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Midweek Football Preview

The action comes thick & fast in the football world at this time of the year and this week is no different with another midweek packed full of top football from all the different competitions & leagues taking place.

Right through from the highest level football of the Champions League, Europa League, Championship right through to matches in League 2, we have had a good look at the midweek fixture lists & here are our views on the matches taking place:

Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg Predictions:

Real Madrid vs Tottenham - (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Given their joint reputations for positive, attacking football Real Madrid vs Tottenham at first glance looks like a tie that you would think would scream open, flowing football & wave after wave of attacks by both sides but the chances are this will be a tight, competitive match & goals may well be limited.

Jose Mourinho is the best in the business at winning the Champions League & his clear target as manager of Real Madrid is to win the Champions League & we are expecting a very serious, professional & organised performance from Real Madrid.

In terms of players then Real Madrid are likely to be without Ronaldo & Benzema while Higuain has only just returned from a lenghty injury so that does limit the goalscoring abilities but the likes of Di Maria, Ozil & Kadeira can provide the creativity & have the eye for goal that still makes Real Madrid a serious threat here.

For Tottenham’s chances in the tournament then this 1st leg looks the absolute key to it all & avoiding defeat has to be the target or at least avoiding a heavy defeat.

Obvious Harry Redknapp will want to make sure Tottenham compete & attempt to be positive but Tottenham are really struggling with injuries at present & especially in defence so he is likely to set the team up to be organised & hard to beat first and see what happens from there.

The great mix of quality on show should make this a game worth watching but it looks likely to be quite tight on the night given the importance of the result & on balance Real Madrid look the solid option to win this & take a vital advantage into the 2nd leg.
Betting Recommendations:
REAL MADRID to win 1-0/2-0
Higuain/Ozil/Di Maria score 1st each way/score anytime

Inter Milan vs Schalke – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Fascinating tie in prospect here as reigning european champions Inter Milan welcome a Schalke side who are rated outsiders for the competition yet boast a talented & dangerous squad so this should be a good game to watch.

Inter Milan suffered a major blow for their title hopes when losing to arch rivals AC Milan at the weekend & their fans will certainly demand they bounce back with victory here as the Champions League now looks to be their best chance of success this season.

Inter Milan were under great pressure in the last round after losing 1-0 at home but they showed great quality, character & belief to win 3-2 in Bayern Munich and the great quality within their squad means they can beat anybody on their day as they showed against Barcelona last season.

Inter Milan will want to get the tie won or at least take a major advantage into the 2nd leg in Germany so we are expecting an organised but positive response from Inter Milan here & with the likes of Sneijder, Eto’o, Pandev, Stankovic, Cambiasso they have the quality to get the job done here.

For Schalke reaching the quarter finals is amazing in itself but they have come this far & despite facing a really tough task against Inter Milan, they will believe they can progress & keep their amazing run going.

The positive for Schalke is that they do play positive, attacking football with Raul, Huntelaar & Farfan just 3 of their players who can create & carry a real goal threat and even if they lose the game, Schalke will believe they can at least get an away goal to take back with them.

This should be a decent, entertaining game as Inter Milan will want to get the win & Schalke are always positive so there could be a few goals here & Inter Milan do look a solid bet to edge the goalscoring & take a winning lead into the 2nd leg.
Betting Recommendations:
INTER MILAN to win 2-1/3-1
Sneijder/Eto’o/Cambiasso score 1st each way/score anytime

Chelsea vs Manchester United – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

What an absolutely massive tie this is, the two most successful English clubs from the last 5 years clashing in the Champions League again for the first time since Manchester United edged a thrilling final on penalties & this certainly looks a tie that could go all the way again.

There really is nothing between Chelsea & Manchester United for this tie, yes both sides will have home advantage in the respective ties but they are two seriously strong sides who know each other so well & have managers with incredible experience & tactical knowledge so deciding which way it will go is incredibly tough.

Chelsea have had a clear edge over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in recent years & that will be something both sets of players & both managers are fully aware of, it will give the Chelsea players extra confidence & belief to do well again while Sir Alex Ferguson will want to use it as inpsiration for his players to put the records straight & finally get a good win or at least good result at Chelsea.

Both teams have great attacking quality within, both are certainly capable of scoring goals & both have displayed a defensive fragility this year so there is the chance of goals but what is certain is that it will be a fiercely competitive match & will have a seriously high intensity to it making team organisation & defensive strength the key in this one.

Most bookmakers cannot split Chelsea & Manchester United in this tie & we can understand why, both sides loaded with quality, both managers have great tactical experience & knowledge for this situation & both sides will be desperate not to lose this vital 1st leg.

Chelsea are deserved favourites to win this match given their home advantage & record against Manchester United but we don’t expect their to be too much between them on the night and on balance a seriously competitive & intense scoring draw looks the value call here.
Betting Recommendations:
CHELSEA vs MANCHESTER UNITED DRAW 1-1/2-2
Lampard/Drogba/Rooney score 1st e/w or anytime

Barcelona vs Shaktar Donetsk – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

The bookies have Barcelona as 1/5 shots to win this so that’s it then, Barcelona will win & no more needs to be said.

Well that’s the impression quotes of 1/5 give but those odds are purely indicative of the volumes of money that the bookies expect to take on Barcelona and not a true reflection of the actual contest & for us that is good because we feel there is great value to be had here.

Yes Barcelona are undoubtedly the best team in the world right now & this current side is rightly being talked about as probably the best club side ever, nobody can really argue with that & quite simply Barcelona in top form will not be stopped by anybody.

Messi, Pedro, Villa, Xavi & Iniesta absolutely frighten the life out of teams & particularly defenders when they are in full flight but Arsenal this year & Inter Milan last year showed they can be beaten & so this is not going to be the one way romp the bookies expect.

That said Shakhtar Donetsk are a vastly experience side in european & have a squad full of talent with Jadson, Adriano, Eduardo,Willian, Costa all highly talented players that can cause Barcelona huge problems & as long as Shaktar Donetsk defend properly they certainly are capable of causing a surprise here & can get a positive result.

Assuming Barcelona hit top, top form then they will win this comfortably but their overall recent form suggests they are not quite at the level they have been & in Shaktar Donetsk they face a team who will give them a test so we are going to go against the grain & the vast majority of the footballing world here & go with the great value bet for Shaktar Dontesk to earn a draw in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
BARCELONA vs SHAKTAR DONETSK DRAW 1-1/2-2
Messi/Villa/Willian score 1st or anytime

Championship Predictions:

QPR to beat Sheffield United 2-0/3-0
READING to beat Preston 2-1/3-1

Leauge 1 Predictions:

League 2 Predictions:

ACCRINGTON to beat Southend 2-0/3-0
BURTON vs NORTHAMPTON DRAW 1-1/2-2
WYCOMBE to beat Hereford 2-0/2-1
MACCLESFIELD vs BRADFORD DRAW 1-1/2-2

Europa League Quarter Final 1st leg Predictions:

BENFICA to beat PSV 2-0/2-1
DYNAMO KIEV to beat Braga 2-0/3-0
FC PORTO to beat Spartak Moscow 2-0/3-0
VILLAREAL to beat FC Twente 2-0/3-0

Well those are our views for the midweek matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of midweek matches in all the different competitions.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

Midweek Football Preview

The action comes thick & fast in the football world at this time of the year and this week is no different with another midweek packed full of top football from all the different competitions & leagues taking place.

