Barcelona V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 28 May 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Wembley, London
TV Coverage: ITV1 & Sky Sports HD1

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Preview

The ultimate prize in club football will be at stake when domestic champions Barcelona and Manchester United meet at Wembley, London for the 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League final – both seeking to be crowned champions of Europe for a fourth time.

Barcelona – winners in 1991/1992, 2005/2006 & 2008/2009 – are regarded by some as the greatest group of players to have ever embraced the beautiful game, and there is absolutely no disputing the fact that the Catalan’s finest do the game justice. They’ll also go into Saturday’s eagerly anticipated final as firm favourites to repeat the feat of 2009, when goals from Samuel Eto and Lionel Messi saw Barca clinch their third European title after a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in Rome.

It almost goes without saying, then, that England’s finest – the Red Devils having recently been crowned champions of England for a record 19th time – are out for revenge and with this year’s show-piece being held in the English capital, there will be some who believe United boast the required ingredients to bring down the most formidable outfit in world football.

So how does Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson go about stopping the force that is Barcelona? It is the questions on the edge of everyone’s lips. Just how does anyone stop a team who continue to reign in the trophies with a group of individuals who are technically miles ahead of everyone else?

Two-time World Player of the Year and soon to be crowned the Champions League’s most prolific player for a third consecutive campaign, Lionel Messi was a thorn in United’s side the last time these two colossal outfits went hell-for-leather on a football pitch, and everything would point in the direction of the Argentine maestro weaving his magic yet again on the grandest stage.

It is truly remarkable to think that anyone could score 52 goals in a single season, especially in one of the so called ‘elite’ European leagues, Spain’s La Liga. Messi did so in just 54 appearances but will need to add to his already astonishing tally if he’s to better Cristiano Ronaldo, whom scored one goal more in the same number of games during 2010/2011.

So as if Barca’s main man wasn’t already the biggest obstacle standing between Manchester United and a fourth European title, Messi certainly won’t be short of motivation.

An easy mistake to make is to assume Barca are a one-man-band, though, because of Messi’ out-of-this-world scoring statistics. If United are to make it a League and European double, a midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have to be kept quiet, throughout. These three are the conductors behind this magical orchestra, the latter two especially, players who within the blink of an eye can turn any game on its head and are the men who ensure twinkle-toes himself, Lionel Messi, is kept busy throughout proceedings.

Sir Alex has had a preference for a five-man midfield in the big games this season, with the world-class Wayne Rooney often dropping deep, sometimes just off the lone striker of Javier Hernandez but also deployed as a left-midfielder on occasions, including in victories over rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. A similar approach to the final could pay dividends, as United, somehow, need to contain a Barcelona midfield which many believe will need to have a bad day at the office if the 69-year-old United boss is to get his hands on a third Champions League winners’ medal, making him the second oldest manager to lift the coveted trophy aloft.

If anyone can stop the Barcelona express, surely no team is better equipped to do so than Manchester United? No team kept more clean sheets in this season’s competition than Sir Alex’s men (8), who conceded just four goals en route to the final and not once did they ship more than one goal in a single game. Moreover, we shouldn’t discount the fact that United are STILL UNBEATEN in continental competition! The same cannot be said for Barcelona who were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at a venue within minutes of Wembley, at the Emirates Stadium in north London.

It remains a mammoth task for the underdogs, which is crazy in itself to think that Manchester United, 19-times champions of England and arguably the biggest club in the sport, are for once not expected to win even though winning is all they’re accustomed to under Sir Alex Ferguson. I for one wouldn’t rule out those pesky Red Devils rising to the challenge yet again, although I’m probably the only one by the looks of it with many current and former greats of the game all siding with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona charges.

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Form

Barcelona – DWDDW (Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid, Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol, Levante 1-1 Barcelona, Barcelona 0-0 Deportivo, Malaga 1-3 Barcelona)

Manchester United – LWWDW (Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United, Manchester United 4-1 Schalke, Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United, Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool)

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2010/2011 UEFA Champions League Matches

Barcelona

Group Stage: Barcelona 5-1 Panathinaikos
Group Stage: Rubin Kazan 1-1 Barcelona
Group Stage: Barcelona 2-0 FC Copenhagen
Group Stage: FC Copenhagen 1-1 Barcelona
Group Stage: Panathinaikos 0-3 Barcelona
Group Stage: Barcelona 2-0 Rubin Kazan
Round of 16: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona
Round of 16: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal (Barcelona won 4-3 on aggregate)
Quarter-Final: Barcelona 5-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Quarter-Final: Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Barcelona (Barcelona won 6-1 on aggregate)
Semi-Final: Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
Semi-Final: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid (Barcelona won 3-1 on aggregate)

Manchester United

Group Stage: Manchester United 0-0 Rangers
Group Stage: Valencia 0-1 Manchester United
Group Stage: Manchester United 1-0 Bursaspor
Group Stage: Bursaspor 0-3 Manchester United
Group Stage: Rangers 0-1 Manchester United
Group Stage: Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
Round of 16: Marseille 0-0 Manchester United
Round of 16: Manchester United 2-1 Marseille (Manchester United won 2-1 on aggregate)
Quarter-Final: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Quarter-Final: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (Manchester United won 3-1 on aggregate)
Semi-Final: Schalke 0-2 Manchester United
Semi-Final: Manchester United 4-1 Schalke (Manchester United won 6-1 on aggregate)

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Head-to-Head

Barcelona wins: 3
Draws: 4
Manchester United wins: 3

Past Results

2008/2009 CL Final: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United

2007/2008 CL: Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona
2007/2008 CL: Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United

1998/1999 CL: Barcelona 3-3 Manchester United
1998/1999 CL: Manchester United 3-3 Barcelona

1994/1995 CL: Barcelona 4-0 Manchester United
1994/1995 CL: Manchester United 2-2 Barcelona

1990/1991 ECWC: Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona

1983/1984 ECWC: Manchester United 3-0 Barcelona
1983/1984 ECWC: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United

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Streaks & Trends

Manchester United are still unbeaten in Europe this season, winning nine of twelve.

Unlike their final opponents, Barcelona have already had a taste of defeat in the competition, going down to United’s English rivals Arsenal, in England, during a Round of 16 tie.

The Red Devils have conceded just four goals en route to the final, keeping eight clean sheets.

Barcelona have racked up 27 goals en route to the final, compared to United‘s 18.

Javier Hernandez is set to finish as United’s leading goalscorer in Europe, with the Mexican currently with figures of 4 goals from 8 appearances, one goal better than fellow forward Wayne Rooney.

Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s top goalscorer in Europe this season with 11 goals, is the only Barca player to have featured in all twelve Champions League matches thus far.

Including extra-time but not penalties, Manchester United have won just two of their nine matches at the new Wembley.

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Team News

The Catalans will arrive in England boasting a clean bill of health ahead of their second Champions League final in three seasons.

Eric Abidal, Adriano and Bojan were all doubtful a few weeks ago but have all returned to first-team action and will be in contention.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Lionel Messi were all rested at the weekend as Barcelona recorded a 3-1 win away from home over Malaga in their final La Liga match of the term, with Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Pedro introduced midway through the second half.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t have too many doubts over his first-team personnel ahead of Saturday’s final, with all of his big names fit and ready for the show-piece at Wembley.

The only slight concerns surround the potential availability of versatile defender John O’Shea and full-back Rafael, though at least one, if not both, should be fit enough to return.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez all sat out United’s final league game of the season a week ago – a 4-2 victory over relegated Blackpool at Old Trafford – while Wayne Rooney was introduced late into the second half (84).

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Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 4.00 (3/1) WilliamHill

All I’m hearing is how Barcelona have to have a rare ‘off-day’ for Manchester United to stand any chance of leaving the capital with the most prestigious trophy in club football, a team boasting a wealth of experience and quality, not to mention unquestionably the greatest manager to have ever lived, certainly in my opinion, who have been there, done that and come away with every major honour under the sun time and time again. This is a team who have thrived on the big occasions and have all the necessary ingredients which I believe will see them crowned champions of Europe for a fourth time.

Whether it’s the experience of a true goalkeeping great between the sticks in Edwin van der Saar, who will be doubly determined to keep his ninth clean sheet of the campaign in what is effectively his final game of a glittering career, a resolute defence which has conceded just four goals in twelve Champions League matches thus far, or a dynamic attack of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, two proven match winners who have formed a deadly striking partnership in the second half of the season – I strongly believe Manchester United are tremendous value to stun everyone with victory at Wembley.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer – 9.00 (8/1) WilliamHill

Javier Hernandez has had a whirlwind début season for Manchester United, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and if presented with an opportunity in front of goal, should stick it away without too much of a fuss. That said, will a Champions League final prove a step too far too soon for the talented 22-year-old? If so, United will need someone else to raise their game, so who better than Wayne Rooney, who has had a year to forget off the pitch but has been sensational in the second half of the campaign for his team and would certainly go some way to silencing many of his critics with a goal, possibly even the winner, in the final of club football’s biggest game.

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Match Odds:

Barcelona – 2.05 (21/20) BetFred
Draw – 3.50 (5/2) Bet365
Manchester United – 4.00 (3/1) WilliamHill

Method of Victory (VictorChandler):

Barcelona in Extra-Tme – 6.50 (11/2)
Barcelona on Penalties – 13.00 (12/1)

Manchester United in Extra-Time – 17.00 (16/1)
Manchester United on Penalties – 13.00 (12/1)

Selected Promotions:

PaddyPower – If Barcelona win this match in normal time (90 minutes + IT), those kind Irish folk at PaddyPower will refund all losing First/Last Goalscorer, Scorecasts and Correct Scores.

BetFred – A passionate Manchester United fan, Fred will be doing his popular promotion for the final: Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven. Simply choose who you think will open the scoring and should that same player go on to score another, BetFred will double your winnings. They’ll treble your winnings should that same player go on to score a hat-trick!

Real Madrid V Barcelona

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 27 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
TV Coverage: ITV1

They’ve dominated Spanish football for decades and are set to share domestic honours this season, now two of the sports’ most iconic clubs lock horns for the third time in eleven days seeking to reserve a place in next month’s show-piece at Wembley, where lying in wait will be either this season’s surprise package, Schalke, or English champions-elect Manchester United.

You’ll struggle to find a more intense rivalry anywhere in world football than the Spanish ‘El Clasico’ between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the countries two most successful clubs. And as far as this season goes, it’s honours even heading into Wednesday’s tantalising contest at the Bernabeu in Madrid, with the pair sharing one win apiece – Barcelona winning 5-0 at home in the league, the reverse fixture ending in a 1-1 draw in Madrid, while Real secured the Copa Del Rey just seven days ago courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s extra-time winner; which has probably given Real the edge, mentally.

Barcelona’s 5-0 whitewash of Los Blancos will go down in history as one of the greatest matches of all time, simply because of the manner of the victory – completing out-playing, out-manoeuvring and overwhelming a side which cost large sums to assemble. But since that unforgettable night at the Camp Nou, back in November, Madrid have gone on to record a draw and a win over the Catalans, and now Pep Guardiola believes his team are now underdogs heading to the Spanish capital.

The Barcelona manager, who has won five and lost just one of seven ‘El Clasico’ duels during his three-year reign in Catalonia, probably has a point. Last Wednesday’s Copa Del Rey defeat will have hurt his charges, and probably galvanised a Madrid dressing room which had previously failed to win any of their last seven meetings with their fierce rivals. Moreover Real Madrid, under Mourinho, have made the Santiago Bernabeu a fortress this season, while away from home is generally where Barca encounter most of their select few problems.

