UEFA Champions League 2009/2010

Bayern Munich V Inter Milan

Competition: UEFA Champions League – Final

Kick-off: Saturday, 22nd May – 19:45 (GMT)

Coverage: ITV1

The 2009-2010 UEFA Champions League final will be a momentous occasion for several reasons, the first being this years rendition of the greatest club competition in Europe having been scheduled for a Saturday night. No previous Champions League final, nor the old format of the competition, has ever been played on a Saturday night meaning the two teams involved, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, will set their name in stone by being the first teams ever to contest a Saturday night Champions League final, while the victorious party will claim sole rights to being the first to reign supreme on a Saturday.

Secondly, both these two teams are out to put the record straight, with Bayern Munich looking to secure their fifth European crown while Inter Milan are out to end a 45 year drought without winning Europe’s biggest club competition. There will also be this intriguing battle between two of the game’s brightest tacticians in Bayern’s Louis Van Gaal and Inter’s Jose Mourinho, of which both are on the verge of joining an illustrious few to win the competition with two different clubs.

What we also have here is two domestic champions, as well as two teams on the verge of completing an historic treble. Bayern Munich secured their twenty-second German league title, as well as winning the DFB-Pokal trophy last Saturday in comprehensive fashion. Inter, however, have been equally impressive winning the Coppa Italia last month before later clinching their fifth successive Seria A title on the final day of an exciting season, also on Saturday. Only two clubs previously have successfully completed the perfect treble and they were Manchester United and Barcelona. One of these two teams will write their name into the history books.

So, who will reign supreme in Spain? The German powerhouses led by the wise Louis van Gaal, or will it be Jose Mourinho‘s time to bask in the European glory for the second time in six years with the Italians?

Bayern Munich will look to join an elite list of clubs to have won Europe’s biggest club competition five times when they entertain Italian maestros Inter Milan at Real Madrid’s famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium. 2001 was the year when Bayern Munich last competed in a Champions League, with the Bavarians winning a nervy affair with Valencia via penalties. On a night where the pressure really will be on the Bayern players, the 40-odd thousand travelling Bavarians could well be in for another nervy night as the German champions seek out a fifth European crown.

The Road to Spain: It’s been an unconvincing Champions League campaign for Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich, with their European fate almost sealed when clashing with Juventus in Turin needing only a win to save their Champions League life. That was the first of many ‘crunch’ games for the Germans, who had their poor and inconsistent showing through the group stage to thank for their ‘must win’ scenario in their final group outing. However, the irony is Juventus would become the first of two Italian sides Bayern would despatch along the way to their dream final where an Italian side would again need to be slayed in order to lifted the coveted trophy aloft for a fifth time.  The second came in the very next round when they met Fiorentina in the last-sixteen. After earlier winning the home leg 2-1, Bayern starred exit once again in the face when going 3-1 down in Florence before Dutch Wizard Arjen Robben popped up with a wonder-goal to save Bayern’s bacon. The latter would soon become a feature in Bayern’s progression through the knock-out stage, as Bayern seemingly met their match in Manchester United, winning the first leg 2-1 but trailing 3-0 in the second and decisive away leg before another stunning comeback, another wonder-goal from Arjen Robben. The semi-finals, however, went rather smoothly for a team which had previously strived to make progression as tough as possible; beating Lyon 3-0 in France after a 1-0 win in Germany.

If Bayern’s European adventure up till now has told us anything it is they like to do things the hard way, and if they follow the same philosophy on Saturday night, we’re sure to be in for another entertaining game of football involving the Munich giants. This season especially, even in their domestic campaign, Louis Van Gaal has focused more on Bayern’s attacking attributes, using the forward talent of Ivica Olic, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben to his and Bayern’s advantage. In many respects, although Van Gaal would never de-value the back four’s efforts, defending went out the window to some extent as Bayern have built a successful Champions League bid upon the basis of ‘we’ll score more than you’. Under Van Gaal Bayern aren’t a defence minded team, they play in one way and that’s in a ruthless, attacking manner, and even though Saturday’s clash with Inter is arguably the biggest game of a so far fruitful season, we expect nothing less than the same aggressive approach from the newly crowned German champions.

