Champions League Betting Preview: Round of 16, Mar. 17-18

The last four quarterfinal places in the Champions League will be up for grabs this week, with two teams looking to overcome seemingly insurmountable deficits while four others have a realistic chance to be one of Europe's elite eight.

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

Monaco v. Arsenal

Odds:

Analysis: You can't help but feel like that late, easily avoidable goal by Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco three weeks ago is going to end up biting Arsenal in the backside.

The Gunners head into the contest knowing that they need to score at least three goals to have any hope of advancing, and while they're flying high at the moment - Arsenal has won seven of its last eight matches, with the first leg of this tie being the sole blemish - it's hard to see them overcoming the deficit against a Monaco side that has conceded one goal in its last 12 competitive matches at home.

Prediction: Arsenal 2, Monaco 0

The Play: Arsenal to win at 13/10 (bet365)

Atletico Madrid v. Bayer Leverkusen

Odds:

Analysis: The struggle is real for Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone's side is winless in four matches, scoring just one goal in that time. Still, despite their recent troubles, and the absence of Diego Godin and Tiago through suspension, the Spanish club remains one of the most difficult to break down. That solidity in defense will be enough to deny Bayer Leverkusen the coveted away goal that would all but end this contest.

In the hornet's nest that is the Vicente Calderon, expect Atletico to do just enough. They're not playing well at the moment, but is there any other team in the world that you would trust to slog out an ugly result when necessary? 

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1, Bayer 0 (Atletico win on penalties)

The Play: Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 (BetVictor)

Barcelona v. Manchester City

Odds:

Analysis: Manchester City can count themselves lucky to only be trailing 2-1 following the opening leg. On paper, they still have a chance.

In reality, they need to score twice at the Camp Nou against the best team in the world. Even if they recover from this weekend's loss to Burnley and find their scoring touch again, they would need to keep Barcelona off the scoreboard if they have any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals. Related: Barcelona has scored 95 goals in 34 matches this season (in La Liga and the Champions League).

Yeah. Good luck, City.

Prediction: Barcelona 3, Man City 1

The Play: Barcelona to win and Over 2.5 goals at 24/25 (bet365)

Borussia Dortmund v. Juventus

Odds:

Analysis: This may be the most intriguing second-leg fixture of the week.

By virtue of Marco Reus' goal in the opening leg in Turin, Borussia Dortmund head into the match knowing that a 1-0 win will be enough to secure a place in the quarterfinal.

Juventus, meanwhile, will be discouraged that they couldn't score a third goal in that contest three weeks ago, despite crafting a number of chances in the second half. While it was certainly disappointing, Massimiliano Allegri can take solace in the fact that his team has the attacking quality to break down a suspect Dortmund defense. Even in the vaunted Signal Iduna Park, they should be able to do the same come Wednesday.

Expect a thrilling contest, with Dortmund pushing for the required goal and the Italian side enjoying the space afforded to them on the counter.

Prediction: Juventus 1, Dortmund 1

The Play: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 (bet365)

Odds courtesy bet365, BetVictor, William Hill.