The UEFA Champions League returns this week for the second batch of Last 16 ties, and the match I’m looking forward to most is Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The game is scheduled to kick off Wednesday at 3 PM EST and will be shown live on CBS.
You can always hit me up on Twitter @AlexJBlowers for advice, your picks, and thoughts on what’s happening in the world of soccer.
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GUIDES
How To Stream Champions League In The US
UEFA Champions League Competition Details
ATLÉTICO MADRID VS MANCHESTER UNITED UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING LINES
*Odds Taken from DraftKings Monday, February 21st, 12:45 AM EST
ATLÉTICO MADRID
| Competition | Opponent | Home/Away | Goals For | Goals Against | Total Goals | xG For | xG Against | Total xG | xG Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | Valencia | Home | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 3.4 | +2.0 |
| LaLiga | Barcelona | Away | 2 | 4 | 6 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 2.3 | +0.3 |
| LaLiga | Getafe | Home | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 4.9 | +0.5 |
| LaLiga | Levante | Home | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.1 | -0.1 |
| LaLiga | Osasuna | Away | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | -0.2 |
| Total / Average | 12 / 2.4 | 10 / 2 | 22 / 4.4 | 8.2 / 1.64 | 5.7 / 1.14 | 13.9 / 2.78 | +2.5 / +0.5 |
Stats taken from FBREF
Out: Daniel Wass (Knee)
Doubtful: Matheus Cunha (Knee)
Suspended: Felipe, Yannick Carrasco
Coach: Diego Simeone
In recent games, Diego Simeone has favored a four-man defense, but I think he’ll go with a back three. United are best on the counter when players like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have space to carry the ball.
Rodrigo de Paul was suspended for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Osasuna and will return to the starting lineup to form a midfield trio alongside Geoffrey Kondogbia and Koke.
Antione Griezmann was in the squad for the first time since picking up a muscle injury early January. He never made it onto the pitch, and I think we will see him start this one on the bench. Ángel Correa is Atléti’s leading goalscorer in LaLiga with 11 and will start up top with Luis Suárez.
January signing Daniel Wass is the only player ruled out. Matheus Cunha could make the bench if he passes a late fitness test.
MANCHESTER UNITED
| Competition | Opponent | Home/Away | Goals For | Goals Against | Total Goals | xG For | xG Against | Total xG | xG Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FA Cup | Middlesborough (AET) | Home | 1 | 1 | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Premier League | Burnley | Away | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 2.7 | +1.5 |
| Premier League | Southampton | Home | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 3.2 | +1.0 |
| Premier League | Brighton | Home | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 2.7 | +1.3 |
| Premier League | Leeds United | Away | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 4.2 | +1.2 |
| Total / Average Per Game | 9 / 1.8 | 5 / 1 | 14 / 2.8 | 8.9 / 2.22 | 3.9 / 0.97 | 12.8 / 3.2 | +5.0 / +1.25 |
Stats taken from FBREF
Out: Edinson Cavani (Groin), Thomas Heaton (Groin)
Doubtful: Eric Bailly (Ankle)
Suspended: Mason Greenwood (Police Investigation)
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
United signed Raphäel Varane for games like this and his return from injury is a massive boost to their backline. The former Real Madrid defender replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the 85th minute against Leeds to help his club see out a 4-2 victory. He will start this game with Victor Lindelöf making way.
If Ralf Rangnick decides to go with an attacking game plan, Diogo Dalot could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. Paul Pogba impressed at the weekend and will be relied on to bring some much-needed creativity to United’s midfield. Scott McTominay was lucky to stay on the pitch after committing six fouls and will be replaced by Fred.
Rashford is fully rested after failing to get on at the weekend. Jesse Lingard impressed, and Anthony Elanga scored, so it’s not a guarantee the England international will return to the starting lineup.
Eric Bailly returned to training last week and could make the bench. Edinson Cavani isn’t expected to recover from his groin injury in time, and goalkeeper Thomas Heaton is a long-term absentee.
ATLÉTICO MADRID VS MANCHESTER UNITED UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING TIPS
I’m going to try not to overthink this one.
Atléti have kept one, and United have kept two clean sheets in their last eight matches. I think we will see goals, and I’m really surprised to see Both Teams To Score YES and Over 2.5 Goals priced at +145.
When you make this bet, make sure you choose it from the Parlay tab on DraftKings. If you select these two in the Same Game Parlay, it comes out at +135.
BETTING TIP: Parlay Both Teams To Score YES and Over 2.5 Goals +145
WHERE TO BET UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN THE US
In the U.S., you can legally bet on soccer in more than two dozen states. You can bet online in some states, but only in-person betting is allowed in most of them.
DraftKings Sportsbook is available in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
FanDuel Sportsbook is available in Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