Since the very beginning of the Champions League campaign, Real Madrid have maintained a 100% record at the Bernabeu, notching five straight wins, scoring 15 goals without reply. In total, Mourinho’s men have won 23 of 25 in all competitions at home in 2010/2011.

Then we move onto Barcelona’s achilles heel – it’s a shock in itself to know they even have one, which is playing away from home in continental competition. Barca have won only two of five away matches in Europe this season, as well as losing away to Arsenal in the Round of 16, but have somewhat alarmingly won just three of their previous fourteen away Champions League games, conceding in all but four.

So on top of the fact Real Madrid will have taken so much belief from last week’s Copa Del Rey triumph, proving to themselves more than anyone else that Barca can be beaten, Barcelona’s record on the road in Europe is abysmal.

Furthermore, Jose Mourinho has a fully fit squad to choose from, with even Gonzalo Higuain back from injury, with aplomb too, as he was on target three times at the weekend as Madrid thrashed Valencia 6-3 at the Mestalla. The Portuguese also had the luxury of resting virtually the entire first-team, with only Karim Benzema, Ricardo Carvalho and Iker Casillas starting from the off, with Xabi Alsono and Cristiano Ronaldo making second-half appearances.

Pep Guardiola also made wholesale changes to the team which lost to Madrid seven days ago, with only Sergio Busquets and David Villa starting from the off, though the latter didn’t play the full 90 minutes. Xavi, Iniesta and Messi did make second-half cameos, though. However, the Barca tactician does have problems at the back with Eric Abidal out with a liver tumour, fellow full-back Adriano ruled out for the remainder of the season while Carles Puyol is still troubled by a muscular injury.

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Recent Form

Real Madrid

Domestic

Valencia 3-6 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona (Copa Del Rey final)
Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 0-1 Sporting Gijon

Champions League (Knockouts)

Round of 16:

Lyon 1-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 3-0 Lyon

Real Madrid WON 4-1 on aggregate

Quarter-Finals:

Real Madrid 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid WON 5-0 on aggregate

Barcelona

Domestic

Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna
Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona (Copa Del Rey final)
Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-1 Almeria
Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona

Champions League (Knockouts)

Round of 16:

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal

Barcelona WON 4-3 on aggregate

Quarter-Finals:

Barcelona 5-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Barcelona

Barcelona WON 6-1 on aggregate

Streaks & Trends

These two powerhouses of Spanish football have clashed on no less than 211 occasions in all competitions, with Real Madrid egding the head-to-head with 86 wins to Barcelona’s 82. There have been 43 draws.

Real Madrid have a flawless record in the Spanish capital in Europe this season, recording five wins, scoring 15 goals and conceding none in the process.

Barcelona have only won two of their five away European encounters this season (W2 D2 L1), with that solitary defeat coming away in London to Arsenal in the Round of 16.

The Catalans have suffered just three losses all season, though their most recent was against Real Madrid just under a fortnight ago in the Spanish Copa Del Rey.

In this intriguing battle between the two team’s prolific forwards, Lionel Messi sets the standard with 50 goals this season with Ronaldo on 42.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Real Madrid to WIN – 2.70 BetFred

So often a battle of wits ensues whenever Jose Mourinho tackles the Champions League, yet he can ill-afford any caution on Wednesday as anything less than a winning performance from his team would leave Madrid heavily exposed heading to Catalonia for the deciding leg at the Camp Nou, where Barcelona are generally imperious and spanked Mourinho’s men 5-0 back in November.

Quite simply, Real Madrid must win this opening leg. And with Barca possibly wounded following last Wednesday’s defeat in the Copa Del Rey final, it should combine, nicely from a Madrid perspective, with their defensive crisis and dismal away record in the Champions League – so to describe Wednesday’s clash as a golden opportunity for Los Blancos would be an understatement, as rarely are Barcelona as vulnerable as they are right now.

The previous two encounters, which have taken placed with the space of a fortnight, have been tight, mainly because Mourinho has packed the midfield and tried to nullify the space available to Barca’s most influential players; Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro and, of course, Lionel Messi, who has scored 5 in his last three visits to the Bernabeu.

However, the general assumption is that Mourinho, perhaps sensing that Barca are prime for the taken, will go with a completely different set-up on Wednesday, with the aim of securing a first-leg that would stand them in good stead ahead of the trip to the Cam Nou, where Barca will make full use off the added space and atmosphere. If this is to be the case, we should be in for the most entertaining ‘El Clasico’ meeting of the season thus far. Either way, I reckon Real, who are clearly buoyed by their Copa Del Rey success, will edge this opening leg.

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – Boylesports

Backing goals in match involving Jose Mourinho and the Champions League is usually a quick way to the poor house, and even more so when Barcelona are concerned. However, if the rumours are to be believed, the Portuguese maestro will throw caution to the wind as Real target a big win at the Bernabeu which would leave them in a prominent position heading to Catalonia for the second leg.

Basically, if Pepe starts in the centre of midfield then avoid such a bet. But if Mourinho starts with a more offensive-looking line-up, then goals are worth the hassle at the odds. After all, can you name two teams in the world with more destructive forwards than these two? Messi and Ronaldo have scored a staggering 92 goals between then this season!

Match Odds:

Real Madrid – 2.70 BetFred
Draw – 3.40 Bet365
Barcelona – 2.75 VictorChandler

Shakhtar Donetsk V Barcelona

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Donbass Arena; Donetsk, Ukraine
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD4

European minnows Shakhtar Donetsk knew full well that when they drew the toughest team left in the draw for the quarter-finals, they required a positive score from the away leg in order to maintain any hope of causing one of the greatest upsets in UEFA Champions League history. Unfortunately, after going down a resounding 5-1 at the Camp Nou a week previous, the shock would no longer appear on the cards – though several teams have come back from the brink before in UEFA competition.

Three teams have previously in European competition have successfully overcome a four-goal deficit from the opening leg to secure the tie, but surely the now rank outsiders won’t come back to produce what would arguably go down as history’s greatest ever comeback in football, certainly in Europe.

Shakhtar do at least have home comforts to fall back on, and with it some formidable statistics which should at least keep lingering hopes alive within the supporter ranks. The Donetsk side have only lost one of their last 58 competitive games on home soil, although that rare reverse did come as recently as the weekend, while Mircea Lucescu’s side have won all four home games in Europe this season, recording wins over Partizan Belgrade (1-0), Arsenal (2-1), Braga (2-0) and AS Roma by an encouraging aggregate of 8-1.

Further heart can be taken from Barcelona’s surprisingly woeful away record in recent Champions League campaigns, with the Catalans having won only two of their previous thirteen away matches in continental competition (W2 D9 L2); winning just one of four in 2010/2011.

Although we’ve tried our very best to locate small grains of hope for the Ukrainians, we’re unlikely to witness too many miracles on Tuesday as Shakhtar look set to host their final European match of the term against a side many believe to be thee best ever!

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Shakhtar Donetsk

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 750.00 Unibet

Seemingly dead and buried, Shakhtar will be aiming to stun the world of football when they play host to one of the greatest ever teams to have embraced the beautiful game, and my how Barcelona do the word ‘beautiful’ justice.

The Ukrainians went into the tie in confident mood after comprehensively dispatching of Italians AS Roma in the Round of 16, however their hopes and aspirations were dashed emphatically at the Camp Nou a week previous, with Lucescu’s men now trailing the competition favourites 5-1 on aggregate and now in need of a four-goal margin of victory in Donetsk if they’re to prolong their 2010/2011 European adventure.

It would be stating the obvious to claim that few are expecting them to progress from this point on, while many will be surprised if the defending Ukrainian champions even put up a fight in the deciding leg. If their out of this world record at home in recent years is anything to go by – losing just one of their last 58 home games in all competitions but having also won all four at the Donbass Arena in Europe this season – then they should at least surprise many by completing the latter objective.

In fairness, Shakhtar were hardly disgraced in Spain. Yes they were overawed by Lucescu’s men did have chances of their own, spurning several glorious opportunities on the night in fact. Although they were convincingly beaten in the opening leg in the end, there was enough in their performance to suggest that they’ll at least give the competition’s overwhelming favourites a game back in Donetsk.

Of course this is now a case of salvaging some pride, but expect the hosts to get the ball down and play some crisp football inside the quite magnificent Donbass Arena. With a raucous, partisan crowd behind them as well, those who faltered in front of goal at the Camp Nou should instead be spurred on by the 50,000 Shakhtar-mad fans inside the stadium second time around – so don’t necessarily assume that because Barca won the opening leg with some aplomb that Shakhtar will simply role over and wallow in self-pity in the second-leg, especially as this looks all the more likely their last match in Europe, for this season at least.

Barcelona

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 2.15 bWin

After routing their last-eight adversaries at the Camp Nou less than a week ago, the only thing now standing between Barcelona and their fans’ ‘dream’ semi-final with arch rivals Madrid is complacency – and Josep Guardiola’s men displayed enough of that at the weekend to convince the Shakhtar dressing room, but more importantly their hardcore supporters, that this tie does still have some legs to run.

Goals from Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita, Xavi and Andres Iniesta – although surprisingly not one from the competition’s leading goalscorer Lionel Messi – sealed an impressive 5-1 first-leg victory in Spain last week, with Barca all but rubber-stamping their place in the final-four. However, if they impressed many with their dismantling of a dangerous Shakhtar in the first-leg, they did anything but when edging past the bottom side in La Liga at the weekend.

The Catalans were 1-0 down with less than a third of that particular game to play and needed their Argentine maestro to weave his magic wand once again in order to spare their blushes against rock-bottom Almeria. It was a lethargic performance which lacked any respect for their opponents, who were just as unfancied as Shakhtar are to overturn this commanding aggregate lead of Barca’s. A similarly sub-standard display in Donetsk would almost certainly be punished by a formidable home outfit.

So while Barca well and truly have this tie in the bag, they still need to bring their A-game to the table on Tuesday just so they can complete the formalities without any sniff of a scare. The big guns are all available, apart from injured duo Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol, though Andres Iniesta is suspended after collecting his third caution of the tournament during the opening leg.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.50 BetFred

There’s not a chance in hell of Shakhtar overturning the four-goal deficit, however they can at least restore some pride to camp by holding the team many reckon will be crowned European Champions next month in London to a draw in Donetsk – incidentally where the Ukrainian champions invariably produce more productive results and their vintage football.

The crowd inside the Donbass Arena will be extremely noisy and will be doing their utmost to make this an uncomfortable evening for Pep Guardiola’s men, who have won only once away from home in Europe this season. Instead, Shakhtar, who are without their injured skipper – Darijo Srna – for Tuesday’s game, should rise to the occasion with a capacity home support behind them and should hopefully put in a more clinical performance than they did at the Camp Nou, where they could and perhaps should have grabbed more than the solitary one away goal.

A score-draw would be a respectable scoreline for the home side, while it would also wrap up the tie for a content Barcelona.

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 17.00 BetFred

This should be an entertaining affair, especially as the hosts have nothing to fear, what with being four-goals down on aggregate and all but out of the tie. Barca are always good for goals too, and that is exactly what I’m envisaging for this second-leg, plenty of goals.