Franck Ribery’s suspension does, unfortunately, throw a spanner in the Bayern works as Van Gaal will need to make some crucial adjustments. What Bayern as a team lose in Ribery’s absence is some explosive play in the final, a player with no fear when entering into the final third of the pitch and one of those rarities in today’s game in that the French winger, despite a turbulent season, is more than capable of turning up and putting in one of those sublime displays worthy of winning a competition of this magnitude. Instead, it would appear as though Van Gaal will recruit Hamit Altintop as a make-shift left-midfielder. The Turkish midfielder has only been a bit-part player at the club since his move back in 2007 but he looks the only like-for-like replacement, if there is such a replacement for a player of Ribery’s calibre. Baring all this in mind, it’s fair to say that Bayern, on paper anyway, don’t look as formidable up front as they would with Ribery in the team. They will, of course, have the Dutch wizard of Arjen Robben done the right, a player which has single handily revived Bayern’s European dream on more than one occasion, but on the biggest stage of them all can Louis Van Gaal and Bayern Munich really rely upon another magical display from Robben to land them their fifth European title?

For Inter Milan, It will seem an eternity this wait for a Champions League trophy, and the 22nd May in sunny Spain could be the beautiful setting which sees Inter Milan finally end their 45 year wait for Europe’s biggest prize. The conductor behind Inter Milan’s change in European fortune, the Special One, of course. Jose Mourinho, like his opposite number, will have eyes only for his second Champions League winners medal when his well oiled and well drilled Milan side take on the aggressive Bayern Munich in a game which earlier in the season was being described as the ‘dream’ by Mourinho.

The Road to Spain: The ‘dream’ started with a tough draw at the very first hurdle, being drawn alongside reigning European champions Barcelona. A draw and a defeat to the Catalan wasn’t the best, nor did it silence the many Mourinho and Inter Milan critics, but Inter did just enough in a tight and exciting Group F to make the knock-out stage, where Mourinho’s former club Chelsea awaited Inter. Only a few gave Inter Milan much hope against the now English champions, but Mourinho masterminded the first of many several defeats when beating the Blues from England 2-1 at San Siro before etching out a hard-fought 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. In the quarter-finals, though, was a Russian side thriving off their underdog status in CSKA Moscow. Inter, though, were defying the odds themselves after claiming the scalp of Chelsea in the last-sixteen stage, beginning to show the first signs that the Nerazzurri were finally a force to be reckoned with in Europe, and two 1-0 wins in both legs sent Jose Mourinho and Inter head first into a tantalising battle with Barcelona for the third and fourth time this season. It was a game plugged up as ‘Mourinho V Messi’, the tactician against the sublime Argentinian. Who won, who else, Jose Mourinho. Inter produced a scintillating display in the first leg to take a 3-1 victory over to Spain, where Mourinho later produced his second master-stroke of the competition, engineering Inter to the biggest aggregate victory for many a year, beating last years winners 3-2 on aggregate after a master-class from the Italians in defending.

Like Bayern Munich, who recently claimed a league and cup double, Inter Milan will arrive in Spain with two trophies, also the league and the Italian cup, and desperately seeking an historic treble. Jose Mourinho has never endeared himself to the Italian public nor has the Inter Milan fans taken to the bumptious Portuguese manager, but victory at the Bernabeu in arguably the clubs biggest ever fixture and Mourinho’s wavering reputation in Italy would be all but wiped clean, whilst entering into Inter Milan folklore. How has Mourinho pulled off such a feat? Through being a managerial genius. In every single knock-out game, Jose Mourinho has got his tactics spot on, while his players have implemented Mourinho’s game-plan to perfection. It’s been a prime example of how when a manager and a team work together in unison, great things can happen.

