Free Football Champions League Predictions for Tuesday, March 10th
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 will take place in Istanbul. Galatasaray and Liverpool have already faced each other in the group stage, where the Turkish giants triumphed at home (1-0). Okan Buruk's team was not very convincing against Juventus (7-5 on aggregate), squandering a three-goal lead. However, they left a weak impression in Turin, while at home they thrashed the "Old Lady" (5-2).
Liverpool finished third in the group stage, thus skipping the playoff round. Except for a recent slip-up at "Molineux," Arne Slot's men are in good form, having won 5 of their last 6 matches. However, Galatasaray is also in good shape: the "Lions" are on a three-match winning streak and have not lost at home in seven consecutive matches, with both teams scoring in six of those games. The Turks have scored in their last ten home matches, while the "Reds" have scored in 11 of their last 12 away games.
Match Prediction for Galatasaray vs Liverpool: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Another pair we have already seen in the group stage. In the first round, Barcelona took a victory from Newcastle thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford. The Catalans advanced directly to the Round of 16, while the "Magpies" had to play in the playoffs. However, they breezed through, thrashing Qarabag with an aggregate score of 9-3.
Right now, Eddie Howe's team is unstable, including at home, where they have been slipping up regularly. However, we believe that with the support of their fans, they can overpower the "Blaugrana" with volume and physical strength. In mid-February, Barca suffered two consecutive away defeats, and last weekend they barely overcame Athletic Bilbao (1-0), creating chances worth less than 0.5 xG. So, the trip to the British Isles will not be an easy walk, especially considering that Newcastle has not lost in 8 of their last 9 Champions League matches.
Match Prediction for Newcastle vs Barcelona: Newcastle Not to Lose
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Atalanta will attempt to eliminate a second top German team from the Champions League. In the playoffs, Raffaele Palladino's charges impressively dealt with Borussia Dortmund, staging a comeback after an away defeat. However, Bayern is a completely different level. Moreover, the hosts' form is not impressive. They haven't won since the beginning of March – that victory over the "Black and Yellows" (4-1) remains their last.
The Munich machine is unstoppable, not noticing anyone in its path. The lead in the league is more than comfortable (11 points), so all efforts will now be focused on the Champions League. Vincent Kompany's team has won their last six matches, scoring fewer than three goals only once in this stretch. There is a strong feeling that Bayern will punish Atalanta for their commitment to man-to-man pressing and extend their successful run. The return leg in Munich could turn into a formality.
Match Prediction for Atalanta vs Bayern: Bayern Victory
Atletico vs Tottenham
Tottenham advanced to the round of 16, finishing fourth in the overall stage. Considering what is currently happening with the team in the EPL, this is a real anomaly. Meanwhile, Atletico tested their fans' nerves by missing out on a top-8 spot – in the final rounds, Diego Simeone's protégés failed against Galatasaray (1:1) and Bodo/Glimt (1:2). Even in the playoffs, the "Colchoneros" looked unconvincing, even against the modestly resourced Brugge, securing a decisive advantage only in the second half of the return leg.
However, right now, this doesn't matter much. Tottenham is in such catastrophic form that imagining their victory in Madrid is difficult even with a lot of wishful thinking. Half of the squad is typically in the infirmary, they are only one point away from the relegation zone in the Premier League, and the recently appointed Igor Tudor is already on the brink of dismissal. In such a situation, it is logical to sacrifice the Champions League in favor of the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship. Atletico is very strong at home, having won four consecutive matches, never scoring less than three goals. We see the hosts as big favorites and believe they will confirm their status.