Match Odds:

Shakhtar Donetsk – 3.30 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.50 BetFred
Barcelona – 2.25 Boylesports

Barcelona V Shakhtar Donetsk

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 6 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Camp Nou
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

It almost seems criminal that the overwhelming favourites to win this year’s edition of the Champions League should receive what would appear a very generous Last-8 draw. However, if we learnt anything from Shakhtar’s demolition of AS Roma in the Last-16, it was that the reigning Ukrainian champions shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Barcelona’s reward for disposing of Arsenal in the Round of 16 was a quarter-finale tie with the other Group H qualifier, Shakhtar Donetsk, who topped the group above Arsene Wenger’s men. The Ukrainians will no doubt feel a little hard-done by to have received what was undoubtedly the toughest possible Last-8 assignment, but they have reason for optimism and are firmly of the belief that they can spring one of the greatest shocks the competition has ever seen.

Match odds:

Barcelona – 1.22 WilliamHill
Draw – 7.00 BetFred
Shakhtar Donetsk – 15.00 Boylesports

To Qualify odds:

Barcelona – 1.14 BetFred
Shakhtar Donetsk – 7.00 bWin

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Barcelona

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 2.20 PaddyPower

The Catalan giants are targeting their fourth European crown and after dispatching of Arsenal, although not with a whole lot of room to spare, are now faced with a tricky tie with surprise quarter-finalists Shakhtar Donetsk, whom beat them 3-2 in their most recent scurvey to Spain.

To his credit, Barcelona manager Pepe Guardiola gives every opponent the respect they deserve and while his side’s upcoming European assignment is a little peculiar – tackling a Shakhtar side whom only a select few would have dared envisaged that they would make it this far in proceedings, you can rest assured that the Catalan chief will have done his homework ahead of two testing encounters.

Barca will be in high spirits, though, after a weekend which saw them earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Villarreal but also Real Madrid shockingly coming a cropper at home to Sporting Gijon. The La Liga crown is virtually theirs barring a late capitulation, but there are still several obstacles they will need to hurdle before they are crowned European champions for the fourth time.

Victory on Wednesday, however, would be their ninth in succession at home in Europe, having scored 23 goals but conceded a miserly 3 during that game span. Few punters would dare oppose them, but Shakhtar did cause them all sorts of problems on their last visit to the Camp Nou, albeit then against a team which didn’t boast the prolific Lionel Messi, who is the co-leading goalscorer in this season’s Champions League with 8 goals – two of which came at the Camp Nou as Barca routed Arsenal 3-1 in the previous round.

So, with the big boys in hand second time around, Guardiola’s men should come good on Wednesday, although it may not be as comprehensive as some think it will be.

Shakhtar Donetsk

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 51.00 Boylesports

The Ukrainian title-holders have bossed matters back home for quite some time now, and to some extent they’ve been just as authoriative in Europe. Only Arsenal, whom were fittingly beaten by Barcelona in the Last-16, have beaten Shakhtar in Europe this season, although, disconcertingly, that was a 5-1 hammering in London. They did, though, finish top of their group, Group H, above the Gunners, and have only lost one of four away matches in this year’s competition.

Back home they are untouchable, but they’ve been just as imperious in Europe as well. A 5-1 mauling at the Emirates Stadium away to Arsenal aside, Shakhtar have won seven of eight in Europe this season, including three 3-0 away victories over Partisan Belgrade, Braga and AS Roma, the latter in the Round of 16 as they dumped one of Italy’s most supported clubs out of Europe with aplomb, Mircea Lucescu’s side winning the tie 6-2 on aggregate.

The plan on Wednesday, when they travel to the Camp Nou for the first-leg, will be to keep the scoring from the hosts down to a minimum, and considering they’ve kept a staggering six clean sheets en route to the Last-8 – though did concede in both clashes with Arsenal, who shipped four against Barceona – it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they will suceed. Should they do so, the odds on the Ukrainians progressing would change dramatically, as at home they are a force to be reckoned with for anyone, even Barcelona.

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola claims this tie will be ‘tricky’, and I am not going to disagree with him. Shakhtar will be formidable back home in the Ukraine inside their spectacular DonBass Arena, but they’ll also be a handful in Spain, especially on the counter as they aim to nullify the magic of Lionel Messi & Co.

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Betting

Match Prediction: Barcelona to WIN – 1.22 WilliamHill

It’s almost impossible to oppose Barcelona, not that I see any value in their odds. Still, I also don’t see them slipping up on Wednesday inside the Camp Nou, that despite how impressed I’ve been with their Last-8 opponents Shakhtar.

The fact Mircea Lucescu’s side have kept so many clean sheets en route to the quarter-finals is a testament to the fact that they are very resilient, and defensively extremely well organised. Then again, they did concede five away to Arsenal, a team who play football with a similar confidence and swagger to that of Barcelona. They shouldn’t ship an alarming amount in Spain however – I’m thinking more along the lines of a 2-0 defeat, which would be a decent result as it would at least keep alive the tie heading back to the Ukraine, where Shakhtar are at their most dangerous.

A tidy win for Barca then, one which won’t turn any heads.

Value Bet: Barcelona 2-0 (Correct Score) – 7.00 BlueSquare

Many are expecting a rout, however, so long as Shakhtar keep their shape and discipline, there’s every chance of the visitors leaving the Camp Nou with a respectable scoreline. They’ll also be dangerous on the break, a factor which could scupper our correct score hunch.

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Barcelona V Arsenal

Date & kick-off: Tuesday, 8th March – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Camp Nou, Spain
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

First-Leg: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona

The omens are positive for Arsene Wenger’s men, as it was they who defied the odds in the first-leg when securing a 2-1 victory at the Emirates courtesy of late strikes from Robin Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin which helped cancel out David Villa’s opener for Barcelona. In fairness, though, it was once again Barca who enjoyed more time in possession and created by far and away the clearer openings, however, for once, Lionel Messi and Co weren’t at their decisive best in front of goal and ultimately paid the price. But will they pay the ultimate price on Tuesday night with a shock early exit from a competition they’ve been firm favourites to win since the very beginning?

To Qualify: Still anyone’s for the taking!

In spite of their Emirates heroics, the general consensus is that Arsenal are the ones who still have it all to do if they’re to claim one of the more memorable aggregate victories in Champions League history. That isn’t really surprising when you consider that back home in Spain, Barcelona have a tendency to blow most opponents out of the water at the Camp Nou, where their record of late is superb having gone their previous twenty games in all competitions without defeat, winning their last nine. Arsenal, meanwhile, haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home in Europe in any of their previous 15 road trips, so you get the impression that they’ll need to locate the back of Victor Valdes’ net at least once before the 90 minutes up, especially as the thought of Barca not scoring is inconceivable to some.

Barcelona

To win the 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 3.20 (11/5) Coral
To Qualify for Quarter-Finals – 1.36 (4/11) StanJames

Everything would point towards Barcelona overturning the aggregate deficit and steam rolling their way into the Last-8, the 2008/09 European champions firm favourites to repeat the feat by clinching this season’s competition. Their record at home is magnificent, their playing squad is packed to the rafters with out-of-this-world talent, none more so than World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi; but they are by no means untouchable, despite what the Spanish media would like us English folk to believe, and any complacency on Tuesday night would leave them susceptible to a shock early exit, believe it or not.

Confidence is a wonderful trait, but I got the impression that Pep Guardiola was showing signs of arrogance during his post-match interview following his side’s 2-1 defeat in the opening leg at the Emirates. The Barca chief invited everyone to come and watch the second leg at the Nou Camp, hinting that everyone would see a completely different result second time around, with some 80,000 Catalan-mad supporters behind them inside the Camp Nou. It would appear losing isn’t something he takes lightly, even more so when it’s against an English adversary, which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that losing isn’t an emotion he nor the rest of his colleagues experience often, such is their consistency to churn out winning results, especially in Catalonia.

Not since Hercules, one of the promoted outfits back in Spain’s Primera Division, beat them 2-0 right at the beginning of the season have Barcelona lost a competitive fixture at the Nou Camp, going their previous twenty home games without losing. Furthermore, they’re currently on a nine-match winning streak on home soil, and currently seven in the Champions League, five of which were accompanied by a clean sheet. So the Catalan giants certainly pack some punch with their credentials, backing up why so many rate their chances on Tuesday night so highly.

However, their performances of late haven’t been without their fair share of flaws, with the usually free-scoring Barca mustering only two goals in their last two contests, with even Messi, who has 43 goals already this season, failing to score in the team’s most recent assignment.

Their defence, especially in the wake of the absence of captain Carles Puyol, who has once again been ruled out through injury, has been extremely sloppy of late, conceding more cheap chances than they normally would. So, while we are of little doubt that what we will see on Tuesday is one of the greatest teams to have ever graced the beautiful game, they do have their flaws, their momentary lapses in concentration, just like everyone else – they are no formality to reverse the aggregate score and will need to produce their A-game if they are to deny a talented and very dangerous Arsenal side a famous victory.

Arsenal

To win the 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 17.00 (16/1) bWin
To Qualify for Quarter-Finals – 3.40 (12/5) Unibet

It couldn’t be any simpler for Arsene Wenger and his team; avoid defeat in Catalonia and a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League is all theirs. Unfortunately, it won’t as simple as we’re making it sound in theory, as in their way stands arguably the greatest group of footballers on the planet, a team which rarely deals in anything other than triumphs, a Barcelona side who are still overwhelming favourites to progress despite losing the first-leg 2-1 at the Emirates.

Second-half strikes from Robin Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin kept alive Arsenal’s hopes of winning their first ever Champions League title, but the hard work starts at the Camp Nou, not at the Emirates, where Arsenal knew they always had to win if they were to stand any chance of claiming what would arguably be their greatest ever European scalp. And, as unconvincing as their general display in the first-leg was, the manner in which they stormed back into the tie by showing an enormous amount of character does at least bode well ahead of their daunting trip to Catalonia.

Arsene Wenger is also further boosted by the return of both Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie, the latter catching everyone by surprise with his inclusion in the squad which travels to Spain for Tuesday’s second-leg, however, the absence of combative midfielder Alex Song could be key up against a Barcelona midfield which retains possession better than any other team we know.

Then there’s Saturday’s demoralising 0-0 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League, an old-fashioned momentum-basher if ever we saw one, with the Gunners firing a blank just days before their European showdown with the team widely recognised as the best in the world. So their preparation hasn’t all gone swimmingly, far from it.

Nevertheless, Arsene Wenger insists that his team are determined not to rest on their laurels, and that they will not even attempt to sit on their 2-1 aggregate lead and hope Barcelona draw a blank, as that would rely on a minor miracle occurring. So, when the opportunity arises, we’re expecting some ambitious football from the Gunners as they go in search of that pivotal away goal which would make their task in Spain a whole lot easier, and with the big guns named in the squad, you’d be foolish to write off their chances, as Barcelona, as sublime as they so often are, do concede chances and with the quality Arsenal have in their attacking armoury, you’d fancy them to convert them when and if they do crop up.

Barcelona V Arsenal: Form, Head-to-Head & Statistics

Arsenal Probable Starting XI

Match Prediction: Draw – 6.50 (11/2) VictorChandler

A little biased perhaps, as I would love to see Arsenal defy the odds and leave the football world stunned, but we do genuinely believe that Arsene Wenger can mastermind Barcelona’s demise, provided that his team don’t freeze on the night inside an intimidating Camp Nou.

Quite frankly, if Arsenal turn up and sit on their slim aggregate lead then they’ll be punished, probably emphatically as well, but if they get in the faces of the Barcelona players and really give them something to think about, by not only closing them down and harrying them when not in possession, but by also causing them problems when they do attack, especially on the counter, then we have high hopes for them.

