Draxler to see Schalke through

 

Using Opta's insights, Christian Crowther provides some tips to go with the midweek Champions League second-leg action...

 

Barcelona v AC Milan, Tuesday 19:45, ITV

 

AC Milan's last seven goals in the Champions League have all been in the second half

AC Milan's domestic resurgence culminated in the best result of the knockout stages so far when they managed to beat Barcelona without conceding an away goal. In light of a trip to the intimidating Camp Nou, the tie is far from over, with qualification possibly hinging on one vital away goal. Five of the last eight goals that the Spaniards have conceded arrived after the break so, if the Italians are to notch, it seems likely to be reserved for the second 45.

Recommended Bet: Back second half to contain more goals @ 2.2

 

AC Milan have conceded at least three goals in four of their last six away games in the Champions League knockout stages

Stats such as these do not bode well for Milan who have a bad habit of going down in flames when making away trips in the latter stages of the competition. On this occasion, Milan's healthy advantage could see them home but you'd expect Lionel Messi and co to register at least a couple. The Catalans have averaged over three goals a match in the nine home games since they last drew a blank against Benfica.

Recommended Bet: Back Barcelona to score three or more goals @ 2.12  

 

 

Schalke v Galatasaray, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2

 

Galatasaray have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 away games in the Champions League

This tie is hanging on a knife edge following a tense 1-1 draw in Turkey. The slight advantage lies with the Schalke and the German hosts will be buzzing after completing their third straight Bundesliga win in a row against second-placed Borussia Dortmund at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday. With attacking midfielder Julian Draxler hitting scoring form with three goals in his last two starts, you'd expect to see a confident Schalke side register a few more goals, despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's absence.

Recommended Bet: Back Julian Draxler to score @ 3.9  

 

Galatasaray have scored only eight goals in seven Champions League games this season, the lowest among the 16 teams still left in the competition

Clearly, one of the hindrances to qualification for the Turkish visitors is their inability to score multiple goals. In stark contrast to their hosts, Galatasaray have warmed up for this one with two really poor results in which they have twice failed to trouble the scoresheet. Joint top scorer in this year's competition Burak Yilmaz appears the only man capable of scoring for the Turks, after notching seven of their eight goals to date.

Recommended Bet: Back Schalke to win to nil @ 3.3

 

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