Right through from the highest level football of the Champions League through to matches in League 2, we have had a good look at the midweek fixture lists & here are our views on the matches taking place:

Champions League Predictions:

Manchester United vs Marseille - (Tuesday 7.45pm)

This tie is very finely balanced after a rather dull & tight 0-0 draw in Marseille so both Manchester United & Marseille know the situation & know what they have to do to get through & it all looks set for a fascinating match.

Manchester United’s simple target is to win by any scoreline, 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2 & indeed any win will do so we expect Manchester United to have total belief they can do that & approach this match with total commitment to being positive & getting the job done.

Manchester United have not been as impressive this season as they have in recent years but their ability to win big, high pressure matches & especially home matches never changes & indeed has been as strong as ever this season.

The big danger for Manchester United is the fact if Marseille score one goal, Manchester United will have to score at least two & so while we expect Sir Alex Ferguson to set United up to be positive & attack minded from the kick-off, defensive strength & organisation will also be a big factor here.

Marseille’s target for the match is also clear with a draw enough for them to progress but again knowing you only need a draw is often a dangerous scenario & can often stifle the performance of the team so Didier Deschamp will want to make sure his players still have the right mentality.

Marseille did not offer that much as an attacking force in the first leg but they were missing key players & the return of Valbuena & Gignac does strengthen their cause & increase the attacking threat they possess.

This is a fascinating match to call as Marseille do have some appeal to get the positive result they need & Manchester United will have to be very careful in this match but ultimately the incredible strength of Manchester United at home is virtually impossible to oppose & we cannot do so here so our call is for Manchester United to use their quality & experience to edge this one on the night
Betting Recommendations:
MANCHESTER UNITED to win 2-0/2-1
Rooney/Hernandez/Berbatov score 1st/anytime
MAN UNITED H/T & F/T
 

Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan - (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Last years Champions League finalists do battle here in a straight fight to earn their place in the Quarter Finals & this Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan clash could well be a cracker.

Bayern Munich bring an incredibly valuabable 1-0 lead into this 2nd leg with that away goal a huge plus knowing that Inter Milan have to at least match their result to have any chance here.

Bayern Munich know they only need a draw to get qualification for the quarter finals sorted but Bayern Munich don’t approach matches to draw them & we expect them to be positive here & go looking for the win given the attacking quality they have.

Of course, the one aspect Bayern Munich have to watch out for is the high level of attacking quality that Inter Milan have amongst their squad & Bayern Munich will have to organise themselves very well as a complete unit to keep Inter Milan out.

For Inter Milan the equation is simple they have either at least 2-0 or 2-1 & so we do expect them to be positive & go for this one with the experience of being reigning european champions proof they can achieve tough results when they need them the most.

Bayern Munich always look to win games & Inter Milan have to win this match so this should be a good, open contest and it definitely can go either way, Bayern Munich are strong at home but Inter Milan have the abilty to get the win they need so it’s a tough call & on balance a competitive, scoring draw looks one that offers value & worth taking the risk with here.
Betting Recommendations:
DRAW 1-1/2-2
Robben/Eto’o/Gomez score 1st/anytime
DRAW H/T & F/T 

Chelsea vs FC Copenhagen – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

This match looks one sided & we are expecting Chelsea to at least replicate their result in the first leg & win this to seal a comfortable passage to the quarter finals.
Betting Recommendations:
CHELSEA to win 2-0/3-0
Lampard/Torres/Drogba score 1st/anytime
CHELSEA H/T & F/T

Real Madrid vs Lyon – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

Real Madrid & Lyon start this 2nd leg level after a 1-1 draw in the first leg & this contest should produce a match for football lovers to enjoy with both believing they can progress here.

Real Madrid are very strong favourites to win this tie & that is entirely understandable given the great quality they have within then squad, the stature of the club & indeed the Jose Mourinho Champions League factor which could well be the most important factor of the lot.

Jose Mourinho’s record in this competition is incredible & that alone makes Real Madrid serious contenders to win the competition & we are expecting Mourinho to have his Real Madrid squad totally prepared & organised to get the job done & make sure they get through here.

Lyon go into this tie with belief & confidence gained from their great experience in this competition & indeed holding a very good record against Madrid in this competition will give the Lyon players the belief they can get the job done & they will not fear playing Madrid.

The first leg showed us that this is likely to be an intensely competitive match again & it is quite tempting to go for a scoring draw again after 90 minutes but we can just envisage Mourinho coming up with a plan that will enable Real Madrid to prove too strong for Lyon here & Real Madrid look a solid bet to win this & go through.
Betting Recommendations:
REAL MADRID to win 2-0/2-1
Benzema/Di Maria/Ozil score 1st or anytime
REAL MADRID H/T & F/T 

Championship Predictions:

NORWICH CITY to beat Bristol City 2-0/2-1
BURNLEY to beat Coventry 2-0/3-0
IPSWICH vs WATFORD DRAW 1-1/2-2
SCUNTHORPE vs PRESTON DRAW 1-1/2-2

League 1 Predictions:

League 2 Predictions:

ACCRINGTON to beat Burton 2-1/3-1
BURY to beat Torquay 2-0/2-1
CREWE to beat Southend 2-0/2-1
MACCLESFIELD vs LINCOLN CITY DRAW 1-1/2-2
OXFORD vs STEVENAGE DRAW 1-1/2-2 

Europa League Predictions:

MAN CITY to beat Dynamo Kiev 2-0/2-1
PSG vs BENFICA DRAW 1-1/2-2
SPARTAK MOSCOW vs AJAX DRAW 1-1/2-2
ZENIT ST PETERSBURG to beat Twente 2-1/3-1
FC PORTO to beat CSKA Moscow 2-0/2-1
LIVERPOOL to beat Braga 1-0/2-0
PSV to beat Rangers 2-0/2-1
VILLAREAL to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0/2-1

Well those are our views for the midweek matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

Midweek Football Preview

The action comes thick & fast in the football world at this time of the year and this week is no different with another midweek packed full of top football from all the different competitions & leagues taking place.

Right through from the highest level football of the Champions League through to matches in League 2, we have had a good look at the midweek fixture lists & here are our views on the matches taking place:

Champions League Predictions:

Barcelona vs Arsenal – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

BARCELONA vs Arsenal on tuesday night is the clear headline act for this weeks football action & this 2nd leg looks set to be another open exhibition of flowing, passing football.
Arsenal got the better of Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg & so have the bonus of bring a lead to the Nou Camp but it is not Arsenal’s style to defend what they have & we expect them go out looking to score more goals & try to kill the tie off with a goal for them meaning Barcelona have to score at least two.
That said, we don’t envisage BARCELONA having any problems scoring the goals they need in this one given their amazing attacking options & Arsenal’s obvious defensive weaknesses & in our view this looks a great opportunity for Lionel Messi to rule the stage & along with David Villa, Xavi & Iniesta, dominate the game & guide BARCELONA to a convincing win that will put them through to the Quarter Finals.
Betting Recommendations:
BARCELONA to beat Arsenal 3-0/3-1
Messi/Villa/Pedro score 1st/anytime
BARCELONA H/T & F/T

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma - (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Schalke vs  Valencia – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

Tottenham vs AC Milan – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

The 2nd Champions League game taking place on wednesday night is the hugely anticipated return clash of Tottenham & AC Milan and White Hart Lane could well be set to produce another fantastic european night.