The most important factor about their performance is that they aren’t afraid to bomb forward and test a Barcelona defence which will be makeshift, with Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets expected to partner Gerard Pique at centre-half as Javier Mascherano slots into the holding-role. If Arsenal continually ask questions of the Barca defence on the counter then the hosts will think twice about committing too many men forward to attack, and that will decrease their fire-power, especially if Dani Alves becomes inhibited.

Not many teams throw caution to the wind and really go at the Barcelona defence, mainly because time on the ball is so limited, but when teams do just this, Barca do look vulnerable, rattled even, while Victor Valdes in goal has never convinced me. If Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas start to enjoy sustained periods on the ball and begin to grow in confidence, then I genuinely believe that Arsenal will score at least once on the night, which is why I strongly fancy Arsenal to progress, as should they score one, it would give the entire team a massive lift, and a usually lacklustre defence would all of a sudden find themselves running on pure adrenaline, throwing their bodies on the line for the good of the cause.

Value Bet: Arsenal First Team to Score – 4.00 (3/1) Bet365

Match Odds:

Barcelona – 1.30 (3/10) WilliamHill
Draw – 6.50 (11/2) VictorChandler
Arsenal – 10.00 (9/1) SkyBet

Arsenal V Barcelona

Wednesday, 16th February – 19:45 (GMT)
UEFA Champions League; Last-16 First Leg
LIVE on ITV1

Arsenal

In England, there isn’t a team who play the beautiful game in such an elegant manner as to rival Arsenal in the style stakes. In Europe, though, they have one fierce competitor in the form of Barcelona, the 2008/2009 European champions who taught the Gunners a brutal lesson the last time they met in not only how to play the beautiful game, but how to do so effectively. Barca drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium – although bossing large periods of the match – before running riot back in Spain 4-1, clinching the tie 6-3 on aggregate. Nearly twelve months later, the two meet again, although, Arsene Wenger feels it will be on Arsenal’s terms second time around.

When the pair last clashed during the Quarter-Finals of the 2009/2010 campaign, Arsene Wenger was shorn of so many influential figures. Despite being without Lukasz Fabianski, Thomas Vermealen and Abou Diaby this time around, the French tactician has every faith in those who will be at disposal on Wednesday night, which does include arguably Arsenal’s stand-out performer this season, Samir Nasri, who has been named in the squad to face the Catalan giants at the Emirates. And should Nasri feature at all, it would be a huge boost to the team’s chances of overhauling a side many believe to be the best on the planet right now.

Although Arsenal rarely struggle to carve out goalscoring opportunities, Samir Nasri will only bolster what is already a formidable attacking unit capable of shredding the leanest of defences to pieces. Just as well really, as their opponents have shipped just three in Europe this season, as opposed to Arsenal’s seven. But this is an Arsenal side who have scored more goals in the Champions League this season than anyone else bar the locals, Tottenham Hotspur. So already we have an interesting subplot forming; will the competition’s tidiest defence prevail or will the Gunners have too much fire-power on the night? And we’d be inclined to go with the latter, seeing as Carles Puyol is out injured for Barca, although could return for the second leg, which only adds to the onus being on Arsenal to really take this first leg to the defending Spanish champions and capatalise on Barcelona’s misfortune.

Another decisive factor is the scintillating form the Gunners are in, which is in stark contrast to when the two sides last collided in Europe. Unbeaten in their previous eight, seven of those coming in the way of victories, but also buoyed by the prospect of still being well in the hunt for the Barclay’s Premier League title and the FA Cup, while they also have a Carling Cup final at the end of the month. At this stage last season, the Gunners were struggling to keep pace with the league’s pacesetters and were already out of the FA Cup, so this really is a completely different Arsenal side even though many who were embarrassed in last season’s meeting are still around, although that’s just another incentive for these hungry Gunners; motivation to reverse the tide and convert their sparkling form into a commanding first leg performance at the Emirates, where Arsenal beat all of their group rivals to an aggregate score of 14-3.

Barcelona

Coming off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Sporting Gijon at the weekend, a game which saw Barca chief Pep Guardiola rest Eric Abidal and Sergio Busquets and use promising Spanish winger Pedro Rodriguez from the bench, the competition favourites must justify their favourites tag in a tie they were very accomplished and mightily impressive in last season, when a sublime Lionel Messi hat-trick at the Nou Camp in the second leg handed Barca the tie 6-3 on aggregate.

At the weekend, we all saw a Barca side hampered by international fatigue somehow ground out a point away at Sporting Gijon in a match everyone assumed they would walk to three points in, yet, come the final whistle, were extremely fortunate to leave with their unbeaten run in all competitions still in tact, which now stands at six-games – though it did stop their winning momentum firmly in its tracks, having won their previous five. Now, you’re probably thinking six games without defeat is also pretty weak for what is the greatest football team in the world, if you believe some. Don’t be fooled, that defeat seven games ago came in the second leg of a Copa Del Rey tie which had already been won courtesy of Barca’s 5-0 romp at the Nou Camp in the first leg. It was a match in which Guardiola made wholesale changes, so they deservedly lost, but in terms of the first-team, the Catalans have tasted defeat just once all season – their second game into league season at home to Hercules (0-2). Since then (September 9th), Guardiola’s charges have been almost imperious, winning 28 of 35 games in all competitions.

However, we shouldn’t just brush past their weekend result, especially the performance, as it was a rare occasion when Barca looked well off the pace – with many speculating that it was because of all the internationals. The other two occasions this season when Barca were well below par came fittingly earlier in the Group Phase, drawing 1-1 away at both Rubin Kazan and FC Copenhagen, matches they certainly didn’t have all their own way.

In Gijon on Saturday, Guardiola required something classy from David Villa in order to spare him and his team’s blushes, although that just about sums up Barcelona to a tee; that even when they do have a rare off-day, they have a wealth of world-class talent to bail them out of trouble. One of those is the best player on the planet, Lionel Messi, who has scored a staggering 40 goals this season, but even the magician himself has found England a tough nut to crack. In three visits to the British Isles, Messi has yet to score and even played second fiddle when Barca visited North London last season – Zlatan Ibrahimovic stealing the show with two second-half strikes in a 2-2 draw. At home he has been unplayable more times than not, however, away from Catalonia, Messi has his flaws when it comes to the big European nights in some of the most hostile, scenic arenas on the continent.

But even if Messi doesn’t come to the fore, which is still unlikely, that doesn’t mean Barca cease to be. No-one team keeps the ball better than they do, not even Arsenal, and that is some statement. And it is their superb ball retention which puts their defence into the limelight for all the right reasons, even though many aren’t entirely convinced with their rearguard; a defence which has conceded just 12 in the Spanish Primera all season – three in six games during the Group Phase, so when complimented by arguably the best midfield duo football has arguably ever seen in Xavi and Iniesta, certainly with regards to their passing and composure when in possession, and an equally impressive attacking unit which contains the clinical David Villa, a tricky Pedro and the sublime Lionel Messi, who between them have amassed 71 goals in 23 league games this season, it makes for one formidable outfit.

Although the statistics surrounding the Catalans are overwhelming, and that the quality of their personnel is awe-inspiring, this Barcelona side, while they probably are the best team in Europe right now, are by no means unbeatable. They have their bad days just like everyone else, and they had one at the weekend to emphasise that very point. And without their defensive rock, Carles Puyol, Barca are definitely prime for the taking, in my honest opinion, on the back of their lethargic display at Gijon on Saturday – Though we are expecting a much improved display on Wednesday inside the Emirates Stadium.

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Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hopeful of having Samir Nasri back for the visit of Barcelona on Wednesday, though we have our doubts regarding whether he will actually play any part. The France midfielder has been in sparkling form for the Gunners all season but has spent the last couple of weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Fellow Gunner midfielder Tomas Rosicky missed the team’s 2-0 league win over Wolves at the weekend with a groin problem and is doubtful, while Thomas Vermaelen is still out with an Achilles injury. Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Abou Diaby picked up an injury during a recent international between France and Brazil and has also been ruled out of Wednesday’s game.

Probable Starting XI: Szczesny; Sagna, Clichy, Djourou, Koscielny; Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Arshavin, Walcott; Van Persie

Barcelona

Unlike his opposite number, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has virtually a full strength squad to choose from. Not quite, though, as the Catalans are without their defensive linchpin, Carles Puyol. The Spain international has been Barcelona’s rock in the heart of the defence for over a decade and will be sorely missed. Eric Abidal may be used as a makeshift centre-back as Maxwell slots in at left-back, though Gabriel Milito may fill Puyol’s sizeable shoes instead. Ibrahim Afellay signed for the Catalans during the January transfer window from PSV, however the Dutch international is ineligible after featuring for the Eindhoven club during this season’s UEFA Europa League. Javier Mascherano started Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon but is expected to drop back to the bench as Sergio Busquets slots back into that holding-role he excels in.

Probable Starting XI: Valdes; Alves, Abidal, Pique, Milito; Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta; Messi, Pedro, Villa

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Key Players

(Arsenal) Wojciech Szczesny – At just 20-years-of-age, this is without a doubt the Polish shot-stopper’s biggest game of his career thus far. Despite only starting six games for the Arsenal first-team, the youngster has performed admirably in the absence of Lukasz Fabianski, with his manager, Arsene Wenger, claiming the 6ft 5in keeper now holds all the aces with regards to maintaining the gloves on a long-term basis, after some accomplished displays between the sticks.

In fairness, there isn’t a great deal he can do should Barca play the intricate football we all know they can, and if Messi comes steaming through the centre then it will be his defence to blame and not him for the goal. However, what he can do is marshal his defence, give them confidence by putting in an accomplished, infallible performance on the night – without any costly mistakes, something his fellow keepers at Arsenal simply haven’t been able to do on big European nights. 

(Arsenal) Alex Song – The Cameroon midfielder plays an often understated role in Arsenal’s success on the pitch, providing cover for a defence which is so often heavily criticised for their poor displays. He can also bomb forward and chip in with a few goals, however that won’t be necessary on Wednesday night. Song’s main task will be to keep tabs on the normally unplayable Lionel Messi. Considering the Argentine World Player of the Year doesn’t play in a fixed position, it’s going to be a long, tiring night for the combative Gunner.

(Arsenal) Cesc Fabregas – Now that Carles Puyol is missing, Arsenal will feel they have a golden opportunity to really test a Barcelona defence which has conceded just three times in Europe this season but is without arguably the best centre-half the club has ever had. One player with the vision and awareness to keep a makeshift Barca centre-back pairing on their toes is Fabregas, and it will be down to the Spaniard, especially if Nasri doesn’t make the cut in time, to thread those eye-of-a-needle passes through to the bang-in-form Robin Van Persie, who has nine goals in his last five starts.

(Barcelona) Gerard Pique – With Puyol out injured, it is down to the former Manchester United player to command the Barca defence. At just 24-years old, you probably wouldn’t think he was even up for the task. You’d be wrong. Pique has a wise head on his shoulders and can read play better than most. And at 6ft 3incs, is a formidable threat from set-pieces.

(Barcelona) Andres Iniesta – Arsenal won’t want to break out of their organised set-up, so players like Iniesta are crucial to the away side’s chances of snatching a possibly pivotal away goal. The Spanish ace has unbelievable technique, is light on his toes and has the football brain of a genius. Not only can he skin a player in a standing position, he can thread those killer balls through to either one of David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez or the majestic Lionel Messi. However, what I find most intriguing about Iniesta is his positional sense, in that he knows roughly where the final ball from his team-mates is going to end up, and if Iniesta finds a pocket of space in behind the Arsenal defence, I can assure you he won’t be missing the target.

