The UEFA Champions League returns this week with 16 teams battling it out in the play-offs to make the round of 16. In terms of bet builders, it is always tempting to back a player to score in a game, with odds often kind outside of the usual suspects.

The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez among other high-profile stars will be popular picks for the anytime goalscorer market in this gameweek, but this article aims to unearth the hidden gems that could also find themselves on the scoresheet in their respective matches.

So without further ado, here are our top goalscorer picks for each Champions League first-leg fixture, as we aim to justify backing the more obscure players involved.

Tuesday 17th February

Galatasaray vs Juventus (17:45)

Our pick: Weston McKennie to score anytime (11/2 @ bet365)

Perhaps not too obscure of a goalscorer given he has three Champions League goals this season, but McKennie’s odds are still long enough to potentially cash in. This is because the midfielder has only scored 25 goals in total for Juventus in 216 appearances, and tends to take up defensive positions on the pitch as well as attacking ones.

Benfica vs Real Madrid (20:00)

Our pick: Nicolas Otamendi to score anytime (14/1 @ Paddy Power)

The most unlikely of scorers popped up in this exact fixture in the league phase as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-minute headed goal ensured Benfica qualified for the play-offs. Real Madrid showed vulnerabilities from set-pieces that night, and Otamendi could capitalise on that, given he has won a mammoth 2.9 aerial duels per game on average in the competition – more than any Benfica or Real player.

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta (20:00)

Our pick: Ramy Bensebaini to score anytime (9/1 @ Sky Bet)

It is always worth backing a defender to score if they take penalties. Bensebaini is usually deadly from the spot, and Borussia Dortmund should heap plenty of pressure on Atalanta defenders on home soil.

Monaco vs PSG (20:00)

Our pick: Vitinha to score anytime (19/4 @ Betway)

Given PSG’s plethora of attacking talent available, it is somewhat strange that Vitinha is their top Champions League goalscorer with five to his name so far. Still, the odds are appealing enough to back him again against Monaco.

Wednesday 18th February

Qarabag vs Newcastle (17:45)

Our pick: Sandro Tonali to score anytime (11/2 @ Sporting Index)

Tonali scored two brilliant goals against Aston Villa in the FA Cup last weekend, but is yet to make his mark in the Champions League. We think he could change that as Newcastle head to Qarabag.

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan (20:00)

Our pick: Jens Hauge to score anytime (5/1 @ Betway)

Jens Hauge is a forward with four Champions League goals already, but Bodo/Glimt are still huge underdogs against an Inter Milan side that reached the final last season. Their giant-killings against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the league phase give the Norwegians some hope, but it still takes a brave person to back them to score against a formidable Inter defence.

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid (20:00)

Our pick: David Hancko to score anytime (10/1 @ Sky Bet)

Atletico Madrid has been built on strong defences under Diego Simeone, but David Hancko is a threat going forward too. He has already scored in the Champions League this season and averages 1.2 shots per game, more than any other defender in the squad.

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen (20:00)

Our pick: Alejandro Grimaldo to score anytime (13/2 @ Sporting Index)

A defender by position, but Grimaldo loves to bomb forward, and also boasts a mean free-kick. The Bayer Leverkusen star is their top scorer in the Champions League with four goals, but still has odds here that would appeal.

The ultimate Champions League bet builder: All 8 for over 8 million/1!

Backing just one or two of these goalscorers could bring in big money, but if you are brave enough to go for all eight, the odds are a whopping 8,055,569/1 with QuinnBet! Of course, there’s more chance of Wealdstone winning the FA Cup, but if you’ve got a spare 10p left over, why not? Either way, be sure to gamble responsibly!