The Champions League returns this week as the first leg of the semi-finals get under way.
Liverpool face a difficult test as they travel to Barcelona, who dumped Manchester United out of the competition in the quarter-finals.
Tottenham saw off Manchester City in the previous round and they are now faced with Ajax, who have knocked out both Real Madrid and Juventus to reach this stage.
Once again our Brand Ambassador Michael Owen shared his thoughts on all the midweek action with BetVictor.
TOTTENHAM VS AJAX
Ajax are the first side to win at both Real Madrid and Juventus in the same season in European competition and they are also the first side to qualify from two knockout rounds of the European Cup/Champions League having failed to win the first leg at home.
Spurs have won eight of their last 10 Champions League home games – including the last four – but they lost their perfect home record at their new stadium when West Ham took all three points in the Premier League at the weekend.
I expect Spurs to take a lead back to Amsterdam next week, but this young Dutch side will fancy their chances of finding the back of the hosts’ net in what promises to be an open entertaining clash with chances at both ends.
Michael’s prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Ajax
BARCELONA VS LIVERPOOL
Barcelona retained their La Liga title when they beat Levante at the Camp Nou on Saturday, but I feel they will struggle to cope with the pace and power of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah midweek. I expect the Reds to get a draw from another entertaining tie.
Barca are unbeaten in 31 home Champions League games but the Reds have never lost at the Camp Nou in four previous visits (W2 D2) and I expect Jurgen Klopp’s side to maintain that sequence on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi has scored 24 goals in 32 Champions League games against Premier League opposition, but he has failed to score in his two previous games against Liverpool.
Messi showed against Manchester United in the quarter-final 2nd leg that he remains at the very top of his game. How Liverpool cope with the little magician might be the key to the tie.
Michael’s prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
Michael Owen is a brand ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his column here.