(Barcelona) Lionel Messi – An obvious selection; Messi already has a remarkable scoring CV for the term, notching up 40 goals in just 34 appearances. It’s like working a magician at work only he’s no illusionist, his football is pure. Not only can he leave his marker for dead, he links up incredibly well with his team mates and knows exactly where and when to run into the spaces before calmly and coolly slotting home. He’s also deadly from just outside the penalty area when latching onto a lovely weighted pass, before curling a luscious effort into any corner of the goal with precision. The Argentine should give the Gunners a torrid time although he has, every now and again, disappointed on the big stage in the Champions League and he was extremely quiet when the two sides met at the Emirates in last season’s competition.

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Group Stage Summary

Arsenal

Despite being handed what seemed a simple and straightforward enough task of qualifying from a group which contained Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk, Serbian title-holders Partizan Belgrade and Portuguese side Braga, Arsenal made heavy weather of securing their place in the Last-16 and, come the end, even had to settle for second after two costly defeats away in Donetsk and Braga. It didn’t stop the Gunners from notching up the joint-highest amount of goals in the Group Stage (18), though their failure to finish top could prove significant as it was they who received the worst possible draw for the first round of knock-outs.

At home, however, at their spectacular Emirates Stadium in North London, Arsenal were at their glittering best: Braga 6-1, Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 & Partizan Belgrade 3-1 (Agg Score: 14-3).

Group H

Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-0-2 (Home: 3-0-0)
Goal Difference: 18-7 (Home: 14-3)
Top Scorer: Cesc Fabregas & Marouane Chamakh (3)

Results

Match Day 1: Arsenal 6-0 Braga
Match Day 2: Partizan Belgrade 1-3 Arsenal
Match Day 3: Arsenal 5-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Match Day 4: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Arsenal
Match Day 5: Braga 2-0 Arsenal
Match Day 6: Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade

Barcelona

There group came across as generous on paper, and even though it was qualification wasn’t assured without a few minor scares along the way. A draw away in Russia with Rubin Kazan (1-1) and again in Denmark with FC Copenhagen (1-1) dented what might have otherwise been an imperious record, though the Catalans still qualified as group winners, and with something to spare. They did, though, notch up four goals fewer than their Last-16 opponents, although they conceded five goals fewer.

Group D

Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-2-0 (Away: 1-2-0)
Goal Difference: 14-3 (Away: 5-2)
Top Scorer: Lionel Messi (6)

Results

Match Day 1: Barcelona 5-1 Panathinaikos
Match Day 2: Rubin Kazan 1-1 Barcelona
Match Day 3: Barcelona 2-0 FC Copenhagen
Match Day 4: FC Copenhagen 1-1 Barcelona
Match Day 5: Panathinaikos 0-3 Barcelona
Match Day 6: Barcelona 2-0 Rubin Kazan

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Recent Form & Statistics (Domestic)

Arsenal

Premiership: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
Premiership: Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal
Premiership: Arsenal 2-1 Everton
FA Cup: Arsenal 2-1 Huddersfield Town
Carling Cup: Arsenal 3-0 Ipswich Town

Barcelona

La Liga: Sporting Gijon 1-1 Barcelona
La Liga: Barcelona 3-0 Atletico Madrid
Copa Del Rey: Almeria 0-3 Barcelona
La Liga: Hercules 0-3 Barcelona
Copa Del Rey: Barcelona 5-0 Almeria

Arsenal (2010/2011 English Premiership)

League Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 16-5-5 (Home: 9-1-3)
Goal Difference: 56-27 (Home: 29-12)
Top Scorer: Robin Van Persie (10)

Barcelona (2010/2011 Spanish la Liga)

League Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 20-2-1 (Away: 10-1-0)
Goal Difference: 71-12 (Away: 37-5)
Top Scorer: Lionel Messi (24)

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To Qualify – Odds & Preview

I presumed Barcelona would be favourites, but even I was overwhelmed with the odds on both sides to qualify for the Last-8.

I suppose the fact they won last season’s two-legged affair 6-3 has contributed, while I’m sure the fact that Barcelona have lost just 3 of 39 matches this season – one being their Super Cup defeat to Sevilla before the season got going while the other was against Real Betis in the second leg of their Copa De Rey clash in which they had won the first leg a resounding 5-0 – hasn’t gone unnoticed by the bookies. But even so, I was stunned to see Barca priced up as short as 1.16 (3/19), but only a best-priced 1.29 (2/7) with BlueSquare.

Arsenal proved last season that they could compete with the team some described as the best on the planet, and with the Gunners enjoying a rich vein of form – winning seven of their last eight games – flying high in the Barclay’s Premier League, into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup but also on the verge of ending their drought without any silverware by reaching the final of the Carling Cup, there is definitely no shortage or positives from an Arsenal perspective, and the same could be said of their confidence levels. The Gunners are a delicious 4.50 (7/2) with Bet365 to oust the competition favourites.

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Goalscorers – Betting Preview, Odds & Tips

Arsenal

In blistering form, Robin Van Persie would appear the most likely to break through a Barcelona rearguard which has shipped a miserly three in continental competition this season. The Netherlands striker has spent much of the season on the sidelines, but since returning to the starting fold has been almost unstoppable, scoring nine goals in his last six starts in all competitions. At the weekend, Van Persie scored twice to help Arsenal seal a 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates and will be aiming to repeat the feat on Wednesday night – And is 13.00 (12/1) with SkyBet to Score TWICE on Wednesday night, whether it be from his powerful left-peg, his head or a set-piece.

Despite failing to score in his previous eight league games, Cesc Fabregas – 5.00 (4/1) with StanJames to pop up with a goal in the first leg – shouldn’t be overlooked, as the Spaniard is the man Arsene Wenger is demanding a world-class performance from this evening, while the sheer fact Fabregas is being courted by Barcelona’s chief tactician, Pep Guardiola, will only provide a further incentive for a player who will pit himself against his boyhood club for the second time in successive seasons, scoring from the spot when the two sides clashed at the Emirates last term.

By his own high standards, Andrei Arshavin has had a disappointing 2010/2011. Nevertheless, the Russian is a tricky customer out on the left-wing, using his lightening quick acceleration and neat ball skills to trouble full-backs, while he also possess a decent shot on him as well. Unfortunately, Arshavin has only located the back of the net eight times this season, with two of those coming in the Group Phase, but is a best-priced 13.00 (12/1) with PaddyPower to open the scoring.

The Walcott, whom is a tasty 5.00 (4/1) just to score on Wednesday, stormed onto the scene in the corresponding fixture last season, slamming home midway through the second half after coming on from the bench. His unrivalled pace will cause Eric Abidal all sorts of problems out on that right flank, while any ball over the top almost certain to be latched onto by the speedy England international. His finishing at times is questionable, especially when he has time to pick his spot, but he is enjoying his best ever goal return this season, netting 11 times in 27 appearances.

Alex Song – 15.00 (14/1) to Score with Unibet – has popped up with some crucial goals this season – the winner against West Ham, as well as the first against Chelsea in which both were scored at home – but Wenger will want the combative midfielder to keep his discipline, positionally, on Wednesday in order to protect a vulnerable defence. Laurent Koscielny will be a prominent threat from the air and is available at 17.00 (16/1) to get on the scoresheet, as is Johan Djourou, so set-pieces could see the Gunners benefit especially as Barca are without their aerial specialist, Carles Puyol. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy do like to get forward a lot but rarely score, the former hardly ever.

Barcelona

The obvious would be Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s leading goalscorer this season with 40 goals in all competitions, and six of those were from the Group Phase of the competition. He can score from just outside the penalty area, inside the box; free-kicks and penalties – so, unsurprisingly, Messi will be a very popular selection, with the Argentine available at 4.50 (7/2) with SportingBet to open the scoring.

David Villa and Pedro should not be overlooked. The former is one of the deadliest finishers in the game, someone who rarely misses from close range but also knows how to locate the corners from distance – He is 8.50 (15/2) to score from outside the box with 888sport.

Pedro, meanwhile, is better when he cuts inside from the right-hand side but also has this knack of latching onto misplaced passes inside the opposition’s penalty area.

Andres Iniesta - 5.00 (4/1) to Score at Any Time on Wednesday - would be the next best thing after the three-pronged attack of Villa, Messi and Pedro. The midfielder does tend to do most of the assisting rather than scoring, with his vision and execution of passes and through balls second to none. However, he’s also a precise finisher when presented with an opportunity to get in a strike on goal and is definitely value at the odds. I couldn’t say the same of his club and international midfield associate Xavi, who rarely scores. But when Xavi, who is an 8.25 shot to get on the scoresheet at the Emirates Stadium, does pop up with a goal, they tend to be spectacular, and from long-range. I would steer well clear of Sergio Busquets!

One player definitely of value if Gerard Pique. He may look a clumsy sort because of his overbearing figure but he’s actually a very accomplished footballers with the ball at his feet, and he’s surprisingly very composed in possession inside the opposition’s penalty area. Plus, his 6ft+ height gives him an aerial advantage from set-pieces. The centre-back is 11.00 (10/1) with Coral to Score at any point during the first leg.

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Barcelona V Real Madrid

Monday, 29th November – 20:00 (GMT)

Venue: Nou Camp

TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Monday’s ‘El Clasico’ encounter will mark the 161st top-flight meeting between reigning Spanish champions Barcelona and the current La Liga leaders Real Madrid, with the latter leading the way in this personnel duel with 68 victories to Barcelona’s 62 in the league. However, it has been the Catalan outfit who have dominated recent clashes and will even arrive on Monday at the Nou Camp as winners of the last four ‘El Clasico’ meetings, but are we about to witness a Madrid revolt? The Galacticos threatened to snatch Barcelona’s La Liga crown last season only to fall short by three points, but they’ve got a certain someone in charge of their ranks now and after a blistering start to the season which has seen Los Merengues avoid defeat in all competitions, the Madrid faithful will fancy their chances in Catalonia of springing a surprise and ending their dismal run against the defending champions.

Barcelona

Winners of the last two La Liga championships, Barcelona are under intense pressure from their fiercest of rivals to protect their crown for a third successive year. And after relinquishing their unbeaten status in just the second league match of the season, some would argue Pep Guardiola’s charges have already conceded the first major move in this season-long chess game with arch-rivals Real Madrid. However, despite an early wobble at home to newly promoted Hercules, the Barca chief has steadied the ship and even though his team haven’t been entirely convincing throughout the whole of the La Liga season to date, he can nevertheless be proud of his and his players’ achievements for sticking with it and remaining in touch with a Madrid side who have undoubtedly laid down a benchmark with their ruthless opening.

While the entire Barcelona camp has huge amounts of respects for their Monday night opponents, they are in no which way scared or intimidated by this new-look Madrid side. In fact, they’ve quietly gone about their business this season, allowing their counterparts to take all the media attention they want as Guardiola and his team opt for focus and concentration. In fairness, they cannot afford the luxury of mind game and absorbing the media glare as the reigning champs have by no means had matters all their own way this season, whether that be at home in La Liga or in Europe via the Champions League. In the early part, Barca had to ground out wins as opposed to blowing opponents out of the water in their usual, renowned fashion, but it’s a huge testament to the mental strength and character of this Barcelona squad that they’ve managed to overcome their premature bumps and scrapes, having dropped points in two of their opening four league matches at the Nou Camp – Losing in shocking fashion to Hercules 2-0 in their opening home encounter of the campaign before drawing 1-1 with Mallorca at the start of October, and come out the other side a stronger, ruthless outfit.