TOTTENHAM certainly deserved the massive praise they received for producing a highly professional & indeed quality performance to win 1-0 in Milan & that result gives them a clear edge although Harry Redknapp knows that AC Milan have the talent to get that back in no time so Tottenham will have to well prepared in this one.
TOTTENHAM know that they will progress with either a draw or win but Tottenham only really know & specialise in one way of playing & we are expecting TOTTENHAM to go all out on the attack & assuming the likes of Defoe, Lennon, Modric & maybe even Gareth Bale & Van Der Vaart play to their best then Tottenham can get the job done again.

Championship Predictions:

BARNSLEY vs SCUNTHORPE DRAW 1-1/2-2
BRISTOL CITY vs PORTSMOUTH DRAW 1-1/2-2
DONCASTER to beat Coventry City 2-0/2-1
HULL CITY vs BURNLEY DRAW 1-1/2-2
READING to beat Ipswich 2-1/3-1
LEICESTER CITY to beat Norwich City 2-0/2-1
MIDDLESBROUGH to beat Derby 2-0/2-1
MILLWALL vs QPR DRAW 1-1/2-2
LEEDS to beat Preston 2-1/3-1
NOTTINGHAM FOREST to beat Sheffield United 2-0/2-1
SWANSEA to beat Watford 2-0/2-1
CRYSTAL PALACE vs CARDIFF DRAW 1-1/2-2

Leauge 1 Predictions:

League 2 Predictions:

ACCRINGTON to beat Stockport 2-0/3-0
ALDERSHOT vs TORQUAY DRAW 1-1/2-2
WYCOMBE to beat Barnet 2-1/3-1
ROTHERHAM to beat Bradford 2-1/3-1
BURTON to beat Lincoln 2-0/2-1
BURY to beat Morecambe 2-0/3-0
CHESTERFIELD to beat Northampton 2-0/3-0
MACCLESFIELD vs CREWE DRAW 1-1/2-2
SHREWSBURY vs PORT VALE DRAW 1-1/2-2
SOUTHEND vs GILLINGHAM DRAW 1-1/2-2
STEVENAGE to beat Hereford 2-0/3-0

Well those are our views for the midweek matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

Champions League 2nd Round Match Previews

All the action in the group stages of the Champions League was completed in December with 32 teams split into 8 groups producing fantastic & indeed dramatic matches that provided great entertainment for all who watched the games.

That group of 32 teams has now been reduced down to 16 as the Champions League moves on to Round 2 Knock-out phase with 8 home & away matches to decide the 8 teams that will go onto the quarter finals & beyond.

The ultimate target for all 16 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

This year, the eight 2nd round ties in the 2nd Round of the Champions League are being phased in groups of 4 matches per week & after a fascinating set of 4 opening matches last week, this week sees another 4 games that should provide great quality & entertainment.

We have had a good look at all of the Champions League group stage matches taking place this week & here are our views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Reigning Danish champions against reigning English Premier League champions here as FC Copenhagen welcome Chelsea to what is a massive game for both clubs & one that could well determine how their seasons go.

FC Copenhagen come into this huge home game as big priced underdogs to upset odds on shots Chelsea with the absolute key for them being how well they are prepared for this match as this game comes during the closed season in the Danish league.

The Danish League is effectively in it’s pre-season stage & FC Copenhagen have not been involved in competitive football for some time so the mental & physical state of the players is what will be determine the outcome of this game & it has to be a major concern for them.

The fact FC Copenhagen have not played competitive football recently will definitely be a factor that they have to cope with but on the flip side, the fact FC Copenhagen secured 2 wins & a fine draw against Barcelona from their 3 home group stage games will give them the confidence & belief that they can make this a test for Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti brings his Chelsea players into what is now one of Chelsea’s biggest games of the season as their league & F.A. Cup dreams have been destroyed in recent times & the Champions League is now Chelsea’s only chance of winning a trophy so they have to go for it & they have to win.

The pressure is on Chelsea in this one & as the expectation is there for them to beat FC Copenhagen & how the Chelsea squad handle that pressure will go a long way to deciding how they go in this tie.

Chelsea’s form in their last 3 games has been poor & they desperately need to find their form & confidence if they are to have any chance in the Champions League this year, this tie against FC Copenhagen will be a test & Chelsea will have to battle to get the job done but their extra quality should tell on the night & a Chelsea win looks the call in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Chelsea to win
Correct Score options: Chelsea to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Drogba/Lampard/Torres
Scorecast options: Drogba/Lampard/Torres score 1st & Chelsea win 2-0/2-1
Double Result: CHELSEA H/T & F/T

Lyon vs Real Madrid – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

We have a classic, prestige Champions League tie in prospect here with Lyon & Real Madrid both possessing top class european pedigrees & so this should be a tie that produces a lot of quality over the 2 legs.

This particular leg is a tight one to call as Lyon have traditionally been very strong at home in the Champions League & many of their best performances have come in this competition so we are expecting Lyon to be up for this one & totally determined to take the prize scalp of Real Madrid in this one.

Lyon currently lie 3rd in the French 1st Division & come here off the back of 2 excellent, confidence boosting wins with 4-1 against St Etienne & a 4-0 home blitzing of Nancy just a few days ago so Lyon will be confident & believe they can cause Real Madrid problems here.

The big concern for Lyon is that their group stage campaign was really mixed & they did concede 10 goals in their 6 group games & that has to be a worry against the attacking prowess & quality of Real Madrid so the key for Lyon here may well be how well organised they are & particularly in defensive areas.

Jose Mourinho’s clear target when taking over at Real Madrid was to return them to the summit of european football & that means winning the Champions League so we are expecting maximum focus & determination from the Real Madrid players in this one with Mourinho certain to have them better prepared than ever.

Real Madrid’s qualifying campaign went very smoothly in the group stages with 5 wins & a draw from their 6 games scoring 15 goals & only conceding 2 and clearly given all their incredible quality with the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema, Alonso, Carvahlo, Casillas, Pepe, Ozil, Di Maria then they will believe they can beat anybody & we expect Real Madrid to go for this one.

Lyon have certainly enjoyed some great, victorious moments against Real Madrid in recent times & the fact they are at home will give them belief but Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho are a serious team unit with real quality & Real Madrid do look a great bet to get a massive away win & take a huge step towards the Quarter Finals here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Real Madrid to win
Correct Score options: Real Madrid to win 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ronaldo/Di Maria/Benzema
Scorecast options: Ronaldo/Di Maria/Benzema score 1st & Real Madrid win 2-1/3-1
Double Result: REAL MADRID H/T & F/T

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

This is a truly fascinating reproduction of last year’s brilliant Champions League final & this clash of 2 of european football’s super powers really is a game & indeed tie to savour.

