claim maximum points here.

Cardiff will arrive with plenty of confidence after thrashing Barnsley 4-0 earlier in the campaign, though their away form tells a slightly different story. They’ve won eight of their 17 games on the road but have shipped 18 goals in the process. Defensive consistency has been an issue lately too with just one clean sheet in their last five outings, with BTTS landing in three of those.

Barnsley, meanwhile, haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 19 matches, so it’s clear they’re accustomed to being involved in open, high scoring affairs. Expect both sides to contribute to the goal tally here in what should be a lively, end-to-end contest. Barnsley will be fighting to reignite their playoff ambitions, while Cardiff look to bounce back after Lincoln leapfrogged them in the title race with a 2-0 win over the Bluebirds last time out.

It’s hard to see how Tottenham pull together the resilience to get something out of this first leg tie, they are in a dire position and their focus may not even be on the Champions League at the moment given that they are in a relegation battle and take on Liverpool in between their two legs against Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham then have a six pointer against Nottingham Forest to contest, so Igor Tudor may end up having to sacrifice the Champions League just to keep Tottenham in the Premier League. On the other hand, this tie represents a real opportunity for Atletico Madrid to gain some momentum ahead of the latter stages of the competition - with this likely to be Diego Simeone’s last chance to win the Champions League with Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid have won 12 of their 14 home matches in LaLiga this season, with only Barcelona picking up more points at home than Simeone’s side in the Spanish top flight this term. Atletico Madrid are also in excellent form ahead of this clash, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions - the exact opposite of Tottenham’s record with the North London side losing each of their last five matches across all competitions.

It is very rare to see Barcelona involved in low scoring matches due to the bold approach they take with their defensive high line that Hansi Flick doesn’t seem willing to change. 

Barcelona have seen 3+ goals in all eight of their Champions League matches this season, including their league phase clash against Newcastle which Barcelona won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Marcus Rashford.

The context of this tie lends itself to a high scoring encounter too, Newcastle will know that taking a lead or even a draw into the clash next week would be valuable, even a goal down wouldn’t be a disaster for Eddie Howe’s side so they have plenty of motivation to contribute to the goal tally.

Newcastle can’t really expect to keep a clean sheet here given that they’ve failed to keep the opposition out in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions, seeing 3+ goals in 11 of these games. 

There is set to be an almighty showdown at Prestbury Park at 2pm – the best two-mile chaser from Great Britain – taking on the best from Ireland. Lulamba is unbeaten in three chase starts and is already a Grade One scorer. The five-old-gelding is clearly a talented performer, but does hit a flat spot in his races.

His future will definitely lie over longer journeys. If he is within striking distance, coming to the last two fences, I don’t think any other rival will be finishing as strongly. However, given his run style, I’m tipping Kopek Des Bordes to reign supreme, for trainer Willie Mullins. The son of No Risk At All is inexperienced over fences, after just one outing, but he won that Navan race effortlessly. He has the all-important track form, having been a superb winner of last season’s G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and I have maximum faith that his trainer will have him 100% for this assignment.

I find this juvenile handicap hurdle, as most years, tricky to decipher – with numerous runners potentially well-handicapped horses – after light campaigns. The unexposed nature of those types can often be overplayed, though. Eight out of the last nine winners of this race had won a hurdle, prior to running in this event.

Two of the more fancied runners in the market are yet to win, and I prefer to have a horse with some substance to its form. Glen To Glen fits that brief, as a last-time-out scorer at Cork. That win came as a surprise to his trainer, Joseph O’Brien, but the selection has plenty of room for improvement, from an opening handicap mark of 129. The O’Brien stable has also won the previous two renewals. 

It is no surprise that JAGWAR leads the betting for this stamina test. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero train the top two in the market for J P McManus. I’m strongly in the mindset of Iroko running well here, prior to his main target of Grand National glory next month.

Jagwar was another winner for us here last season, over 2m4f. He has been such a model of consistency over fences – especially at this venue – with course form figures of 1132. His excellent runner-up position over the extended 2m4f trip here in January, suggested that the rise to 3m1f could eke out a notch of further improvement. I’m confident of a bold showing.