On Saturday, though, Mourinho and Inter Milan will get just one shot at glory. This fantastic pairing has produced the goods on every other occasions so far but can they deliver the final package when the pressure is well and truly on? Moreover, does anyone really know how Mourinho will set Inter Milan up? The Italian champs have proven that they are both capable of defending for prolonged periods of time and scoring goals in a clinical manner, but with the next 90 minutes being on neutral ground and no second chance legs to recover, will Jose Mourinho counter Bayern’s aggression with some forceful play of his own? That’s the beauty of Mourinho; no-one really knows what’s going round in his head. One thing is for sure, there hasn’t been an Inter side as good as the current crop, a more confident or self believing Inter Milan for quite some time… 45 years in fact. Will 2010 finally be their year?

Inter Milan To Lift The Trophy – 1.57 Boylesports

Considering Bayern Munich are a little over evens to lift the Champions League trophy for a fifth time, our pick of Inter Milan to end their lengthy drought with a European trophy may sound a tad illogical and bizarre. However, with Jose Mourinho’s tactical nous at the helm, it’s terribly difficult to look past the Italians finalising a dream run in the Champions League with a winning finish.

What Inter Milan have that Bayern Munich perhaps don’t is a man capable of masterminding any teams downfall, with Milan’s scalp of the current champions Barcelona the evidence to back up my statement. Mourinho is a tactical genius, arguably the greatest tactician currently in management, and add that into the mix of Inter Milan producing some of their best European displays for years and you’ve got a winning Champions League final formula. Or so we think.

We wouldn’t dare try to sum up how we think either side will set up and play on Saturday, as even we are somewhat in the dark. However, what we do have is two of the most successful teams in Europe right now, both desperate to cap an incredible season with the biggest cherry on the cake. Bayern have an array of forward talent, ready and waiting to explode, but their defence and midfield isn’t the strongest. Inter Milan, though, are a more complete package. So well organised at the back, at times impenetrable, a midfield led by a wise Esteban Cambiasso, capable of taking this final by the scruff of the neck, and an effective forward pairing of Samuel Eto and Diego Milito, the latter especially outstanding this season. The more we sit and think the more we edge towards Mourinho’s Inter.

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 3.40 VCbet
Draw – 3.30 bWin
Inter Milan -2.35 Interwetten

Method of Victory:

Bayern Munich on Penalties – 11.00 SportingBet
Inter Milan on Penalties – 11.00 SportingBet

Tuesday, 16^th March

19:45 GMT – Bordeaux V Olympiakos (1-0)

19:45 GMT – Chelsea V Inter Milan (1-2)

Wednesday, 17^th March

19:45 GMT – Barcelona V VFB Stuttgart (1-1)

19:45 GMT – Sevilla V CSKA Moscow (1-1)

Barcelona to score 3 or more goals – 2.00 PaddyPower

Scoring three goals in a knock-out fixture in the Champions League would sound a daunting prospect for some but Barcelona are more than capable of doubling that figure when Stuttgart pay them a visit at the Nou Camp. The German’s haven’t really been conceding an alarming amount in their away games, neither in Bundesliga or Champions League action this season, but they travel to Spain needing to score so will have to abandon any conservative tactics in a bid to get the goal they desperately need. Barcelona, though, regardless of whether Stuttgart sit back or not, have the necessary inventory to unlock the German’s rearguard, with the architect Lionel Messi looking to tie the Stuttgart defence in knots, and Ibrahimovic, a fresh Swede, aiming to pounce on any scrapsthat may come his way.  

We feel a big performance is in the offing here as Barca generally put in a magnificent display along the way and this could be the fixture where once again the footballing world stand up and take notice of the Catalan giants.

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Bordeaux to WIN to NIL – 2.50 Bet365

I don’t like betting on this type of market as one goal spoils the party, but, however, this Bordeaux side are so strong in defence that a clean sheet looks a viable outcome. Moreover, they’re one of the most clinical teams I’ve watched for quite some time, defending stoutly before taking one of a select few chances at the other end. They did this in the first leg in Greece, defending for large parts of the game yet still grabbing a vital away goal. They are model professionals in how to win a game of football in a tidy manner and we fancy them pulling off another tidy display as they enter into the quarter-final draw. After all, they’ve won their last four Champions League games all to NIL.

Moreover, Laurent Blanc rested a few of his more influential players at the weekend, with one of their more high-profiled players, Marouane Chamakh, one of several to play a brief second half part in their 0-0 draw at Monaco. Blanc clearly had this game in mind.

