The Big Wednesday Multiple: A Champions League Special

Bet 1: Plzen (HOME) @ 1.61 (8/13)

We begin in the Czech Republic as Viktorie Plzen should be able to extend their first leg 2-1 lead over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The hosts ran out relatively easy winners in Israel and despite losing in their domestic league at the weekend, they probably had one eye on this game.

Their record in front of their own fans is excellent and that includes a win over CSKA Moscow in this competition back in 2013.

Maccabi Tel Aviv haven't made it through to the group stage of the Champions League since 2004 as they have exited in the qualifying rounds in all of their attempts since then.

Their downfall has been in the away legs and I can't see them improving on that after losing 2-1 at home.

Bet 2: Red Bull Salzburg (AWAY) @ 2.15 (23/20)

We were let down by Red Bull Salzburg in this feature last week as their game finished 2-0 when we needed three goals or more. I am giving them a chance to atone here though as they are overpriced to add another Champions League victory to their CV.

This time last year, Malmo had lost 2-1 in Salzburg only to roar back in Sweden and beat them 3-0. That earned them a place in the much coveted group phase, but tonight, I expect the Austrians to exact their revenge.

With all due respect to Malmo, they haven't been in the same kind of form as last season. They are only sixth in the Allsvenskan and have dropped plenty of points at home.

Obviously it won't be easy for Red Bull, but it's clear that all of their focus is on this competition at the moment and while they don't need to win this evening, given what happened last time, I think they will want to put the tie to bed early on.

Bet 3: FC Basel v Lech Poznan (Over 2.5 goals) @ 1.7 (7/10)

This clash is all about goals and I imagine the second leg will follow the first by having over 2.5 goal backers paid out.

FC Basel hold a 3-1 advantage and with their proven pedigree in Europe it's unthinkable that they will let that lead slip. This should be a routine win for the Swiss with plenty of goals.

A dozen of their last 13 at home have had three or more goals scored in them and that includes 6-0, 5-1 and 4-3 scorelines.

Goals usually follow Lech Poznan about too as six of their last 11 on the road have gone over 2.5 and there is no point in them sitting back and defending this evening.

Bet 4: Shakhtar v Fenerbahce (Under 2.5 goals) @ 1.75 (3/4)

This tie is poised at 0-0 after the first leg in Turkey and I think this second leg could be a slow burner as well.

These are two of the better clubs at this stage of the competition and they will have both been disappointed to draw each other. It was cagey last week when they met as the teams felt each other out, and with so much on the line, neither of them will want to make a mistake.

Fenerbahce know that an away goal could prove vital but I don't expect them to go all-out attack to get it. Shakhtar will of course be weary of this and their main aim will be to keep a clean sheet, as that way, the worst they can expect is penalties.

Given the controversy since the first leg, there will likely be a bit of an edge to this match and the focus could be in feisty challenges as opposed to scoring a hatful of goals.

Recommended Multiple

Back Plzen @ 1.61 (8/13)
Back Red Bull Salzburg @ 2.15 (23/20)
Back Over 2.5 Goals in FC Basel v Lech Poznan @ 1.7 (7/10)
Back Under 2.5 Goals in Shakhtar v Fenerbahce @ 1.75 (3/4)