Inter Milan have great memories of dominating & deservedly beating Bayern Munich to win the Champions League last year & having regained their winning form after a nightmare start to the season everybody connected to Inter Milan will be totally determined to topple Bayern Munich once again.

Inter Milan are very, very strong at home & the Champions League tends to bring out the very best in them & they will view this home leg as a real opportunity to get a vital lead in this tie & they have the intensity of the San Siro atmosphere to drive them on.

Bayern Munich have had a really mixed season so far but just like Inter Milan, they have players with the vital quality & experience that is required to get results at this level & they will believe they can achieve a positive result in this match & tie.

This is a fascinating & indeed tough game to call with both Inter Milan & Bayern Munich blessed with real attacking quality but they have both also displayed a tendecy to be defensively fragile this season so that makes it hard to be confident about either side winning this & on balance a competitive, entertaining scoring draw looks the value call in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Eto’o/Gomez/Sneijder
Scorecast options: Eto’o/Gomez/Sneijder score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Marseille vs Manchester United – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

This stage of the Champions League is always about quality teams with proud histories & traditions at the highest level & certainly both Marseille & Manchester United can safely include themselves amongst european football’s elite as previous winners of this great prize so this looks set to be another fascinating tie.

Marseille & Manchester United are two sides who always look to win games playing the right style of football so this should be a game that will provide real quality & entertainment but at the same time they are two teams who are tough to beat & who will compete for everything so this match is certain to take some winning & is a tough one to call with confidence.

Marseille have home advantage & they will believe that this game represents their best chance to earn an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League given Manchester United’s incredible strength at home so Marseille know they have to be positive & look to win this game although they also have to guard against defeat because that will rule them out completely.

Tactically this is a tough call for Marseille because they have to look to take a winning advantage into the 2nd leg at Old Trafford but they will know playing positive, open football will present chances to Manchester United and keeping a clean sheet here could be just as important as taking a lead so it is a tough call for the Marseille manager & players.

With the likes of Loic Remy, Valbuena, Brandao & Gonzalez amongst their squad then Marseille definitely have the attacking quality to cause Manchester United real problems & being at home will give them the belief to be positive but ultimately how well they defend here could be the key to the whole game & will determine what result they get.

For Manchester United, an away trip such as this is something that they have great experience of & indeed the kind of test which they have excelled in recent years with their record of 3 successive away wins in the group stage withouth conceding a goal proof of that.

Sir Alex Ferguson always sends Manchester United out with the belief & intention to win the match & we expect nothing less in this one but the absolute key factor will be avoiding defeat & scoring that all important away goal so tactically this is a tough test for the Manchester United players.

We are expecting another controlled, organised & determined performance from Manchester United in this because they will expect Marseille to come at them so that means from an attacking sense Nani is likely to be the key with his blistering pace on the break but to actually win this game then Manchester United will need improved performances from Rooney & Berbatov and that can’t be guaranteed at present.

Team news will be absolutely vital for this clash, Marseille are already expected to be without main striker Gignac so that will affect the balance of their side while Rio Ferdinand’s likely abscence would be a huge blow for Manchester United so this game may well come down to which side handles thoses likely changes in personnel the best.

This really is a tough call to make, Marseille will want to make the most of home advantage in this tie by being positive & going for the win but Manchester United are proven at handling tests like this & don’t usually fail them but their overall away form is a concern & whether they can find enough to win is a tough call & on balance a serioulsy competitive, coring draw looks the call in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Brandao/Valbuena/Nani
Scorecast options: Brandao/Valbuena/Nani score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

 
Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

Champions League 2 Round Match Previews

All the action in the group stages of the Champions League was completed in December with 32 teams split into 8 groups producing fantastic & indeed dramatic matches that provided great entertainment for all who watched the games.

That group of 32 teams has now been reduced down to 16 as the Champions League moves on to Round 2 Knock-out phase with 8 home & away matches to decide the 8 teams that will go onto the quarter finals & beyond.

The ultimate target for all 16 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

This year, the 8 ties in the 2nd Round of the Champions League are being phased in groups of 4 matches with one set of 4 matches to commence this week & the next to take place next week.

We have had a good look at all of the Champions League group stage matches taking place this week & here are our views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

AC Milan vs Tottenham – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

What a fascinating contest we have in prospect here with one of the all time giants of european football AC Milan taking on Champions League new boys Tottenham in what should be an open, entertaining game of football that can go either way.

The bookmakers have AC Milan as odds on favourites for this & that looks fair given their pedigree in this competition & their impressive form this season that sees them sit top of Serie A but their Champions League results will give Tottenham hope.

AC Milan had a group stage record that saw them get 2 wins, 2 draws & 2 defeats, having enough to qualify through in second place but never totally convincing & indeed the fact AC Milan lost 2-0 at home to Ajax must give Tottenham the belief they can go there & get a result.

In Tottenham’s case they will go into this game confident they can cause AC Milan problems because they cause Inter Milan massive problems in the group stage & already have experience of playing in the San Siro and while they will have great respect for AC Milan, the Tottenham players know they can compete.

Team news will be vital for this match & Ac Milan have suffered the major blow of Pirlo being ruled out so that definitely weakens their team while Tottenham have doubts about Gareth Bale & Van der Vaart but if they do make it & play that could well be massively important for Tottenham.

The strength of both AC Milan & Tottenham is in attack and both squads are packed with creative, attacking players that can do real damage but perhaps the relative strength of each other defensively might be the key to who wins this game if there is to be a winner that is.

This is certainly a game to look forward to & one that should entertain us, result wise it can go either way but AC Milan are strong at home & Tottenham have more quality & resilience about them when they play away & on balance a competitive, scoring draw looks the value call in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ibrahimovic/Robinho/Van der Vaart
Scorecast options: Ibrahimovic/Robinho/Van der Vaart score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Valencia vs Schalke – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Neither Valencia or Schalke are regarded amongst the super powers of european football but there can be no denying they are both dangerous sides with quality in abundance & indeed this game & the tie overall should be great to watch but very hard to call.

Valencia had a really solid, comfortable qualifying campaign in the group stage finishing 2nd behind Manchester United with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws & solitary defeat against Manchester United & they will certainly believe they have the quality to go further in the competition.

This home leg is vital for Valencia as Schalke are very, very strong at home & we are expecting Valencia to be very positive in this match, looking to score the goals & take a lead to defend in Schalke but they will know they will have to defend well to keep out the potent Schalke side.

Schalke play positive football wherever they go & their group stage record of 4 wins, 1 draw & 1 defeat with 10 goals scored & only 3 conceded shows they are strong in all departments & will go to Valencia believing they can achieve a positive result.

Valencia & Schalke are fairly evenly matched in terms of player quality, both are capable of winning this & will go into this game confident & believing they can earn a positive result so this should be a good, competitive game with positive football to enjoy & in terms of the outcome then a scoring draw does appeal as value bet here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Soldado/Raul/Huntelaar
Scorecast options: Soldado/Raul/Huntelaar score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Arsenal vs Barcelona – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

This is the tie that the football world wanted & even those Arsenal fans who admire Barcelona & fear what they are capable of at their best will know this a game to enjoy & watch whatever the outcome.