McLaurey may prove to be a well-handicapped individual for notable connections, but I’m not prepared to support the likely favourite, given he was disappointing on sole visit to Cheltenham. I prefer to back DOWNMEXICOWAY each-way, following a good start to his chase career.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained runner was an easy chase debut winner, prior to a sound 2nd at Grade Two level. He returned to winning ways, stepping back into handicap company, before showing up well behind a strong pair of rivals in Grade One company. A mark of 145 may underestimate his ability, for a horse who has scope for improvement now raised in trip (point winner over three miles).

It’s a top flight matchup in the FA Cup on Monday night, as Brentford travel to the London Stadium. West Ham were able to snatch a 1-0 victory from Craven Cottage midweek - Crysencio Summerville took advantage of an error at the back in the 65th minute, and the Hammers were able to hold on to their lead. 

West Ham caused frustration for the hosts, who were shown two yellow cards, meaning this selection has landed in seven of the last ten games for West Ham. 

Brentford have been in a positive patch of form, and their midweek draw against Bournemouth meant they have only lost one of their last seven matches across all competitions. However, cards have still been common for the Bees, and they were even booked twice against National League side Macclesfield FC in the previous round of the FA Cup. They committed 14 fouls in that 1-0 win.

Meanwhile, West Ham were almost on the receiving end of a massive upset in round four, but they were just about able to edge past Burton Albion in extra-time. Once again, it was Summerville to the rescue, as he scored the only goal of the contest. Despite Burton being in League One, it was quite an even contest in terms of shots and xG. West Ham were the dominant side in terms of possession, though, and they racked up ten corners in regular time. Burton, however, managed three themselves, and they added another four in extra-time. 

West Ham are averaging 11.42 corners per game this season in the Premier League, highlighting how chances are usually available at both ends of the field. There were 16 corners when these sides last met at the London Stadium in October, and the Bees accounted for ten of those.

Brentford were the dominant side in that encounter, and they racked up 22 shots and five big chances worth 2.37 xG. They were easily able to carve through West Ham’s midfield, and found plenty of success in the final third. Igor Thiago scored one goal in that game, but he very easily could have bagged a hat-trick. 

The Brazilian accumulated six shots, with three of those hitting the target. He also struck the woodwork on one occasion, and missed two big chances. Thiago has scored 18 goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season, ranking him second in the Golden Boot race, only behind Erling Haaland. 

Even though West Ham have improved significantly since the start of the season, they still haven’t been completely watertight at the back, and Brentford should be able to find chances. Thiago has been a tough player to contain this campaign, and the 24-year-old will be looking forward to this matchup.

Michael Kayode also played a big role in that victory when these sides last met, as he recorded seven key passes and even had one big chance created. He wasn’t fouled in that game, but the Italian international has been adept at drawing free-kicks this season, and is averaging 1.39 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions. 

That figure rises to 1.53 fouls drawn per 90 on the road, as this selection has landed in 11 of his last 12 starts. The only game it failed to land was against Macclesfield in the previous round of the FA Cup, but Brentford were only fouled six times as a team. This upcoming match against West Ham should be more evenly-balanced, which makes this market appeal. 

Kayode should find duels against Summerville, who is averaging 1.78 fouls per 90 in the Premier League this season.

Victor Osimhen has been Galatasaray’s biggest threat in the Champions League this season, netting seven goals across his eight starts in the competition. Only Kylian Mbappe (13), Anthony Gordon (10) and Harry Kane (8) have scored more goals in the Champions League this season than Victor Osimhen, so he’s clearly a player who is worth highlighting for this clash.

Osimhen has achieved this goal tally from 35 shots (4.46 per 90). This has always been a really strong part of Osimhen’s game, and one that really benefits him when looking to back the striker for a shot on target. Of those 35 shots, 24 have found the target (3.06 per 90), working out to a shot accuracy of 69%, which is very impressive when taking into account the number of efforts that Osimhen is taking on.