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Chelsea V Inter Milan (Over 2.5 Goals) – 2.00 SkyBet (LOST!)

These sort of games tend to be tetchy, scrappy affairs with clear cut chances few and far between. However, that shouldn’t be the case on Tuesday night as Chelsea will attack a vulnerable Inter defence from the word ‘Go’ in a bid to level the aggregate scoring. Chelsea are one of football’s powerhouse teams and they have the players to roll Inter over by scoring a good few at Stamford Bridge. However, by the same token this Inter side have plenty of goals in them as well, despite a poor recent showing in Serie A. They were far more adventurous in an attacking sense in the first leg at the San Siro, striding forward in numbers whenever possible, and while Inter could decide to rest on their laurels by attempting to defending their one goal aggregate lead, we don’t think their defence is strong enough to keep Chelsea at bay for too long, so Mourinho’s men will need to come out of their shell at some point, which should be sooner rather than later. If so, we should have an open game of football.

Two of Chelsea’s three home encounters in the Group stage of the tournament finished with four goals in each.

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Sevilla V CSKA Moscow (Over 3.5 Goals) – 3.75 Boylesports (LOST!)

We could of played safe and plumped for 3 goals or more but felt this fixture in particular had the makings of a thriller, providing both teams read their respective scripts. What we have here is two sides whom, when presented with an attack minded opponent, like to play counter-attacking football, with the pair both brilliantly at it. CSKA won’t do much from an attacking sense but Sevilla will. The Spanish side will commit men forward in order to kill this tie off and that could be precarious as CSKA counter at an alarming rate, and in numbers. The Russian’s waste no time getting forward and within the blink of an eye there are more CSKA players in Sevilla’s half than that of the Spanish side.

Moreover, the game has a little more spice to it in that CSKA have to score else they go out. Alvaro Negredo’s strike back in Moscow means should this end in a stalemate, Sevilla would go through. The Russian’s need a goal but could find themselves further behind if Sevilla storm out of the blocks like we expect, which, should this be the case, could lead to an entertaining to-and-throe game of football.

Sevilla counter-attacked in a ruthless fasion at Rangers, scoring four at Ibrox, while CSKA scored three at Old Trafford against Manchester United whilst using a counter-attacking style of play during their Group encounters.

Tuesday, 9^th March

19:45 GMT – Arsenal V FC Porto (1-2)

19:45 GMT – Fiorentina V Bayern Munich (1-2)

Wednesday, 10^th March

19:45 GMT – Manchester United V AC Milan (3-2)

19:45 GMT – Real Madrid V Lyon (0-1)

Matt’s Bets

Nicklas Bendtner Anytime Scorer @ 2.88 Coral (WON!)

With Arsenal lacking forward impotence, Bendtner will be a certain starter as Arsenal take to the Emirates looking for the goals needed to restore parity. The Danish international looks the ideal candidate to open the scoring at 11/2 with Coral, but we’ve been a little more reserved and instead plumped on Arsenal’s donkey of last Saturday being their Tuesday night hero. Bendtner missed a whole host of chances in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at home to Burnley, where Bendtner literally could of bagged two hat-tricks. However, while his lacklustre finishing may have deterred some, the fact he got into such glorious goalscoring opportunities impressed us and we feel it was just a bad day at the office for the Danish international on Saturday, and were the Gunners to hand yet more chances on plate for him this Tuesday, we’re confident he won’t be as wasteful.

Fiorentina Draw No Bet @ 2.05 bWin (WON!)

After a valiant display in Munich, Fiorentina will be hoping for more from the return leg back home in Florence. The Italians frustrated their German opponents in the first leg, with Bayern barely troubling Sebastien Frey in the Fiorentina goal with a decent effort. Italian sides know how to build from the defence up and I’m expecting a clinical performance from Viola in a leg they have to win if they are to progress. Defeat would spell the end, and while victory would probably be enough, unless it’s a high-scoring narrow one, a draw might also suffice if it finishes 1-1. Considering the Italians will probably look to sit on any sort of lead, if and when they get it, the draw could be a viable outcome. However, we wouldn’t discourage anyone from backing Fiorentina to win this home encounter outright so, as to play a tad safe, Fiorentina DNB is is our bet.