Arsenal & Barcelona clashed in the Champions League last year, producing 2 games with great intensity, attacking football, sublime movement & passing & enough goals for 4 or 5 games never mind 2 and there is every reason to expect much the same if not better this time around.

Last season it finished Arsenal 2 Barcelona 2 in this fixture after an incredible game where Barcelona could have been 6 or 7 up at half time & yet somehow Arsenal found the mental reserves & quality to achieve the draw & that level of performance is what Arsene Wenger will be looking for here.

Incredibly Arsenal are priced up at 11/4 to win at home & Barcelona are odds on so that tells us all the task that the bookies believe Arsenal face here & indeed if Barcelona turn up for this game in full flight & prime form then 4/5 will look massive but Arsene Wenger & Arsenal will have something to say about that.

Arsenal & Barcelona scored 32 goals between them in their group stage games & it seems certain that goals will flow once again so despite all the creative & attacking quality that the likes of Van Persie, Villa, Messi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Walcott & many more will provide, it may well come down to which side defends the best & that is not an easy call to make.

Arsenal’s defensive failings are obvious to all & that will be a big concern for Arsene Wenger with David Villa & Messi certain to cause massive problems for the fragile Arsenal defence but at the same time Wenger will know that Fabregas, Van Persie & Walcott can damage any side & will believe that Barcelona can be got at & attacked.

A lot of the time big games are built up & built up with the hype ultimately causing both teams to falter & produce a flat game but we just don’t see that happening with Arsenal & Barcelona and this should be an incredible game of flowing, attacking football that can go either way on the night son balance a competitive, entertaining game with goals looks the call & scoring draw looks the bet that offers most value.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 2-2/3-3
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Van Persie/Messi/Villa
Scorecast options: Van Persie/Messi/Villa score 1st & 2-2/3-3
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

Without doubt this is the toughest of all the first set of Champions League games to call & definitely a match that both Roma & Shakhtar Donetsk will feel they can win & while no result can be guaranteed here, good positive football should be in abundance.

Roma had a mixed qualifying campaign which included 2 stunning 3-2 wins including one where they came back from 2-0 down against Bayern Munich but also unfortunately included a massively disappointing 3-1 home defeat against Basle.

To further complicate matters Roma have also had a massively disappointing domestic campaign in Serie A with their current position of 7th with 7 league defeats already showing that they are vulnerable & certainly nowhere as strong as they used to be.

That said, Roma at home in massive matches like this is always a tough test for whoever goes there & Roma will believe they can get a positive result to take to Shakhtar & they will look for the win so we are expecting them to be up for this one.

Shakhtar Donetsk are one of the most underated sides in the Champions League & their stunning qualifying record of 5 wins from 6 shows the quality they have & the threat they carry at this level and importantly they fear no one, whether it be at home or away.

The one blot on Shakhtar’s record this season was their 5-1 defeat at Arsenal but that scoreline does not tell the whole truth of that match & indeed Shakhtar will certainly travel to Roma believing they can win the game & at least take a positive result back to the 2nd leg.

This really is a tough one to call, we are expecting the Roma players & fans to be massively up for this one while Shakhtar Donetsk always carry a threat and will believe they can get a result so yet again a competitive, entertaining game looks likely & yet again a scoring draw appeals as a bet that provides value.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Boriello/Eduardo/Adriano
Scorecast options: Boriello/Eduardo/Adriano score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

UEFA Champions League Group Stage Round 6 Match Predictions

32 teams made up of the established elite of european football such as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan combined with many new teams experiencing the Champions League group stages for the first time makes for an exciting & unpredictable mix that is certain to provide great drama & entertainment along the way.

The ultimate target for all 32 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

The Champions League moves onto the sixth & final round of group stages matches this week & everything seen so far points towards this years competition to being as good if not better than any seen before.

Admittedly the fact we have reached the sixth & final round of group stage matches does already mean that some teams have qualified & therfore that may well have an impact on how seriously some teams take these matches in terms of team selection & playing for a particular result so please take this into consideration.

We have had a good look at all of the midweek Champions League group stage matches & here are views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

Tuesday’s Champions League matches:

BARCELONA to beat Rubin Kazan 3-0/4-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Messi/Villa/Pedro
Double Result:  BARCELONA H/T & F/T

BENFICA vs SCHALKE DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Huntelaar/Raul/Coentrao 
Double Result:  DRAW H/T & F/T

BURSASPOR vs RANGERS DRAW 0-0/1-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Batalla/Miller/Davis 
Double Result:  DRAW H/T & F/T

FC COPENHAGEN to beat Panathinaikos 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ndoye/Claudemir/ Vingaard
Double Result:  FC COPENHAGEN H/T  & F/T

LYON to beat Hapoel Tel Aviz 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Lopez/Gourcuff/Gomis 
Double Result:  LYON H/T & F/T

MANCHESTER UNITED vs VALENCIA DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Rooney/Hernandez/Giggs
Double Result:  DRAW H/T & F/T

TOTTENHAM to beat FC Twente 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Defoe/Modric/Lennon 
Double Result:  TOTTENHAM H/T & F/T

INTER MILAN to beat Werder Bremen 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: E’too/Sneijder/Stankovic 
Double Result:  INTER MILAN H/T & F/T

Wednesday’s Champions League matches:

AC MILAN to beat Ajax 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ronaldinho/Ibrahimovic/Robinho 
Double Result: AC MILAN H/T & F/T

ARSENAL to beat Partizan Belgrade 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Van Persie/Walcott/Bendtner 
Double Result:  ARSENAL H/T & F/T

BAYERN MUNICH to beat Basle 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Gomez/Ollic/Muller 
Double Result:  BAYERN MUNICH H/T  & F/T

ROMA to beat Cluj 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Boriello/Totti/Menez 
Double Result:  ROMA H/T & F/T

MARSEILLE vs CHELSEA DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Valbuena/Remy/Drogba 
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

SPARTAK MOSCOW to beat Zilina 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ari/Ibson/Bahzenov 
Double Result:  SPARTAK MOSCOW H/T & F/T

REAL MADRID to beat Auxerre 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Benzema/Ozil/Di Maria 
Double Result:  REAL MADRID H/T & F/T

SHAKTAR DONETSK to beat Braga 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Jadson/Eduardo/Adriano 
Double Result: SHAKTAR DONETSK H/T & F/T

Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

UEFA Champions League Group Stage Round 5 Match Predictions

32 teams made up of the established elite of european football such as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan combined with many new teams experiencing the Champions League group stages for the first time makes for an exciting & unpredictable mix that is certain to provide great drama & entertainment along the way.

The ultimate target for all 32 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

The Champions League moves onto the fifth round of group stages matches this week & everything seen so far points towards this years competition to being as good if not better than any seen before.