Osimhen had a shot on target in both legs of Galatasaray’s triumph over Juventus in the play-off game to reach the round of 16, and scored in extra time to help secure the Turkish side’s progression to this stage of the competition. Osimhen is also on penalties for Galatasaray, offering the forward another route to the target - though he should have the capability to have at least one effort on goal from open play.

Salah’s season this year has been played in short bursts of form, and he looks to be in one of those ahead of this massive game for Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side aren’t in the title race, so they must really go for the Champions League, for this season to be deemed a success after the Reds lifted the Premier League title last year.

Salah hasn’t quite got near the heights he set last campaign, but we’re focusing on him to win a foul here in a chaotic environment. Salah has drawn five fouls across his five starts in the Champions League this season, working out to an average of 0.91 fouls won per 90. He’s averaging 0.80 fouls won per 90 in the Premier League this term, so it is a pretty consistent part of his game which can come to the fore here. 

Salah will be running at Ismael Jakobs, who has committed nine fouls across his eight starts in the Champions League this term (1.17 per 90). He’s also picked up two yellow cards across those matches, so Jakobs may struggle to deal with Salah at points in this contest. Salah no longer has the same physical attributes he once did, but can win fouls with his clever movement, which has become a more noticeable part of his game since losing that speed and sharpness.

One of the more intriguing storylines to watch develop this season is Arne Slot’s love/hate relationship with set pieces. Slot has come out on multiple occasions this season and lamented the style with which most sides are approaching games in the Premier League this season, but he’s a bit of a hypocrite as his side are now doing the same.

Only four sides have taken more corners in the Champions League than Liverpool (60 - 7.5 per game), with all four of those sides having to come through the play-off round, so they’ve played a few extra games than Liverpool. Galatasaray saw exactly 10 corners in the first leg of their play-off tie against Juventus at home, with the away leg producing 13 corners - showing how Galatasaray can also contribute to the corner count in this clash. 

Alisson has started five matches in the Champions League this season, and should be quite busy here with Galatasaray having a variety of threats that could draw him into action. Alisson has been forced into making 12 saves across his five matches in the Champions League this term, working out to an average of 2.60 saves per 90.

Alisson is maintaining a similar standard in the Premier League this season, making 50 saves across his 24 starts in the competition (2.08 per 90). Liverpool are still not that secure at the back, and should be wary of Galatasaray’s ability to be relentless when playing in front of their own fans - as they showed by scoring five goals against Juventus at home in the first leg of their play-off tie, forcing Michele Di Gregorio into four saves.

Victor Osimhen could draw those saves from Alisson just from his own shot volume, with the striker averaging over 3.0 shots on target per 90 in the Champions League this season. Alisson still can’t trust this Liverpool backline, and should be called into action on a few occasions here by a Galatasaray side who really need to take some sort of edge to Anfield next week, to stand a chance of coming through this tie.

This selection narrowly missed out from landing when the sides met earlier in the season, with Hull running out 2-0 winners on that occasion and Wrexham missing a penalty. That clash saw a combined xG of 3.62, offering plenty of promise for a goal heavy encounter in the latest meeting between the teams.

Wrexham sit just one spot and three points behind Hull in the close battle to finish in a playoff spot - and also crucially hold a game in hand on the away side here. Wrexham have seen 61 goals across their 18 home matches in the Championship this term (33 scored, 28 conceded - 3.38 per game). Phil Parkinson’s side have seen BTTS and 3+ goals in four of their last five matches across all competitions, including their recent FA Cup tie against Chelsea.

Hull have seen this selection land in three of their last five matches across all competitions, most recently falling to a 3-1 defeat to Millwall which has just dented their playoff hopes slightly and brought other sides into the discussion. Hull have seen 49 goals across their 17 away games in the Championship this term (28 scored, 21 conceded - 2.88 per game). 

This is a really intriguing midweek matchup in League One, and one that should give us plenty of goals. Reading have seen BTTS in each of their last five matches across all competitions, seeing 3+ goals in three of these games. 

They’ve remained unbeaten across these matches, which reflects Reading’s season on the whole - they’ve been regularly involved in high scoring matches but still managed to maintain that competitive edge and currently sit just one point outside of the playoff spots, with a game in hand on Huddersfield who occupy that final coveted playoff spot.