It would have been easy for Barca to sink following their stunning turn of events at home to Hercules back in August, when the Catalans suffered their first league defeat at the Nou Camp for over fourteen months, but instead they’ve displayed an abundance of tenacity and resilience to not only ride out the storm, but to use it to their advantage. Ever since the infamous defeat to Hercules, Barcelona have gone on to win nine of their following ten La Liga fixtures and will even arrive at Monday’s ‘El Clasico’ rendezvous in scintillating form. In their last four league matches, in which all were converted into three points, Barca have notched up nineteen goals whilst conceding just the two. Against ordinary Spanish sides I hear you say? Far from it. Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal, all side vying for the Champions League places this season, have made the daunting trip to the Nou Camp and left empty-handed, as was to be expected. Although the latter two, Sevilla and Villarreal, ranked 5th and 7th in the league respectively, were spanked 5-0 and 3-1 respectively.

To say Messi & Co have been in unstoppable form of late would be an understatement, with Barca entering into top gear at the perfect time; just before their first of two potentially title deciding encounters with Real Madrid. On Wednesday they cruised into the knock-outs of the Champiosn League courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Greek champions Panathinaikos in Greece, while before that even they were obliterating poor old Almeria. In what remains their most recent La Liga result, Pep Guardiola watched on as his side flaunted their attacking prowess in intimidating like fashion, slamming eight past relegation threatened Almeria in an 8-0 whitewash which seen Messi take his tally for the season to 23 in just 18 appearances with his first hat-trick of the season.

Positive: After a slow, lethargic and largely unconvincing start to the season, Barcelona have returned to their former glory, scoring goals for fun and playing some sublime football. They were at their magnificent best in midweek when destroying Panathinaikos’ hopes of reaching the latter stages of the Champions League, while they were even more destructive in the league last weekend, when overwhelming Almeria in an 8-0 rout which will have failed to go unnoticed by Jose Mourinho and his players. With their football back to its best and the goals flying in, Guardiola couldn’t of wished for a better springboard ahead of such a significant encounter.

Negative: The form of David Villa has to be of concern to Guardiola, with the club’s expensive summer coup often cutting the shape of a frustrated figure up top. Nonetheless, the former Valencia frontman has six La Liga goals to his name, as well as four assists, and the 2010 World Cup winner will play a pivotal role in the team’s quest to leave the first ‘El Clasico’ encounter as victors.

Real Madrid

It would appear the transitional period at Real Madrid didn’t last for too long, with all that trial and error under former manager Manuel Pellegrini coming to an end as soon as the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ came to the fore and made yet another of Europe’s elite clubs his own. This despite the fact that under Pellegrini, Real finished second in the table last season just three points behind Monday’s opponents, Barcelona. But the Galacticos still didn’t boast the same formidable aurora or fear factor as in years gone by, while the fact they were beaten home and away by the Catalan giants was further evidence that work still needed to be done, despite president Florentino Perez sanctioning the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Benzema for big money in the summer of 2009.

After yet another barren campaign without any silverware, Manuel Pellegrini was given his marching orders as the club stepped up their search for a catalyst, whether that be in the form of a player or manager, which would transform the club’s fortunes. The club looked in the direction of a man who steered Inter Milan to their first European title in over 40 years, a manager with a proven track record when it comes to transforming the fortunes of a club starved of success. That man was Jose Mourinho. Working from the bottom up, the Portuguese maestro has instantly changed the way Real Madrid are perceived all around Europe, with the Galacticos now carrying with them a formidable reputation of containing all the steely, workmanlike traits of a Mourinho team with the natural forward flair and fluidity which accompanies world-class attacking individuals such as your Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria and Higuain.

Astonishing would be the perfect way to sum up what Jose Mourinho has achieved in his early tenure as Madrid manager, one of the most difficult posts in the game considering the cut-throat nature of the Spanish giants. Mourinho knew he had a forward unit to be reckoned with, spearheaded by a duo which scored 53 goals between them last season in former World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and the prolific forward figure of Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain. So the ‘Special One’ got straight down to business, starting not only at the base but with Madrid’s Achilles heel; their defence. The former Chelsea tactician sacrificed his early rapport with the club’s passionate supporters and Spanish media in concentrating solely on getting the Madrid defence in order, where the media came down on the Portuguese like a tonne of bricks after Madrid’s lethargic start to the season had seen them collect eleven points from a possible fifteen but score just six goals. And while some were questioning his motives, it would be Mourinho having the last laugh as once the Madrid defence had some famous Mourinho steel instilled in it, Los Merengues would prove unstoppable thereafter.

Since October, where a rout of Deportivo would late prove the springboard to a deadly, ruthless and new-look Real side, Jose Mourinho’s Galacticos have been almost flawless. In fact, only the current leaders of Serie A, AC Milan have stopped Real in their tracks in the last two months with the Italian side coming within minutes of dismantling Madrid’s season-long unbeaten record in all competitions. A last-gasp Pedro Leon equaliser would be further testament to the work Mourinho has done with a team which has been deprived of any passion in recnet years, one which now has a common goal and purpose; to reinstate what many believe as the greatest club on the planet winning tradition.

Positive: Obviously their form is outstanding, scoring goals for absolute fun no matter what competition they’re in or who they’re up against. In just the last week alone, against Athletico Bilbao in the league and Ajax in the Champions League, Mourinho has seen his side rack up nine goals with just the one reply. However, what we find more impressive is the continuity the Portuguese has brought to the fore, as well as his set up. Jose Mourinho knows exactly what his strongest eleven is and how to utilise his star-studded team to gain maximum effect. From an organised, reliable defence; to a centre-midfield pairing (Khedira and Alonso) who are not only always on the same wavelength but so effective in all areas of the field, right through to a formidable attack which contains the two craftsmen of Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria and the prolificly consistent scoring duo of Crisitiano Ronaldo, who has been the outstanding player of the season anywhere around Europe in my humble opinion, and Gonzalo Higuain.

It’s a team with success written all over it, inked in capital letters by the managerial nous and man-management of Jose Mourinho. The players adore him and when you have a manager and team all singing from the same hymn sheet and pushing in the same direction, you’re always going to find success is just a stone’s throw away.

Negative: Perhaps the Galacticos could be over confident ahead of their biggest test of the season thus far, although even then we’re clutching at straws to pick a possible flaw in a so far flawless Real Madrid system. In the last couple of ‘El Clasico’ meetings, Real have gone in as massive underdogs and although their odds with the bookies are still extremely generous, it will be interesting to see how the players cope with the fact that no-one is 100% definite that they aren’t capable of beating the Catalan kings on their own patch.

I suppose you could also question Ronaldo’s Temperament? Despite enjoying so much scoring success during his time at Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo does have a shortfuse and following two dismal personal performances against Barcelona last season, there’s every chance Madrid’s top scorer will be a little too fired up to prove a point on Monday, that he is a player for the big occasion at Real Madrid, and that he can put Lionel Messi in the shade in this personal duel between the two outstanding players of our recent generation.

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Key Battle

Lionel Messi V Cristiano Ronaldo

Although not in direct competition on the pitch, few would argue that the two players in question are iconic figures in both camps and an outstanding individual performance from either one, dare we wish for both to turn up and bless us with their footballing genius, would undoubtedly stand their team in good stead, as the first ‘El Clasico’ encounter of the season could very well hinge on the efforts of Madrid’s egocentric supremo or Barcelona’s silent assassin.

Virtually neck-and-neck in the scoring charts, with Ronaldo boasting one more La Liga strike than his Catalan counterpart, it’s a testament to both players that although most of the media limelight tends to focus on their scoring prowess, the pair still pull their weight with assists, with the pair both sharing five each and thus proving to one and all that there is a great deal more to both players than just goals, goal, goals. But in terms of splitting the two, or even defining them, it’s almost impossible, as both are integral to their side’s chances, not only in Monday’s heavyweight contest but with regards to the whole campaign.

A case we could and will put forward is how dependant we feel Barca have been on Messi this season, with the Catalan giants not having things all their own way thus far in La Liga, and with summer signing David Villa still yet to find his feet at the Nou Camp, the goalscoring burden has once again fallen on the still very much maturing Lionel Messi. It’s a lot of pressure for an ordinary 23-year old to carry on his shoulders, especially at a club as imposing and prestigious as Barcelona, but the man in question is no ordinary footballer and to his credit, Messi has risen to the challenge in commendable fashion and is even threatening to surpass his scoring efforts of last season, when he scored 34 times in 35 appearances in the league. More importantly, though, both from a betting perspective and team-wise, Messi has been the one leading by example for manager Pep Guardiola. The dazzling Argentine has scored the game’s opening goal on seven occasions in La Liga this term, making him a shining example in the Barcelona camp, but also a bookies nightmare.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way in the scoring charts, both for his team and La Liga altogether, we’re under the impression that unlike his classy nemesis, Ronaldo hasn’t stood out like a sore thumb as much simply because Real have built their early-season success upon a team effort. While the Portuguese’s talents have often left the paying viewers in awe, Madrid have had a number of star performers this season and Ronaldo merely compliments an accomplished brand of footballers at Real Madrid. Even so, it would be rude and incorrect to take any of the glory away from Spain’s most prolific striker on current form, a player who is equally strong and adept in the air as he is with his feet. Boasting an array of dazzling tricks, Ronaldo is certainly a player to light up any occasion and even though he’s been part of an inspired team, a strong Madrid unit which has had a rock-solid core and backbone instilled via managerial wizard Jose Mourinho, there’s little the former Manchester United winger not turned semi-striker has been in outstanding form this season, although everyone feels he has a lot to prove on Monday night after failing to impress in last term’s El Clasico meetings.

Various Player Bets:

Lionel Messi

To Score – 2.20 Coral
To Score a Brace – 7.00 totesport
To Score a Hat-Trick – 26.00 Bet365
First Goalscorer – 5.50 Bet365

Cristiano Ronaldo

To Score – 2.40 PaddyPower
To Score a Brace – 9.50 PaddyPower
To Score a Hat-Trick – 41.00 Ladbrokes
First Goalscorer – 7.00 Unibet

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Quotes

Barcelona

“I can’t remember all the others (Previous El Clasico’s), but this one seems very even. Both Barça and Madrid are playing well and confidently, and have few injury concerns. We have the advantage of playing at home, but I still think it’s 50/50.” – Captain, Carles Puyol (FCBarcelona.com)

"With Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid have become more of a team, but if we play our game then it will not be a problem for us." – Sergio Busquets (ESPNstar.com)

Real Madrid

"Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months. But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality." – Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho (ESPNstar.com)

"Each team has its own style and identity, but both are playing well. We do what we think is best to win. We want to play well and score goals. In the end, all that really matters are the three points at stake." – Cristiano Ronaldo (RealMadrid.com)

"I wouldn’t be satisfied with a draw. I only consider victory. We have success instilled in our minds at Real Madrid. Winning is the only option." – Iker Casillas (RealMadrid.com)

"It would be beautiful to score at the Camp Nou. I always experience each game the same way, but the Clasico has something extra because you can’t play one every day." – Gonzalo Higuain (RealMadrid.com)

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Head-to-Head (La Liga ONLY)

2009/2010: Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
2009/2010: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
2008/2009: Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona
2008/2009: Barcelona 2-0 Real Madrid
2007/2008: Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona
2007/2008: Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid
2006/2007: Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid
2006/2007: Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona
2005/2006: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
2005/2006: Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona

The two-time defending Spanish champions are currently enjoying a four-match winning streak in ‘El Clasico’ duels, with Real even failing to score in three of their last four meetings with the Catalan giants. Barcelona did the double over Madrid in the league last term but with Jose Mourinho adding reslience and fortitude to the Galacticos, are we about to see a change in power?