We have had a good look at all of the midweek Champions League group stage matches & here are views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

Tuesday’s Champions League matches:

SPARTAK MOSCOW to beat Marseille 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ari/Ibson/Bahzenov
Double Result: SPARTAK MOSCOW H/T & F/T

REAL MADRID to beat Ajax 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ronaldo/Higuain/Di Maria
Double Result: REAL MADRID H/T & F/T

CHELSEA to be Zilina 3-0/4-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Drogba/Anelka/Malouda
Double Result: CHELSEA H/T & F/T

SHAKTAR DONETSK to beat Belgrade 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Eduardo/Costa/Adriano
Double Result: SHAKTAR DONETSK H/T & F/T

FC BASEL to beat Cluj 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Frei/Shaqiri/Stocker
Double Result: FC BASEL H/T & F/T

ROMA vs BAYERN MUNICH DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Gomez/Borriello/Menez
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

ARSENAL to beat Braga 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Chamakh/Walcot/Nasri
Double Result:  ARSENAL H/T & F/T

AUXERRE vs AC MILAN DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ibrahimovic/Sammaritano/Inzaghi
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Wednesday’s Champions League matches:

RUBIN KAZAN vs FC COPENHAGEN DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ndoye/Vingaard/Noboa
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

HAPOEL TEL AVIV vs BENFICA DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Kardec/Cardozo/Garcia
Double Result: BENFICA H/T & DRAW F/T

INTER MILAN to beat FC Twente 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: E’too/Sneijder/Milito
Double Result: INTER MILAN H/T & F/T

MANCHESTER UNITED to beat Rangers 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Berbatov/Nani/Rooney
Double Result: MANCHESTER UNITED H/T & F/T

SCHALKE vs LYON DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Raul/Lopez/Gourcuff
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

TOTTENHAM to beat Werder Bremen 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Crouch/Defoe/Van Der Vaart
Double Result: TOTTENHAM H/T & F/T

VALENCIA to beat Bursaspor 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Soldado/Costa/Aduriz
Double Result: VALENCIA H/T & F/T

BARCELONA to beat Panathinaikos 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Messi/Villa/Pedro
Double Result: BARCELONA H/T & F/T

Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have

UEFA Champions League Group Stage Round 4 Match Predictions

The Champions League moves onto the fourth round of group stages matches this week & everything seen so far points towards this years competition to being as good if not better than any seen before.

32 teams made up of the established elite of european football such as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan combined with many new teams experiencing the Champions League group stages for the first time makes for an exciting & unpredictable mix that is certain to provide great drama & entertainment along the way.

The ultimate target for all 32 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

We have had a good look at all of the midweek Champions League group stage matches & here are views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

Tuesday’s Champions League matches:

RUBIN KAZAN to beat Panathinaikos 2-0/2-1
RUBIN KAZAN H/T & F/T

INTER MILAN to beat Tottenham 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: E’too/Sneijder/Stankovic
Double Result: INTER MILAN H/T & F/T

SCHALKE to beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Raul/Huntelaar/Farfan
Double Result: SCHALKE H/T & F/T

BENFICA vs LYON DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Lopez/Cardozo/Bastos
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

VALENCIA to beat Rangers 1-0/2-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Soldado/Aduriz/Pablo
Double Result: VALENCIA H/T & F/T

MANCHESTER UNITED to beat Bursaspor 1-0/2-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Berbatov/Hernandez/Nani
Double Result: MAN UNITED H/T & F/T

BARCELONA to beat Copenhagen 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Messi/Villa/Pedro
Double Result: BARCELONA H/T & F/T

WERDER BREMEN to beat Twente 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Almeida/Pizarro/Marin
Double Result: WERDER BREMEN H/T & F/T

Wednesday’s Champions League matches:

BASEL vs ROMA DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Frei/Borriello/Stocker
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

BAYERN MUNICH to beat Cluj 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Muller/Gomez/Ollic
Double Result: BAYERN MUNICH H/T & F/T

CHELSEA to beat Spartak Moscow 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Drogba/Anelka/Malouda
Double Result: CHELSEA H/T & F/T

ZILINA vs MARSEILLE DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Diawara/Orovec
Double Result DRAW H/T & F/T

AUXERRE vs AJAX DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Suarez/El Hamadoui/Birsa
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

REAL MADRID to beat AC Milan 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer eachway/Player to score anytime: Ronaldo/Higuain/Di Maria
Double Result: REAL MADRID H/T & F/T

PARTIZAN BELGRADE to beat Braga 2-0/2-1
Double Result: PARTIZAN BELGRADE H/T & F/T

SHAKTAR DONETSK vs ARSENAL DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Chamakh/Adriano/Eduardo
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

UEFA Champions League Group Stage Round 3 Match Previews & Predictions

The Champions League moves onto the third round of group stages matches this week & everything seen so far points towards this years competition to being as good if not better than any seen before.

32 teams made up of the established elite of european football such as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan combined with many new teams experiencing the Champions League group stages for the first time makes for an exciting & unpredictable mix that is certain to provide great drama & entertainment along the way.

The ultimate target for all 32 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

We have had a good look at all of the midweek Champions League group stage matches & here are views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

Tuesday’s Champions League matches:

Spartak Moscow vs Chelsea – (Tuesday 5.30pm)

Spartak Moscow & Chelsea currently sit level on 6 points after two wins each from their first two group stages matches & this contest looks set to be a really tight, competitive affair.

Spartak Moscow have home advantage & that is an important factor for them as they are very strong & hard to beat on their own ground while Chelsea are also a strong, powerful side who are always tough to beat wherever they play so there is unlikely to be too much between, if anything these sides on the night.

Two wins from two with 4 goals scored & none conceded so far is a strong record that Spartak Moscow will certainly fight hard to defend & they also have the motivation of knowing that if they get a positive result from this game then qualification for the next round will become even more likely so they have everything to play & fight for in this one.

Chelsea have started the Champions League very well this season, looking professional, organised & loaded with quality but they are struggling slightly with injuries to key players at present & the likely absence of players like Drogba & Lampard does it make it tougher for them to win games although they are always hard to beat.

Chelsea are priced up at odds against to win this which is certainly an attractive price based on the fact they are usually long odds on to win most matches & they are certainly capable of winning this but we expect Spartak Moscow to put up a real fight & a competitive, scoring draw looks a value bet well worth taking in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Anelka/Welliton/Ari
Scorecast options: Anelka/Welliton/Ari score 1st & 1-1
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Arsenal vs Shaktar Donetsk – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Arsenal & Shaktar Donetsk currently sit 1st & 2nd in Group H after the first 2 games with 6 points each & we don’t expect that to be any different come the end of the group but who actually wins the group could well be decided by this match.

That makes this match massively important to both sides & so we are expecting both sides to be really positive & go for the win so this should prove to be a good, open & entertaining game.

Arsenal have proven over recent years how strong they are home in this competition & they always go into these games believing they will & totally determined to control the game with their open, fluent passing style & we certainly expect the same again in this one.

We are expecting key inspiration & Arsenal’s captain & best player Cesc Fabregas to be  back for this one after injury & that will give Arsenal a massive boost & will give them even more confidence to be positive & go for the win here.

The one problem for Arsenal is their continued weakness in defence & that is something they will have to be very careful of against a Shaktar Donetsk side who have plenty of quality & will certainly test Arsenal.

Shaktar Donetsk come into this game with 2 wins from 2 matches so far having scored 4 goals & none conceded so they will have no fears about playing Arsenal & will believe they have decent chance of getting a positive result from this one.