AC Milan to Score 3 of More @ 10/1 PaddyPower (LOST!)

Milan know full well they need goals and we expect the away side to sprint out of the blocks in order to not only take the lead but to also avoid an early setback as conceding early would be catastrophic for them, if not deadly. Their forward play in the first leg deserved more than just the two goals but they will need plenty of the same attacking vigour at Old Trafford if they are to pull off one of the best comebacks in recent years. Leonardo has the players at his disposal to score a sufficient amount of goals, most of which actually look stunning bets to score on the night, but we feel a collective performance is needed from Milan if they are to overhaul United’s domineering aggregate lead. Three goals from Milan would make for one enthralling encounter, so while they remain capable of such a feat we will take our chances on them doing so at what we consider immense value.

Lyon to Score 2 or More @ 9/2 PaddyPower (LOST!)

If we’re completely honest, we are more confident in Lyon scoring just the one than going that extra mile and shocking the footballing world with two goals at the Bernabeu, but it’s certainly a no-hoper bet. In fact, we feel it’s not beyond the realms of possibility as Lyon can be lethal on the counter, while their strikes from long range have also been known to rifle into the net. With Madrid looking to attacking at every given opportunity, Lyon will instead aim to absorb the Madrid attacks and return the favour with some quick-fire breaks. It’s been an efficient tactic for the French side down the years and we feel it could prove to be the ‘real’ deal in Madrid, especially as they now posses some more clinical and composed finishers up front, none more so than Lisandro Lopez. Given half-a-chance, Lopez will score, while if Madrid do overcommit, which is a certainty if you ask me, Lyon are more than capable of catching the Madrid defence out.

I wish you the best of luck, Matt.

Real Madrid V Lyon

Wednesday, 10^th March – 19:45 GMT

First-Leg: Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid

In a tetchy first leg encounter in France, Lyon snatched a crucial first leg lead, one most neutrals felt they needed if they wanted to harbour realistic claims for qualifying over two-legs against one of the strongest teams in Europe. Fittingly, it was a stunning strike that handed Lyon some form of initiative after Jean Makoun’s superb strike from around the 30-yard mark sailed past Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal. The backtracking Madrid defence paid the penalty for their reluctance to close the Cameroon international down and, in doing so, handed Lyon a first-leg trump card.

With neither side wanting to give too much space or possession away, evidentially chances were few and far between. It was Lyon, though, who takes there’s and it was the ideal result from a neutrals perspective as it opens this tie up somewhat as the Galacticos were fancied to sail through to their first quarter-final appearance since 2004 at the expense of a stubborn Lyon. That might still be the case but Lyon will now travel to Spain knowing that a spirited, hard-working display in defence just might see them record one of their biggest European feats in their history. French sides have proven down the years to be more than adept at keeping quality teams out for prolonger period of time, so will Real Madrid pay the price for their lacklustre efforts back in France in the first-leg?

Despite boasting a one goal advantage, Lyon are the less fancied of the two to qualify, with Real Madrid a best priced 1.67 with PaddyPower to see off their French opponents with victory back at the Bernabeu. The current tie leaders, Lyon, look a tasty proposition at odds of 2.40 with bWin when you consider the pressure is firmly on their opponents to as all the questions in Spain, while Lyon could deploy their familiar yet world famous tactic of defending with discipline, yet breaking out of defence with numbers and at pace. This tie could be set up nicely for the French side, although the same could be said for Madrid as they know they need to attack in order to obliterate Lyon’s one goal lead. The tie is poised, but which side will grab a place in the draw for the last-eight with both hands?

Real Madrid

Outright Odds: 13/2 BetFred

Dare we say it but Real Madrid, the mighty Madrid, have their work cut out as they set out to overhaul this one goal led of Lyon’s. The Spanish giants will need to pick their way through a stubborn and resilient back line of Lyon’s if they are to win the coveted Champions League crown in their first real season after their high-profiled summer revamp. IN many respects, Madrid were at least expect to make the finals after shelling out hundreds of millions during the summer months of world class talent, but could a shock be on the cards as Real Madrid aim to reach their first quarter-final since 2004.

