Champions League Betting Tips: A tactical view on a trio of last 16 fixtures

Can Mertesacker keep Berbatov in his pocket?

Paul Wilkes looks at three of intriguing Champions League clashes including City's meeting with Barca and Arsenal's home game against Monaco...

Pablo Zabaleta v Neymar
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on ITV 

When the draw took place for the last 16 of the Champions League, Manchester City will have been fairly confident that they could beat Barcelona and progress to the quarter-finals. However, the two clubs are now in very different predicaments and the challenge appears to be extremely difficult once more. 

City have won only three of their last seven home matches in all competitions and the 5-0 victory of Newcastle on the weekend was the first time they had kept a clean sheet since the turn of the year. Meanwhile, Barcelona may have struggled to break down Malaga's defence, but they were scoring for fun prior with 25 goals in the previous six games. 

With Samir Nasri playing on the right-wing in the last three matches, Pablo Zabaleta has had to provide the width in City's attack. This could prove a huge problem against an in-form Neymar. 

The Brazilian holds his position on the left of Barca's forwards and chooses the optimum time to drift into central areas. Neymar has 10 goals in his last 11 matches and Zabaleta will have to curb his forward runs. 

It should be an open game with both team's well-publicised defensive issues and the fact Luis Enrique's men are more direct than previous Barca sides. The initiative is there for the taking and there should be goals at either end with the pace of their respective counter attacks. 

Recommended Bet
Back Over 1.5 Goals in the first half

Paul Pogba v Lukasz Piszczek
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 1 

Juventus are comfortable at the top of Serie A once again, but the true test of Massimiliano Allegri's reign will be how they fair in Europe. Borussia Dortmund spent 49 days at the bottom of the Bundesliga, although three consecutive victories have eased the pressure on Jurgen Klopp. 

The Italians have switched to a back four under Allegri, but still maintain control of the midfield area with the diamond formation. On the left of the quartet sits Paul Pogba, who is attracting the attention of Real Madrid for a reported €100 million. 

Pogba has three goals in his last five home matches, whilst his clever positioning enables him to create a midfield overload and attack the opposing right-sided full-back simultaneously. 

Polish international Lukasz Piszczek hasn't been at his best this season, but that's fair to say that about any of Dortmund's defenders. He has improved with the protection of new signing Kevin Kampl slightly ahead of him, although he hasn't had to face anyone as good as the Frenchman.

Pogba's dribbling, passing range and shooting ability is sublime for his age, whilst he's defensive work will limit Piszczek's contribution in the final third. 

Recommended Bet
Back Paul Pogba to score @ 3.55/2

Per Mertesacker v Dimitar Berbatov
Wednesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 5 

Arsene Wenger faces his former club in what should be a comfortable tie for his Arsenal side. Monaco's investment has dried up, but they still have a relatively strong squad given the circumstances. 

The loss of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao last summer means they lack creativity and a natural finisher. As a former Tottenham Hotspur forward, Dimitar Berbatov will be keen to impress and he's Monaco's top scorer in the league with six goals. His form has been patchy this season and he hasn't netted in the Champions League in five outings. 

Arsenal signed Gabriel Paulista in January, although he doesn't look to be an immediate replacement for Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker. The two form an effective partnership with the former stepping out of defence and the latter dropping off. 

Mertesacker struggles against pace and movement, but Berbatov has neither. The German's aerial ability and defensive positioning should ensure a relatively quiet evening for Monaco's main striker. Mertesacker's distribution with the ball could be another important factor, as Berbatov doesn't have the mobility to press the centre-back. 

Arsenal have scored two or less goals in 10 out of their last 13 matches, while Monaco have scored 20 goals less than the three sides above them in France. 

Recommended Bet
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.84/5