The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals kick off on Tuesday with two exciting matches. Arsenal will host the current Champions League titleholders, Real Madrid, in London. This is their first encounter since 2019, taking place at Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, facing some player injuries, will play against Inter Milan at Allianz Arena.
Expert Brandt Sutton has provided his top picks for these UEFA Champions League matches. Sutton has a strong track record in predicting UCL outcomes.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid, Afternoon ET
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 1
Despite injury concerns for both sides, Real Madrid`s experience is expected to be a decisive factor in this game between two major European teams. Real Madrid’s fast wing play with Vinicius Jr. combined with Kylian Mbappe`s central presence could pose a significant challenge for Arsenal`s defense, which will be missing key players such as Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Magalhaes. Real Madrid previously secured a victory against Man City in the knockout stage, and they are predicted to win again in England.
Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan, Afternoon ET
Prediction: Bayern 1, Inter Milan 1
Inter Milan has shown remarkable defensive strength in the Champions League, only conceding two goals in their last ten games. They have achieved clean sheets against strong teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen. However, they will face a tough Bayern attack led by world-class striker Harry Kane, who has scored ten goals in eleven Champions League matches. Inter is likely to adopt a strategy of conceding possession and attempting counter-attacks against a Bayern defense that has conceded several goals in recent matches. A close game is anticipated, potentially resulting in a draw in the first leg.
Adrian Whitmore