Arsenal brushed PSV aside last round while Real overcame bitter rivals Atletico on penalties. Arsenal will be massively boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka. He may get his first start since December tonight. The right winger will have a bounty on his head and Real may have to resort to violence to stop him, exactly what we want. Gabriel is the main absentee for Arsenal while Real are in a bit of bother at the back. Mendy, Carvajal, Militao and Tchouameni are all absent, so we’ll see a makeshift defence. Arsenal come in as marginal favourites on the night but will be wary of Madrid’s ridiculous fire power at the other end.
First bet focuses on what should be a great midfield battle. Jude Bellingham is a magnet for fouls and will be tasked with dragging Madrid up the pitch. Bellingham has drawn 2+ fouls in 8/11 UCL games this term at an average of 2.19 per 90. This average rises to 2.60 per in all competitions.
The second part revolves around a man who is chief suspect to kick Bellingham at some point. Partey will be at the base of Arsenal’s midfield and will be occupying similar areas to Bellingham. The Ghanaian is no stranger to a foul. He has committed 17 offences in 21 appearances (and maybe a few more, allegedly). Theres a great chance he fouls Bellingham tonight.
For the second bet we are taking on the foul matchup at a chunky price of 14/1. As mentioned, I very much expect some involvement between Partey and Bellingham. With us fancying Bellingham to win 2+ fouls, lets hope Partey is the perpetrator for both. Partey himself has fouled twice in 4 of his last 6. Considering the big price, this looks a bit of value to me.