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Form (Last 5)

Barcelona

Champions League: Panathinaikos 0-3 Barcelona

La Liga: Almeria 0-8 Barcelona

La Liga: Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal

Copa Del Rey: Barcelona 5-1 Cueta

La Liga: Getafe 1-3 Barcelona

Real Madrid

Champions League: Ajax 0-4 Real Madrid

La Liga: Real Madrid 5-1 Athletic Bilbao

La Liga: Sporting Gijon 0-1 Real Madrid

Copa Del Rey: Real Madrid 5-1 Murcia

La Liga: Real Madrid 2-0 Atletico Madrid

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La Liga Statistics

Barcelona

League Position: 2nd

Win/Draw/Lose: 10-1-1 (Home: 4-1-1)

Form: WWWWW (Home: WDWWW)

Goal Difference: 33-8 (Home: 12-5)

Top Goalscorer: Lionel Messi (13)

Real Madrid

League Position: 1st

WinDraw/Lose: 10-2-0 (Away: 4-2-0)

Form: WWWWW (Away: WDWWW)

Goal Difference: 33-6 (Away: 10-3)

Top Goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (14)

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Our Match Prediction: Real Madrid to WIN – 3.60 SkyBet

As you’ve probably already sussed, I’m a big fan of what Jose Mourinho has achieved at Real Madrid even though the season is barely a third of the way in. Opinions will of course vary, but I’m seriously struggling to highlight any flaws in the visitors. Mourinho has turned a leaky Madrid defence into one with fortitude and so well organised. Ricardo Carvalho will prove one of the shrewdest purchases Mourinho will ever make at the Bernabeu, and the former Chelsea man’s experience at the back will compliment Pepe‘s combative, fearless nature. Then down the flanks you have Marcelo and Sergio Ramos, two full-back who get forward to deadly affect but, and more importantly, Mourinho has even improved their defensive game as well to make them effective at both ends of the pitch.

The centre-midfield pairing of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso have combined to deadly effect this season, shielding a defence which for once can hold its own whilst being able to dictate the tempo of any game to their liking. Of course, they’ll come up against arguably the most accomplished midfield in Europe, but so long as they hold their own and maintain the flow of forward possession through to the first line of attack, which will be Mesut Ozil, who has taken to the Primera Division and Spanish football like a duck to water, and Angel Di Maria, who has been a little hit and miss but deadly and dangerous nonetheless. And last, and by no means least, we have our player of the season thus far, Cristiano Ronaldo, scorer of 14 goals in La Liga this term, and the most clinical striker in the world for the past season and a bit, in our opinion, in Gonzalo Higuain.

We aren’t going to lie, we’re in love with this Real Madrid team and their system. But that’s not all. The players adore Jose Mourinho, they feel they have formed an instant bond with a manager with a reputation of forming budding relationships with his players. The morale in camp is sky-high, the confidence of every single first-team players is overflowing and on the back of an unbeaten start to the season, we don’t see how the bookies can rate Real Madrid as 2/1 shots – So to see Los Merengues available at 13/5 (3.60), we’re drooling!

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Betting Odds

Match Outcome:

Barcelona - 2.15 VCbet

Draw – 3.70 bWin

Real Madrid - 3.60 SkyBet

First Goalscorer

Barcelona

Lionel Messi – 5.50 Bet365

David Villa – 7.50 BetFred

Pedro – 10.00 SkyBet

Andres Iniesta – 17.00 WilliamHill

Xavi – 22.00 Unibet

Daniel Alves – 34.00 Unibet

Sergio Busquets – 41.00 Boylesports

Puyol – 51.00 Bet365

Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo – 7.00 Unibet

Gonzalo Higuain – 9.00 Bet365

Mesut Ozil – 17.00 Bet365

Angel Di Maria – 17.00 Unibet

Xabi Alonso – 32.00 Unibet

Sami Khedira – 34.00 Unibet

Marcelo – 34.00 WIlliamHill

Sergio Ramos – 38.00 Unibet

Ricardo Carvalho – 60.00 Unibet

2010/2011 UEFA Champions League: Match Day 1

Tuesday, 14th September

Group A
FC Twente V Inter Milan
Werder Bremen V Tottenham Hotspur

Group B
 Lyon V Schalke
Benfica V Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Group C
Manchester United V Rangers
Buraspor V Valencia

Group D
Barcelona V Panathinakos
FC Copenhagen V Rubin Kazan

Wednesday, 15th September

Group E
Bayern Munich V As Roma
CFR Cluj V FC Basel

Group F
Marseille V Spartak Moscow
MSK Zilina V Chelsea

Group G
Real Madrid V Ajax
AC Milan V AJ Auxerre

Group H
Arsenal V Braga
Shakhtar Donestk V Partizan Belgrade

UEFA Champions League: Semi-Final, Second Leg

Barcelona V Inter Milan

Wednesday, 28^th April – 19:45 (GMT)

Nou Camp, Spain

TV Coverage: ITV1

First Leg: Inter Milan 3-1 Barcelona

There were a fearful few who stuck their necks on the line by giving Inter Milan, a team who have massively underachieved down the years, any sort of a chance against the Catalan Giants of Spain, Barcelona but those who did will be reaping the rewards after the Italian champs stormed into a decisive first leg lead, one which, dare we say it, could leave Barcelona with too much to do heading back home.

It was plain sailing for Jose Mourinho’s charges but it didn’t look that way in the early stages as Pedro leathered home from just inside the Inter Milan penalty area on the 19 minute mark to hand Barcelona not only the advantage but a vital away goal. You might have been forgiven for thinking a Barcelona storm was brewing but that was far from the case, as Inter Milan began a relentless pursuit of an equaliser and had just 10 minutes to wait when Wesley Sneijder, arguably the player of the tournament thus far for the Nerrazzurri, drilled home a low driven shot to quickly restore parity. The goal sparked the Italian side into life as they went in search for a second and got their just rewards three minutes after the break when some neat footwork from Maicon allowed him to poke him form four yards. We’re sure many Inter fans would have wished for an early final whistle but had they done so they would have missed a third for their side as Diego Miltio, another player who has thrived in the Champions League this season, scored his fourth of the competition and Inter’s third to send the Inter fans home happy. Barcelona did press for their second of the game but created nothing clear cut.

Round 1 went the way of the Special One, but will Pep Guardiola stamp his mark on the tie as Barcelona head back home to the Spanish version of the coliseum, the Nou Camp. Well, with Inter holding a two goal advantage and knowing a goal in Spain would leave the hosts needing to score at least three, the bookies have cut Inter Milan’s price to qualify right down and have now made Mourinho’s men the favourites to make the final at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu. A whole host of firms make Inter a 1.67 (SkyBet, Ladbrokes, WilliamHill) shot to make the grand final while Barcelona are a rather unattractive 2.25 with Bet365 and PaddyPower to make the cut instead.

Barcelona

Outright Odds: 3.15 bWin

With the lengthy road trip to Milan in Italy paying little dividends, Barcelona now need to immolate the the win they enjoyed over Inter Milan when the two teams met in the group stages. The Catalan side won that encounter 2-0 and the same scoreline would see Josep Guardiola guide Barcelona to their second successive Champions League final appearance where, as a direct result, they would have the opportunity to successfully defend their crown and become the first team since Inter’s neighbours Milan to win back-to-back titles in Europe’s Premier club competition.

Guardiola must first mastermind a victory over a man arguably far superior in the mental department than himself in Jose Mourinho. However, that doesn’t always make up for a lack of quality within a team and while Inter Milan do boast an array of talent, it’s Barcelona’s squad which is far superior and it’s this reason alone why the Barcelona giants haven’t yet been written out of this semi-final tie despite trailing by 2 goals. The task does seemingly appear a mountain though as while Barcelona have the striking prowess to score the minimum requirement of two goals, they must also ensure they don’t concede at the other end, which, considering they failed to keep a clean sheet against Arsenal in the last round, could be easier said than done against an Inter side which has scored in each of their two knock-out away legs.

There is one omen currently going in Barcelona’s favour, that being Inter’s failure to win away leg in semi-final. However, loyal Barcelona followers will feel they need little in terms of luck and good fortune and that the class of their squad will shine through on the big stage and in thee biggest occasion. It’s safe to say that this game will be Barcelona’s biggest game of the season thus far, and for all their attractive play, world class players and worldwide following, it’s going to be an uphill struggle still. However, it’s a testament in itself that pundits everywhere, including us, aren’t writing Guardiola’s men off and actually feel Barcelona are more than capable of scoring a sufficient amount of goals to take them through. Ideally, Barcelona would need three goals before the 90 minutes elapses in order to lay down a safety net should Inter score at the other end. Any other game and three goals, in the knowledge that they must get three goals or else, would be a doddle for the reigning European Champions, but against an Inter Milan side which will be well drilled and well organised at the back, that could be tough.

The positive factor is Barcelona now exactly what they have to do, they now need to go out on their famous Nou Camp pitch and do the business in front of a packed out stadium thriving some Inter blood. Players such as Xavi Hernandez, Pedro, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, of course, Lionel Messi, the players which can really make a difference in the final third, need to produce their very best on Wednesday night while hoping their back four remain watertight. We don’t just think it’s possible, we know it’s possible, but for one reason or another we have our doubts. Will Lionel Messi, the greatest player in the world on current form, have the last say once again after his four goal haul in Barcelona’ last knock-out encounter at the Nou Camp put pay to Arsenal’s Champions League dreams in the quarter’s.

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 2.70 totesport

It’s been nearly forty years since Inter Milan last made the final of the European Champions Club Competition, now known as the Champions League, but their stunning efforts in the first leg have ensured the Milan based club have a better chance than ever to break their thirty-eight year duck. It has been an arduous campaign from the Italian champions, but the hard work isn’t done quite yet as they now need to complete the dethroning procedure by frustrating the reigning European Champions at the Nou Camp.

Reaching the final of the Champions League was described as a ‘dream’ by one Jose Mourinho, so it would be fitting should the Special One guide a club, who have underachieved massively in recent European campaigns, to their first final since 1972. Inter’s hard-working, tenacious and surprisingly adventurous attitude in the first leg means the Nerazzurri have one foot in Bernabeu’s show-piece. They must now finish the second instalment in a professional manner by limiting Barcelona’s enjoyment in front of goal. Should Inter concede two on the night without reply, Mourinho’s dream of a second Champions League title, and Inter’s first under the competition’s new name and format, would be over.

We’re pretty confident Jose Mourinho will set his side up to defend for the majority of the game in a bid to make the task at hand as hard as possible for Barcelona. Inter proved in the last-sixteen they had what it takes to defend a first leg lead when they frustrated the pants off of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 victory. With Barcelona’s attack unparalleled, another away clean sheet against one of Europe’s elite sides looks very unlikely especially considering Inter haven’t won the away leg of a semi-final encounter in their history. However, Inter have looked more threatening from an attacking point-of-view in their away encounters this season and are aiming to score in their third away knock-out encounter of the competition at the Nou Camp after scoring exactly one goal at both Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) and the Luzhniki Stadium (CSKA Moscow).