To be honest, it’s hard not to see Madrid at least levelling the aggregate scoring, such is the prowess of their strength in depth at the club. Moreover, their battling display at the weekend just might have been the catalyst they needed for a tie which requires plenty of determination, tonnes of hunger and plenty of combative qualities. Similar to the situation they face on Wednesday, Madrid found themselves staring down the barrel of defeat as they fell to a 2-0 lead at home to Sevilla on Saturday. This was after Madrid dominated the entire first half but to no avail. However, like all great teams do, Madrid stormed back and two quick fire strikes from Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos put Real back on level terms, lifting both the mood of the fans and the players. It did, however, take an awful long time before the goal that seemed inevitable after Madrid’s second came, with Gonzalo Higuain prodding home an injury time winner to send the home crowd into raptures.

Madrid manager, Manuel Pellegrini, will be hoping for more of the same and that their desire to defy adversity on Saturday was perhaps a sign of things to come. Although the manner in which Madrid fell to a 2-0 deficit was concerning, how Mardrid responded was magnificent and emphatic, and they will now head into this defining second leg with all the momentum and confidence off the back of that sensational comeback.

A burden needs to be lifted from upon Madrid’s shoulders though, as Lyon have not been beaten at the Bernabeu in either of the previous two visits. That was, however, back before Madrid had the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka and Higuain on the books, so we expect a role reversal on Wednesday in that we fancy Madrid to end Lyon’s unbeaten run at the Bernabeu.

Lyon

Outright Odds: 33/1 Boylesports

While Lyon didn’t exactly excel in the opening leg, they did get that ever important victory needed to keep them in with a chance of making the quarter’s. Jean Makoun gave Lyon a valuable first-leg home victory, although had he not of done so then bookies might have taken more of a firm stance on Madrid’s passage into the next round. Instead, however, Lyon are in with a sniff, more than a sniff if you consider their recent form at the Bernabeu; drawing on their previous two visits, scoring on both occasions however.

Lyon will need to maintain their goalscoring trend in Madrid if they are to have any realistic hopes of making the quarter’s, because as strong as Lyon’s defence can be, it’s difficult to envisage Real not scoring at least once back on home soil. Their more glamours opponents have far too much striking talent on show for them not to breakthrough what is an almost infallible Lyon defence at times. However, for all Madrid are worth from an attacking sense, the one thing the Spanish side don’t have is an illustrious away goal, so should Lyon somehow snatch a goal at the Bernabeu, a genuine shock could be on the card.

We honestly feel a goal is needed in Madrid as we don’t see the home side not scoring during the 90 minutes. Manager Claude Puel clearly thinks the same as he rested both Lisandro Lopez and Cesar Delgado ahead of his sides trip to Spain, with the idea being to freshen up the Lyon attack. However, his plan to rest a few of his key players over the weekend backfired as Lyon could only managed a dull 0-0 draw at Boulogne, a team second from bottom in the French Ligue 1. Not only was that draw disappointing but will have halted any momentum Lyon previously had, which was three wins on the spin, four if you include their first leg victory.

For one reason or another we feel Lyon could spring the surprise of all surprise this week as their defensive set up makes them one tough proposition to overcome, especially when you’re chasing a goal or two. French sides are renowned for their experienced defences, back lines with discipline. However, there are very few in the professional business who do it better than Lyon in regards to keeping it neat and tidy at the back, so for all Madrid’s attacking worth, Lyon are the bet to be on in our eyes as we bank on their stubborn resistance not only paying dividends with progression but perhaps with a victory in Madrid as a lengthy spell without a goal for the some side will lead to frustrations boiling over.

Our Verdict: Lyon to WIN – 10.00 SportingBet

The draw is probably the best punt here, but Lyon could snatch an historical win at the Bernabeu providing they maintain their discipline at the back and take their chances when they do come, and trust me, against a Madrid defence which has yet to convince me, they will get chances. Lyon’s odds look far too big for a side which will spend large periods of time defending, yet will break away at pace, with numbers and have the players in the final third with the composure to finish. To be fair, you would have to be brave to have a punt on the home side considering their odds are wafer thin, so whatever the result, we feel a small punt on Lyon is certainly worthwhile, even if it’s for value sake.