Of course they will realise that Arsenal are very strong at home & they will have to be prepared for that but they will also know with the likes of Adriano, Moreno, Eduardo & Jadson they have the players who can create & cause big problems for Arsenal’s fragile defence.

We are expecting this to be a really good, open game of positive, attacking football because that suits both Arsenal & Shaktar Donetsk and there could be a few goals shared but if it is an open match then we expect Arsenal to have the edge with Cesc Fabregas coming back to inspire them to a big win.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Arsenal to win
Correct Score options: Arsenal 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Fabregas/Chamakh/Arshavin
Scorecast options: Fabregas/Chamakh/Arshavin score 1st & Arsenal win 2-1/3-1
Double Result: Arsenal H/T & F/T

Predictions for remaining Tuesday Champions League fixtures:

BAYERN MUNICH to beat Cluj 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Gomez/Schweinsteiger/Muller
Double Result: BAYERN MUNICH H/T & F/T

ROMA to beat Basle 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Borriello/Vucinic/Adriano
Double Result:

MARSEILLE to beat MSK Zillina 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Remy/Gignac/Gonzalez
Double Result: MARSEILLE H/T & F/T

AJAX vs AUXERRE DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Suarez/El Hamadoui/Jelen
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

REAL MADRID to beat AC Milan 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Ronaldo/Higuain/Di Maria
Double Result: REAL MADRID H/T & F/T

BRAGA vs BELGRADE DRAW 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Cesar/Lima/Cleo
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Wednesday’s Champions League matches:

Inter Milan vs Tottenham – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham fought long & hard to deservedly earn their place in the Champions League & to play the elite sides in europe and without doubt this clash away against Inter Milan is the ultimate test for them.

Inter Milan vs Tottenham is a great game to assess & really fascinating scenario to examine as Harry Redknapp goes into the biggest club game of his life & certainly that is the case for most of the Tottenham players, with Gomes & Van Der Vaart the exceptions to that.

This could well be Tottenham’s biggest test in the Champions League this season because even if they qualify, we don’t believe there is a tougher test that Inter Milan away, just ask Barcelona & others about that.

Of course the added extra interest to this match is it Rafa Benitez’s first test against english opposition since his acrimonious exit from Liverpool & he will be fully aware that Harry Redknapp will be totally determined to exploit any weaknesses & cause Rafa problems again & we would expect most Liverpool fans to become Tottenham fans for the night as well.

So there is an incredible amount of interest & different scenarios going on in this fixture but ultimately it comes down to Inter Milan’s 11 players against Tottenham’s 11 players to be played out on a massive, high intensity night in Milan in front of 70,000+ people and it certainly should prove a good game to watch & enjoy.

In terms of quality then both sides are blessed with high levels of individual quality but Inter Milan definitely have the edge & we do expect them to really test Tottenham & if Tottenham do achieve a positive result from this match it will certainly be hard earned & well deserved.

Good positive football should be the order of the day & while Rafa Benitez will not want to get undone my an english team & manager, we do expect Inter Milan to have too much for Tottenham on the night & Inter Milan do look a really solid bet to win this.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Inter Milan to win
Correct Score options: Inter Milan 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: E’too/Sneijder/Pandev
Scorecast options: E’too/Sneijder/Pandev score 1st & Inter Milan win 2-0/2-1
Double Result: INTER MILAN H/T & F/T

Manchester United vs Bursaspor – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

If you read the papers & believe all what you see on TV, Manchester United are a club in crisis, facing financial ruin & destined to lose their best players.

Now there is no doubt that Manchester United have massive issues regarding their finances which is not healthy & all the talk about Rooney potentially leaving is also not good for the club but to say the club is in crisis is simply wrong.

Manchester United have been below standard this season, dropping silly points in the league by losing leads & conceding late goals but they remain unbeaten after 10 games in all competitions & have only lost 4 of their last 33 competitive matches in all competitions, with 9 draws & 21 wins during that time.

Those are not the statistics of a team in crisis & while the pattern of results this season may suggest there a big issues within the team, the fact remains Manchester United are still hard to beat & capable of beating anybody on their best form.

With regards to this match against Bursaspor then are priced up as 1/5 shots to win & while they were similar odds to beat both Rangers & West Brom and failed both times, we don’t expect any slip ups here & anything but a comfortable United win would be a massive shock.

Bursaspor are yet to score or earn a point in the Champions League so far and have not really suggested at any point during their first 2 games that they can compete at this level & even imagining them to get anything against Manchester United at Old Trafford just seems to fanciful to be considered.

Manchester United might not be in top form yet & don’t look as strong as in previous years but we fully expect them to be way too strong for Bursaspor in this & a comfortable win for Manchester United looks the only way to go here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Manchester United win
Correct Score options: Manchester United to win 3-0/4-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Nani/Berbatov/Hernandez
Scorecast options: Nani/Berbatov/Hernandez score 1st & Man United 3-0/4-0
Double Result: MAN UNITED H/T & F/T

Predictions for remaining Wednesday Champions League fixtures:

FC TWENTE vs WERDER BREMEN DRAW 2-2/3-3
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Janko/Ruiz/Pizzaro
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

LYON to beat Benfica 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Lopez/Gomis/Bastos
Double Result: LYON H/T & F/T

SCHALKE to beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Huntelaar/Raul/Farfan
Double Result: SCHALKE H/T & F/T

VALENCIA to beat Rangers 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Soldado/Aduriz/Mata
Double Result: VALENCIA H/T & F/T

BARCELONA to beat Copenhagen 3-0/4-0
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Messi/Iniesta/Villa
Double Result: BARCELONA H/T & F/T

PANATHINAIKOS to beat Rubin Kazan 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/players to score anytime: Cisse/Gouvou/Garcia
Double Result: PANATHINAIKOS H/T & F/T

Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

UEFA Champions League Group stage Round 1 match previews

The Champions League kicks off again this week with the first set of group stage matches & everything looks set in place for this years competition to be as good if not better than any seen before.

32 teams made up of the established elite of european football such as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan combined with many new teams experiencing the Champions League group stages for the first time makes for an exciting & unpredictable mix that is certain to provide great drama & entertainment along the way.

The ultimate target for all 32 teams left in the Champions League is next years final at Wembley Stadium on the 28th May 2011 & it should prove fascinating watching those teams do battle to try & achieve the ultimate dream of euroepan club football.

We have had a good look at the first set of Champions League group stage matches & here are views & value betting recommendations that we feel are worth consideration:

Tuesday’s Champions League matches:

FC Twente vs Inter Milan – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Fantastic story behind this one as FC Twente, the reigning Dutch champions, make their Champions League debut against Inter Milan, the reigning holders of the Champions League with a rich tradition & history of success in top level european competitions.

This is a proper, real life ‘David vs Goliath’ scenario & it should prove to be a fascinating game watching how FC Twente go about making their debut in the competition & how Rafa Benitez handles taking over from Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan & seeing how the reigning champions go this year.

In terms of the betting for this match then the bookmakers have shown a great deal of respect by pricing up FC Twente at around the 7/2 mark for their first home match in the group stage of the Champions League & admittedly those odds are shorter than I would expect.

