Sport
Pete O’Rourke’s Pick 15 Preview
The midweek Pick 15 returns with more Champions League action to kick it off as Chelsea host Barcelona. Pete O’Rourke has a Syndicate playing into the pool and offers his previews on the bankers in his Pick 15 Syndicate.
Chelsea v Barcelona
Recent form points to an away win here with Chelsea struggling in the Premier League, while Barcelona are unbeaten domestically and in the Champions League this season. Chelsea have the hardest task of any Premier League side in the Champions League coming up against Barcelona. Chelsea have a decent head-to-head record against Barcelona and they should be up for this game, but Barcelona’s star-studded attack should see them pick up a narrow away win at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: Away Win
Both sides are in the need of three points with Brentford targeting the play-offs and Birmingham aiming to boost their survival hopes. The Blues have struggled for goals this season and although Brentford have been in a sticky path of form of late they are still one of the best attacking sides in the Championship and they should be able to pick off a struggling Birmingham side.
Prediction: Home Win
A real relegation six-pointer at Oakwell, but I fancy Barnsley to get the better of Burton in what will be Jose Morais’ first game in charge of the Tykes. The arrival of a new manager always motivates player and that could the prove the difference here in a home win for Barnsley
Prediction: Home Win
CSKA Moscow v Red Star Belgrade
CSKA Moscow earned a goalless draw from their first leg meeting in Belgrade to set themselves up nicely to finish the job at home. CSKA dropped down from the Champions League into the Europa League and they should have too much class and experience for Red Star. A home win is the call in the Russian capital.
Prediction: Home Win
English sides enjoyed a superb week in the Champions League last week and Manchester United can follow suit when they take on Sevilla in Spain. Jose Mourinho will set up his side to be hard to beat and they can catch Sevilla on the counter attack to pick up an away win.
Prediction: Away Win
RB Leipzig picked up a surprise win in Italy in the first leg and they can repeat the trick in the second leg. Napoli have to come out and attack and that could leave space for Leipzig to take full advantage of and a home win in another high-scoring game looks to be the call here.
Prediction: Home Win
Dortmund got the better of Atalanta with a thrilling 3-2 win in the first leg and more goals look on the menu in the second leg. The Europa League offers Dortmund a great chance of winning silverware and their European experience should enable them to finish the job off against Atalanta.
Prediction: Away Win
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