Match Odds:

Real Madrid – 1.33 Expekt

Draw – 5.50 Bet365

Lyon – 10.00 SportingBet

Manchester United V AC Milan

Wednesday, 10^th March – 19:45 GMT

First-Leg: AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United

The first leg of this intriguing and attractive tie between two giants from their respective countries was exciting from start to finish, with end-to-end football and some classy finishing. The San Siro encounter between two rather familiar foes was settled by one man, and one man only, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, whom is enjoying his best ever season at the club. His second half brace, both of which coming from the Englishman’s head, nodded the current English champions into a first leg lead, a lead strongly bolstered by three away goals. Rooney’s brace, aided by Paul Scholes’s opener for United, leaves the Italians needing to score at least twice at Old Trafford, although they would need to do so without the home side replying if they wish to progress further in the competition.

There was next to now controversy in this affair, just some clinical finishing from a Mr. Wayne Rooney of Man Utd. Whereas Milan were fluffing their lines in the opening 45 minutes, Rooney was thinking smart with his head as he nodded home twice in the second period to put Man Utd 3-1 up. A late Seedorf strike meant Milan at least ended the first-leg with some lingering hope, although their task ahead appears a mammoth one as they need several goals at Old Trafford in what should prove to be an exciting, all-out-attacking affair back in Manchester.

It’s unsurprising that Manchester United, after their impressive win back at the San Siro, are the favourites to progress, but have the bookies overstepped the mark with their obscene odds of 1.10 and worse on United qualifying? While the reigning English champions do have a two goal advantage in theory, plus home advantage, the Italians are in an do-or-bust situation where they were expected to dwindle out of the competition without much fuss. Leonardo’s team know they need to score, probably a good three of four times, but with this in mind the players will want to play as far up as the pitch as possible and will look to strike at every possible opportunity. Of course, the task if massive, but we see some small ounces of value in AC Milan to qualify, even if it’s just our betting pride getting in the way on what we feel is ridiculous qualifying odds for both sides.

Manchester United

Outright odds: 11/2 Bet365

While the return of David Beckham back to his spiritual home will capture the imagination and attention of most neutral onlookers, the Manchester United fans will have their minds set firmly on the task at hand, and that’s fending off what’s expected to be a barrage of AC Milan attacks as the home side aim to defend their one goal aggregate lead, although they lead by two due to the away goals rule. United’s sensational result at the San Siro, winning 3-2, has meant the bookies have gone to town with their price, slashing it from around the 1.33 marker before the first-leg right down to around the 1/10 mark, but will last years runners-up justify their ridiculously short odds by earning victory at Old Trafford this coming Wednesday night?

Anyone with half a brain cell would make Man Utd the favourites to progress, firm ones at that, but that doesn’t mean their price, a best price it has to be said, of 1.10 with totesport is a decent one, far from it. In fact, we believe United are in a tricky scenario as they won’t actually know which tactic would be most effective at Old Trafford, what with the Red Devils boasting a 3-2 lead from the first leg in Italy. Should they set out to defend for the entirety of the game, with the plan being to repel all Milan invaders, or should they look for that killer opening goal, one which would kill the tie stone dead. Now, most traditional European sides would go for option 1, but Alex Ferguson is no traditional manager, and nor are Man Utd a traditionally predictable team, so expect a quick fire start from United with the aim being to strike the first blow.

Some news that could potentially alter United’s chances of success significantly is the doubts surrounding the fitness of Wayne Rooney. The Englishman is having problems with his knee at this moment in time and missed his sides narrow, and somewhat fortunate 1-0 victory away at Wolves on Saturday. His absence left a huge void up front, one Fergie failed to fill as United were void of ideas in the final third, with chances few and far between without the creative flair and sheer thinking brilliance of their most valuable asset. Should Rooney not be fit in time then United may have to attend a back-to-the-walls meeting at the back as it’s hard to see anyone in that United squad having as much guts and courage to take take the game to Milan. 