It’s pretty simple in terms of what Inter Milan have to do on the night; make the next 90 minutes as ugly, unattractive and boring as possible and they’ll qualify. They’ll need to scrap, defend for their lives and, arguably more importantly of all, keep Lionel Messi out of the game like they did in the first leg. As soon as Messi got on the ball there was an Inter Milan player closing him down, giving the silky Argentine no time whatsoever to cast his magic. Mourinho and Inter nullified the threat of Messi magnificently in the first leg, but at the Nou Camp where the pitch is bigger and slicker, taking Messi out of the game could be next to impossible. If so, the Inter back four will need the game of their lives, as well will goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who has yet to concede an away goal in the knock-out stages and has gone 330 minutes without conceding in the Champions League.

Injuries, Suspensions and Yellow Card occupants

Andres Iniesta will miss the second leg through injury while Carles Puyol is suspended. Daniel Alves and Gerard Pique are one card away from missing the final.

Dejan Stankovic is Inter’s only absentee as he serves a one-game European suspension. However, there are a host of players on the verge of missing the final itself should they receive a booking in the Nou Camp, including club captain Javier Zanetti, as well will Walter Samuel, Maicon and former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o.

Match Verdict: Draw – 5.00 VCBet

It’s difficult to look past Barcelona for the win in terms of 90 minutes betting but that doesn’t mean we think their price is of any value and so we’ve had little option but to look elsewhere, and while the DRAW may not have been our desired pick for this encounter, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.

The Barcelona team will take to the Nou Camp, what has been a happy setting for them down the years in Europe, knowing only a win will do, a comfortable one at that. However, what they’ll find directly in front of them is an Inter Milan side well equipped to thwart their forward attempts. This Inter team is far from impenetrable, but Jose Mourinho’s team proved at Stamford Bridge that they could overcome the odds, cling onto a first leg lead and make the second leg a scrappy, dull affair. They will look to do the exact same at the Nou Camp whilst looking for a killer away goal on the break. We reckon they’ll get an away goal, as the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito all have the ability, skills and attributes needed to score within an instance.

Inter Milan won’t be over exuberant in their play; defending deep and in large numbers for large periods. However, they won’t be afraid to break forward with a bit of pace and in force, and against a Barcelona defence which will be without Carles Puyol, their defensive leader, and one which has a number of players on a yellow card, Inter could tip-toe around the Barca back line. We can see Inter going behind but we reckon they’ll have the strength of mind to recover, hold their own and grab one of their own later on.

Match Odds

Barcelona – 1.44 Boylesports

Draw – 5.00 VCbet

Inter Milan – 8.00 BetFred

Our Vale Punt: Barcelona/Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 23.00 Coral

Champions League 2009/2010: Semi-Final, First Leg

Inter Milan V Barcelona

Tuesday, 20^th April – 19:45 (GMT)

San Siro, Giuseppe Meazza

LIVE on Sky Sports

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 5.50 VCBet

If Internazionale, or Inter Milan as we prefer to call them simply because it’s shorter, want to end their twelve year wait for a major European trophy they’ll have to beat the very best just to get a chance at a final as Spain’s Barcelona await them in the semi’s. Their last enjoyment in Europe came when they won the UEFA Cup back in 1997-1998, but you have to stretch your minds way back to when time stood still for their last Champions League/European Cup trophy, as Inter haven’t won this very competition, the best club competition on the planet, for nearly half-a-decade. 1965 – 45 years ago – is how long ago Inter last reigned supreme in Europe, but after a fruitful campaign fending off the challenges from the likes of Chelsea & CSKA Moscow, the Nerazzuri have put themselves within three games of ending their 45 year drought.

The final itself will be in Spain at Real Madrid’s world-famous Bernabeu. A country Inter will have to visit twice before the end of the season, three times in total, if they wish to end their Champions League campaign with winners medals. The irony, though, is that their semi-final tie will be predominately harder than the challenge that possibly awaits them in Spain’s grand finale where either Bayern Munich or Lyon await them. However, that should provide the hungry Italians will a big incentive, a tasty little carrot if you like, as should they see off the competition favourites Barcelona, their chances of winning the competition outright would greatly enhance because of it. However, Inter Milan don’t have the best of records against the colossal Barcelona, and even recently haven’t faired too well as these two sides were drawn in the same group earlier in the campaign, a group which Barcelona won taking four points off the Italian side. While Inter haven’t even found the back of Barcelona’s net in their last four European ties with the Spanish giant.

Mourinho’s Inter certainly have it all to do but the maestro or the ‘Special One’ as he likes to call himself, has been in a very similar position before in that of FC Porto when he guided the Portuguese club to Champions League glory back in 2004 somewhat unnoticed. No-one fancied his sides chances back then and it will be the same with his Inter charges, although some would argue he has a far greater amass of talent and quality at his disposal this time around so should, in theory at least, have the necessary inventory to go close once more. However, the irony with this Inter team is down the years they’ve generally been a force to be reckoned with back home in Italy but have consistently faltered in Europe. It’s been the opposite this season, with Milan’s league form dipping slightly, while some of their displays in Europe this season, in knock-out stage especially, have been incredible. They beat Chelsea in the round of sixteen stage, winning 2-1 at the San Siro and then winning the away leg 1-0, while we shouldn’t forget that while their league campaign hasn’t flowed as they would have liked, the Nerazzuri are still leading the way thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Juventus on Friday night.

That’s another point we should make in that Inter have had the Italian FA on their side this season, with their league fixtures scheduled right before a big European tie often brought forward a few days in order to enable the Inter Milan squad to rest up earlier than usual, and more importantly earlier than their European opponents. We’ve not seen this done before by any of the major sides in recent seasons, but it’s paid dividends for Inter this season and could prove decisive once again as they set out to secure a vital first leg lead against the competition favourites. The team should be in high spirits however after earning a 2-0 victory at home to Juventus on Friday night, while Inter have won their last three home games in Europe, two of which were without conceding.

Barcelona

Outright Odds: 1.80 SkyBet

Whereas Inter are attempting to make their first final appearance in this competition since 1972, Barcelona will seek out their second successive final berth where a chance to secure their second successive Champions League will be a further reward. Should Barcelona dare to dream of going all the way for the second year running, the Catalan side would become the first club since AC Milan 20 years ago to win the prestigious tournament consecutively. First, though, they must work their way around an Inter Milan side, whom have been surpassing expectations this season even if big things have been expected of them in recent seasons.

Two of Barcelona’s starlets will make their second return to the San Siro in the same season as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell return to their old stomping ground, both of which look almost certain starters given recent injury news. The recent blow was that Iniesta would miss both legs and that Eric Abidal would no longer play another game this season. The latter situation means Maxwell looks likely to deputise at left-back once again while Ibrahimovic, despite not featuring a whole lot for the Catalan giants of late, will spearhead the Barcelona attack. The Swede has netted six times in the competition already, while he scored two pivotal goals in Barcelona’s last away European encounter at The Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, England.

While Zlatan Ibrahimovic may want the the spotlight to shine on him as he aims to score his first goal at the San Siro as a Barcelona player, the likelihood is that Lionel Messi, the competition’s leading scorer with 8 goals, will steal both the limelight and the plaudits if his goalscoring exploits in the previous round is anything to go by. The young Argentina, whom is still just 22 years-of-age, is already a shoe-in to be win every major accolade under the sun for his sublime achievements with Barcelona this season, scoring 36 goals in all competitions. However, it was his stunning four goal haul against Arsenal in the last round, the quarter-finals, which had the entire footballing nation standing on their feet to applaud the little magician. He’s proved in that game alone that he has the potential, the talent and the sheer brilliance to win any game single handily, so of course, Messi will undoubtedly be the star man and the player to watch in both legs.

For all Barcelona’s silky play and ability to often slaughter a team with their quick one-two’s, sleek interchanging and clinical attacking play, there is something they haven’t yet mastered – Playing away from home in Europe. Many of you who watched Barcelon’a 45 minute storm at The Emirates in the previous round will have been blown away by Barcelona’s dominance and would have been forgiven for thinking they’ve done that all the way through the competition. That hasn’t been the case however, far from it in fact, with Pepe Guardiola only landing one away victory in Europe all season. In fact, their away form in the competition has actually been worrying considering they’ve been frustrated in all but one of their away outings having drawn four of five away in Europe this season. Some would consider a draw away from home in European competition a commendable result. Not Barca, as they look to win every encounter they play regardless of the setting, and will travel to Italy in the same positive mindset despite a lacklustre away campaign thus far – by their own very high standards that is.

A little something to bare in mind: We took the time out on Saturday evening to watch the class of Barcelona in a bid to receive a footballing lesson from the reigning European champions. However, it was instead their neighbours, Espanyol, who played the better football and enjoyed the clearer openings. That wasn’t the main concern though, it was the sight of the Barcelona team tiring very early on. From about the hour mark Barcelona were out on their last legs. So much so that Pep Guardiola had to introduce some fresh legs in Ibrahimovic and Henry midway through the second period. It did little to boost the performances levels of the team however, and perhaps signs of a long, draining season is beginning to become apparent.

Champions League Statistics

Inter Milan

Overall Record: 6-3-1

Home Record: 3-2-0

Offensive Record at Home: 7

Defensive Record at Home: 3

CL form: WWWWW

Barcelona

Overall Record: 5-4-1

Away Record: 1-4-0

Away Offensive Record: 5

Away Defensive Record: 4

CL Form: WDWDW

Stand out Statistics:

These two have played each other twice in this competition this season with Barcelona currently leading by virtue of their 2-0 victory at the Nou Camp. The Catalan side were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro. Both of these games were of course during the group stages.

Inter Milan have scored EXACTLY 2 goals in three of their five home matches in the Champions League.

Barcelona, for all their glistening play and star-studded players, have won just once away from home in Europe this season and have been held to a draw on no less than four separate occasions; Inter Milan 0-0, Rubin Kazan 0-0, VFB Stuttgart 1-1, Arsenal 2-2.

Barcelona have also yet to register an away win in the knock-out stage of the competition having draw both of their away legs with VFB Stuttgart in the last sixteen stage and in the quarter-finals with Arsenal.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.30 PaddyPower

We’ve played a little safe with the draw prediction, although the confidence levels should be running high in the Inter Milan camp and so the Italian’s, whom haven’t even managed a single goal at home to Barcelona in their last two meetings, stand their best chance of finally beating the Spanish giants after four failed recent attempts. However, the Italians just seem to disappoint when the spotlight and expectation is on them to do the business and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see them throw this glorious opportunity away.

The Barcelona team looked exhausted come the final whistle in their Barcelona Derby clash with Espanyol on Saturday. They were so drained of energy that the last quarter of the game Espanyol were comfortable and never looked liked conceding but had chances earlier on to steal all three points. It was definitely a sign that Barcelona weren’t as invincible as everyone likes to make out, but it was also an indication that even when Barcelona aren’t at their best they’re still so damn difficult to beat. Their next encounter, though, is stepping up a few grades in terms of the quality of opposition they’ll be facing so they could very well get punished this time around. Then again, you’d fancy Guardiola to have his entire squad fired up for this clash so the team might get through this first leg unscathed purely running on adrenaline, while you would have to fancy their chances back in Spain.

It’s a draw for us, although we would love a home win for Jose Mourinho’s men as it would set the second leg up nicely. A draw or an away win and the tie could be all but over there and then, dare we say it.

Match Odds

Inter Milan – 3.20 Bet365

Draw – 3.30 PaddyPower

Barcelona – 2.38 SkyBet