Reading have seen 53 goals across their 17 away matches in League One this season, working out to an average of 3.11 goals per game (27 scored, 26 conceded). They travel to take on a Mansfield side who managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw when the sides met earlier in the season, and that have scored 24 goals across their 17 home matches in League One this term.

Mansfield aren’t quite clear of the drop zone yet with only five points keeping them Leyton Orient, so there is plenty for the home side to fight for as well which should lead to an open and end to end game which sees both teams get on the scoresheet, and a third goal from the contest. 

The sides have already faced off in the Champions League this season, with Barcelona coming away 2-1 winners over Newcastle at St James’ Park. That game saw both sides register an xG in excess of 1.0 (1.22-1.13) from 29 match shots in total, promising an exciting and end-to-end encounter in this first leg tie.

First leg ties can sometimes be a bit pragmatic and cagey, but I think this particular clash will be one of the more entertaining of the first leg clashes in the round of 16. Newcastle will feel as though they have to take something to Barcelona next week and have seen plenty of goals in recent matches with BTTS landing in each of their last five games across all competitions - including both legs of their Champions League play-off tie against Qarabag. 

Barcelona are rarely a dull watch, and will happily play into the blow-for-blow style with Hansi Flick’s tactical setup lending itself to entertaining matches. Barcelona have seen BTTS in seven of their eight Champions League matches this season, with the exception of their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which was a very rare game in which Barcelona failed to score. 

Everyone was talking about Pedri after the first leg meeting between the sides, he was excellent in controlling the game for Barcelona alongside Frenkie De Jong - and won three fouls in the clash from this control.

Pedri naturally invites challenges from the opposition due to how much influence he has on the game, generally speaking if you stop Pedri playing then Barcelona tend to struggle - but this is easier said than done as Newcastle found out in the league phase meeting between the sides which Pedri pretty much ran from start to finish.

I don’t think Newcastle will change their approach that much here, Pedri can only really be stopped by hauling him to the ground and his general foul won record in the Champions League reflects that ability. Pedri has drawn 12 fouls across his five starts in the Champions League this term - working out to an average of 2.70 fouls won per 90.

Joelinton and co will be very aggressive and look to push on as much as they can onto Barcelona’s midfield, naturally making Pedri a target for Newcastle’s challenges. 

However, that front-footed approach has often left them slightly vulnerable in transition, which has made for some entertaining encounters, especially against the top sides. BTTS has landed in seven of their eight matches on the European stage this term.

Newcastle certainly have the capabilities of causing problems in transition for Hansi Flick’s side, with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga who have the pace to run in behind. Because of that, we could get quite an open contest, with chances available at both ends of the field. 

There were 10 corners in the game when the sides last met, with four for the hosts and six for Barcelona. Newcastle are averaging 11.9 corners per game in the Champions League this season, with 5.5 corners for, and 6.4 corners against. Their games can be quite open and chaotic at times, which makes corners a target.

Rashford stole the show when the sides last met, but Raphinha also played a massive role on the opposite flank, and the former Leeds man also had some good chances. He registered a total of four shots, with one on target. 

The Brazilian has had plenty of involvement in the final third for Barcelona this season, and he is averaging 3.95 shots per 90. That figure drops slightly to 3.46 when playing in the Champions League, but Raphinha has landed this selection in all five of his appearances, and he was on the scoresheet against FC Copenhagen in the final league phase match. 

Rashford has recently returned from injury, and he made his first start last weekend after a four-week hiatus. Hansi Flick might be a bit cautious with his game time, but it would be difficult to leave him out of the starting XI.

Diego Simeone’s men beat an in-form Real Sociedad side 3-2 at the weekend, and they were ruthless in the final third. Atletico racked up 24 shots and six big chances worth 2.31 xG, while the visitors were fortunate to score twice from their seven shots worth just 0.41 xG. 

The Spanish side also beat Club Brugge 4-1 in their last European outing, making the aggregate score 7-4 to book their spot in the round of 16. Atletico have been one of the more entertaining sides in the Champions League this season, and over 2.5 goals has landed in nine of their 10 games in total. The only miss was against Galatasaray in round seven, but that game finished 1-1. Atletico come into this clash in a positive run of form, and they will be looking forward to this matchup.

