Champions League Betting Preview: Quarter-finals, Apr. 21-22

Come Wednesday evening, we will know the final four teams who still have a chance at capturing sweet, sweet Champions League glory. 

Barcelona is all but assured of a place in the semifinals by virtue of last week's destruction of Paris Saint-Germain in France, but that aside, things are still pretty hazy.

Here's a betting overview for this week's matches.

Bayern Munich v. FC Porto

Odds:

Analysis: The tournament's betting favorites heading into the quarter-final stage are on the ropes. Bayern Munich, thanks to a trio of surprising amateur mistakes in the opening leg last week, trail 3-1 heading backing to the Allianz Arena - with Xabi Alonso and Jerome Boateng particularly culpable for that shocking scoreline.

As a result, the German side know they'll need a 2-0 victory to avoid what would be an unmitigated disaster. I expect them to get those two goals, even with their severely undermanned squad. 

Problem is, Porto - who have not been blanked in the Champions League this season - will find the net as well, and in doing so secure qualification to the semifinals.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2, FC Porto 1

The Play: Bayern Munich to win and Over 2.5 goals at 109/100 (BetVictor) 

Barcelona v. Paris Saint-Germain

Odds:

Analysis: It was Luis Suarez who tore Paris Saint-Germain - and poor old David Luiz - to shreds last week. This week, the Uruguayan could very well get shut down entirely. Sadly for the reigning French champions, one of Lionel Messi or Neymar, or both, will be there to pick up the slack.

PSG will, admirably, look to attack later today at the Camp Nou. They'll be punished for it. As noted above, Barcelona will coast through to the next round. 

Prediction: Barcelona 3, PSG 1

The Play: Barcelona to win and Over 2.5 goals at 51/50 (BetVictor)

Monaco v. Juventus

Odds:

Analysis: Juventus carries the slightest of advantages heading into the second leg on Wednesday, bringing a 1-0 win from the opening match with them to the principality courtesy of a perfect penalty from Arturo Vidal.

Monaco, lauded all season long - and rightly so - for their defensive solidity, will need to open things up at the Stade Louis II. While they proved in the first leg that they are more than capable of crafting quality chances against the Italian side, their need to commit players forward in search of a goal could allow the likes of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata to hit on the break and put this tie to bed.

Prediction: Juventus 1, Monaco 1

The Play: Draw at 9/4 (bet365) 

Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid

Odds:

Analysis: The most finely poised of the four ties, Wednesday's Madrid derby offers the most intrigue this week. Simple math dictates that Atletico's season-long unbeaten run against their city rivals will run out at some point, but thanks to Real's dire injury situation - Luka Modric will definitely miss the contest, while the same is expected of Gareth Bale - don't expect that to happen on Wednesday. 

Expect another fiery, hard-fought affair, and look for Los Colchoneros to emerge victorious on an away goal from the currently unstoppable Antoine Griezmann.

Prediction: Real Madrid 1, Atletico Madrid 1

The Play: Under 2.5 goals at 17/20 (BetVictor)

Odds courtesy bet365, BetVictor, William Hill