The benefit of FC Twente being priced at those odds means the bookmakers have made the price of an Inter Milan win more attractive than I would expect with the general 5/6 quote very fair & indeed very, very tempting to us.

FC Twente know the task they face to achieve anything in this group & they know they will have to be at the very top of their form to get any positive results in this game but we do at least expect them to be to be positive in their home matches & we do expect them to be fully pumped up for this one.

The big question of course is do FC Twente have the quality to mix it with the likes of Inter Milan & our opinion is while they can match Inter Milan for endeavour & enthusiasm, Inter Milan will have a clear edge in quality on the pitch & Rafa Benitez’s team can start their defence of the title with a vital away win in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Inter Milan to win
Correct Score options: Inter Milan to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Milito/E’too/sneijder
Scorecast options: Milito/E’too/Sneijder score 1st & Inter Milan win 2-0/2-1
Double Result: Inter Milan H/T & F/T

Werder Bremen vs Tottenham – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

We have a fantastic football game in prospect here in which positive, attacking football should be the order of the day between Werder Bremen who got here by finishing 3rd in the Bundesliga & Tottenham who finished 4th in the Premier League last season.

This is a very important opening match in this group as Inter Milan are widely regarded as bankers to win the group with Werder Bremen & Tottenham the two teams expected to fight it out for 2nd qualifying place so this match is vital to both teams.

The typical scenario which arises when discussing German football sides is that the stereotype of German sides being strong, well organised & efficient but that is not the case with Werder Bremen who are not a typical German side in that they always look to play positive, fluent attacking football.

The fact Werder Bremen will come into this game with a positive, attacking attitude should make for a fantastically open game of football as that is also the philosophy of Tottenham and that should mean that whatever the result, this should certainly prove to be a game worth watching.

Both Werder Bremen & Tottenham arrive at this fixture with injuries to key players, Werder Bremen will probably be missing their main defenders while Tottenham will be without key defender Michael Dawson & main striker Defoe and that factor should certainly level up this match.

Werder Bremen have home advantage & will certainly look to be positive while Tottenham have the better, stronger squad so it is a fascinating game to call & one that can go either way but we can see both sides sharing a few goals & an open, competitive scoring draw looks the value call here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Pizarro/Crouch/Almeida
Scorecast options: Pizarro/Crouch/Almeida score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Manchester United vs Glasgow Rangers – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

The Champions League has produced a fair few of these ‘Battle of Britain’ ties which get the media & fans excited and certainly this clash of Manchester United & Glasgow Rangers has a real edge of anticipation to it.

England vs Scotland clashes always generate an extra buzz & an extra edge to them and we expect this match to be no different with the managers of both clubs having connections to the other club, Alex Ferguson having played at Glasgow Rangers & Walter Smith having spent time as a coach at Manchester United.

Now the odds of 1/5 about a Manchester United win suggest that the bookies believe this will be a walk on the Old Trafford turf for Manchester United & that 3 points will be secured quite easily but Alex Ferguson will not believe that & Walter Smith will certainly make sure his Rangers players don’t hold those thoughts.

Alex Ferguson will have his Manchester United players fully pumped up for this one & particularly coming on the back of that amazing 3-3 draw against Everton & the fact United conceded 2 late goals should really have the United players primed to put that right here.

We are expecting a really determined, positive approach from Manchester United in this one & we expect them to go all out for the win straight from the kick-off which will certainly test Rangers & if United hit top form then Rangers will be in massive trouble.

As we said, the ‘Battle of Britain’ element certainly does give this game an extra edge & should make for a fantastic atmosphere but in terms of the outcome of the match then we really can’t see beyond Manchester United controlling this game & ultimately winning it by having too much quality for Rangers to cope with.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match result: Manchester United win
Correct Score options: Manchester United to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Rooney/Berbatov/Nani
Scorecast options: Rooney/Berbatov/Nani score 1st & Manchester United win 2-0/3-0
Double Result: Manchester United H/T & F/T

Betting Recommendations for remaining Champions League fixtures on tuesday night:

BENFICA to beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 1-0/2-0
LYON to beat Schalke 2-0/2-1
BURSASPOR to beat Valencia 2-0/2-1
BARCELONA to beat Panathinaikos 3-0/3-1
FC COPENHAGEN vs RUBIN KAZAN DRAW 1-1/2-2

Wednesday’s Champions League matches:

MSK Zilina vs Chelsea – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

Another minnow against giant clash in prospect here as Champions League newboys Zilina take on Chelsea in what should be a fascinating tie to watch.

It’s a case of Slovakian Champions taking on English Champions & while the entire footballing world will expect Chelsea to win & win well, we are certain Zilina will do their best to give Chelsea a proper game so this should be interesting.

Clearly when you compare the Zilina side with the Chelsea side they are miles apart on quality & strength in depth and that is why Chelsea are rated as 1/4 shots to win this match but despite those odds, Chelsea will still have to be professional & organised to get the win they want.

Shocks do happen in this competition & particularly in the early matches but any result other than a comfortable win for Chelsea will be a massive shock & given the form Chelsea have shown so far this season it would be crazy to oppose them & we won’t, Chelsea to start with a win is the only way to go in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match result: Chelsea to win
Correct Score options: Chelsea to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Anelka/Malouda/Essien
Scorecast options: Anelka/Malouda/Essien score 1st & Chelsea win 3-0/3-1
Double Result: Chelsea H/T & F/T

Arsenal vs Braga – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

The formula for Arsenal in their homes games at this stage of the competition is to win & win well scoring a fair few goals in the process & we can see history repeating itself again in this one.

Now we are not being dismissive of Braga who will want to show the world they deserve their place at this level but all teams apart from the very best, ie Manchester United, Chelsea & Barcelona, have struggled & struggled badly at the Emirates & we do expect Arsenal to be way too good for Braga in this one.

Watching Arsenal at their confident, fluent best is a real treat for any fan no matter who you support & we are expecting Arsenal to go full tilt into this game, high on confidence & believing that their positive football will produce the goals that will win this match for them.

The one negative about Arsenal is that they definitely look likely to concede the odd goal whoever they play against but overall we don’t expect that to be too much of a problem & Arsenal’s superior quality should deliver another comfortable home win here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match result: Arsenal to win
Correct Score options: Arsenal to win 3-1/4-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Fabregas/Arshavin/Chamakh
Scorecast options: Fabregas/Arshavin/Chamakh score 1st & Arsenal win 3-1/4-1
Double Result: Arsenal H/T & F/T

Betting Recommendations for remaining Champions League matches on wednesday night:

AC MILAN to beat Auxerre 2-0/2-1
BAYERN MUNICH to beat Roma 2-1/3-1
CLUJ vs BASLE DRAW 1-1/2-2
MARSEILLE vs SPARTAK MOSCOW DRAW 1-1/2-2
REAL MADRID to beat Ajax 3-0/3-1
SHAKTAR DONETSK to beat Partizan Belgrade 2-0/2-1
Well those are our views for the midweek Champions League matches & hopefully you find them interesting & informative and that they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be a truly fascinating set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.