Spurs haven’t quite been as enterprising, but they have at least regularly been able to find the back of the net, with 17 goals scored in their eight league phase matches. The Lilywhites only lost one game in that stretch, which was against PSG, so were able to automatically qualify for the round of 16. 

However, since their last European match, Spurs have lost five and drawn one in the Premier League, and Igor Tudor has replaced Thomas Frank at the helm. That managerial change hasn’t provided much respite for Spurs fans, as their team have still struggled to restrict chances for their opponents. Tottenham have conceded 15 goals in those six matches alone. 

Atletico Madrid are averaging 6.47 corners per game this season across all competitions, rising significantly to 7.81 when playing on home turf. They will want to secure a positive result to take to London in the second leg, so Atletico should be front-footed on Tuesday night.

Ademola Lookman featured alongside Alexander Sorloth at the weekend, and he racked up four shots before being replaced after 53 minutes. The Nigerian international is likely to operate in a more natural left midfield role on Tuesday night, and he will want to capitalise on this matchup against a leaky Tottenham rearguard, who are missing several key first-team players. 

Lookman has adapted seamlessly to life in Spain after completing the move from Atalanta at the start of January, and he is averaging 3.44 shots per 90 across all competitions. He is swiftly becoming a fan-favourite at the Metropolitano, and has scored four goals in just eight starts for his new club. That includes getting on the scoresheet against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, while Lookman also found the back of the net against Club Brugge on his Champions League debut for Atletico.

Despite receiving a straight red card in his last game against Crystal Palace, Micky Van De Ven will be available for selection in the Champions League, and is likely to retain his starting spot. He made a significant contribution to the outcome of the game on Thursday night, but it was not a positive one. After his dismissal, Ismaila Sarr went on to convert the penalty to level the scores, and Palace scored twice before the end of the first-half to take the game away from Spurs. 

Van De Ven is averaging 1.01 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season, and he has landed this selection in all three games under the new manager. The Dutchman is averaging 2.17 fouls per 90 in the Champions League this campaign, and has recorded multiple infringements in five of his six starts overall. He has also been shown three yellow cards in that time.

It’s no surprise that Joelinton is the shortest priced player in the market to commit a foul in this clash given his promising record and general aggression. He’ll be even more important to Newcastle’s chances of getting something from this game given the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, which leaves Newcastle a little light in midfield.

Joelinton has committed 11 fouls across his six starts in the Champions League this season (2.27 per 90), with this record leading to Joelinton picking up two yellow cards - one of which was sustained against Barcelona when these sides met during the league phase. Newcastle committed 11 fouls in that clash, with Joelinton responsible for one of these - though the yellow card he picked up after 28 minutes made him more cautious in that encounter.

This selection did land via Super Sub on that occasion with Joe Willock coming on for Joelinton in the final 30 minutes of that clash and committing a foul. As detailed further below, Joelinton has the perfect opponents in a Barcelona midfield that will look to dominate the ball which can tempt the Brazilian into committing at least two fouls in this encounter, which appears to be the minimum level of aggression from the Newcastle midfielder. 

Everyone was talking about Pedri after the first leg meeting between the sides, he was excellent in controlling the game for Barcelona alongside Frenkie De Jong - and won three fouls in the clash from this control.

Pedri naturally invites challenges from the opposition due to how much influence he has on the game, generally speaking if you stop Pedri playing then Barcelona tend to struggle - but this is easier said than done as Newcastle found out in the league phase meeting between the sides which Pedri pretty much ran from start to finish.

I don’t think Newcastle will change their approach that much here, Pedri can only really be stopped by hauling him to the ground and his general foul won record in the Champions League reflects that ability. Pedri has drawn 12 fouls across his five starts in the Champions League this term - working out to an average of 2.70 fouls won per 90.

Joelinton and co will be very aggressive and look to push on as much as they can onto Barcelona’s midfield, naturally making Pedri a target for Newcastle’s challenges.