The good news though is that Rio Ferdinand is back playing at the heart of the United defence alongside Nemanja Vidic. The two form a sturdy and reliable last line of defence for Manchester United, although should Pato make an expectant start the pair could be troubled once again by pace, while Ferdinand will have had nightmares over the torment he endured at the hands of Ronaldinho at the San Siro, with Rio’s lack of fitness a clear problem that night as the Brazilian waltzed past the England captain. United fans will be hoping he’s sharper for his 90 minutes of action at the weekend, and so will the rest of the defence as they finally form back into a familiar back four of old, one that was so successful in keeping sides out last season.

AC Milan

Outright odds: 66/1 SkyBet

It’s plain for all to see that Milan need plenty of goals at Old Trafford, so the question I hear you all asking is can they actually score enough to make this an exciting contest? – Well, we believe so, you need look no further than their list of forwards to see that this Milan team does have goals in them: Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, Marcos Borriello, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Flippo Inzaghi, it’s an endless list of striking talent, with a mixture of ingenuity and craft, youth and experience; Leonardo really does have just about everything at his disposal as far as strikers are concerned, so there can be no excuses. 

The next question you should be asking yourself is do Milan have the strength of mind to defend in a tidy manner for the full 90 minutes, and possibly then some, as a single United goal would probably end this as a contest when you consider AC need to win by a clear two goal margin. There is of course the outside permutation of Milan somehow surpassing the two goal marker and scoring three at Old Trafford, which would be some feat, but still feasible for a side boasting an array of quality up front. In regards to the first question, however, we would have to say no, at least not against a Man Utd side with Wayne Rooney in it. The Rossoneri have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League this season, so it’s probably asking a little too much of them to record their first of the campaign at Old Trafford, although it’s a must really if they want to harbour any real aspirations of reaching the quarter-finals.  

We will say though, Milan are the value bet when you take into consideration that they of the two need to play attacking football in order to bridge the two goal deficit. They should, in theory anyway, be the team asking all the questions at Old Trafford despite this not actually being a home tie for them. Their opponents will be more inclined to sit on the back foot and protect their first-leg lead, so the omen is on Milan to make the breakthrough, one which must come early if possible. Ronaldinho of AC Milan did land the first blow in the San Siro encounter a few weeks ago, but can the Brazilian shine on English soil or will he be one of many world class players which fails to make an impression on the onlooking English public?

Our Verdict: AC Milan to WIN -6.00 PaddyPower

The deciding factor for us was the price of the two sides, and of course the pairs motives. United are in that difficult mindset where they honestly feel they have a more than healthy lead, one which shouldn’t be bridged even by one of Europe’s giant clubs. They will be unsure as to how much time should be spent in the attacking third and their own half, and that’s scary against a Milan side who know what they have to do: Attack! For us, considering Milan are glorious odds and have to win, the away side are the only team worth backing, especially if Wayne Rooney isn’t fit in time. Should Rooney start then perhaps United are worth a punt, but we certainly wouldn’t take a stab at Manchester United in this game without their most influential player.

AC know what they have to do and they are equipped to achieve their target. They basically have an entire front-line wanting to prove a point and that’s a pleasing factor for any manager, regardless of their poor vein of form recently. The return of Pato from injury is also a welcome one, plus the Brazilian will be fresher than most after spending the weekend with his feet up… Lovely!

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.67 Bet365

Draw – 3.75 SkyBet

AC Milan – 6.00 PaddyPower

Fiorentina V Bayern Munich

Tuesday, 9^th March – 19:45 GMT

First Leg: Bayern Munich 2-1 Fiorentina

On the same night Arsenal were losing in controversial circumstances, Fiorentina were unfortunately in Germany falling foul to the very same evil fate. An 89^th minute header from Munich veteran, Miroslav Klose, sealed an enthralling first leg win for the Germans, although it was the team from Italy who should have departed from the Allianz Arena with all the plaudits as their performance merited at least a draw, despite being reduced to 10 men during the second period, of which Gobbi will now miss the return leg.

Their were several controversial moments in the first clash in Germany, with the opener being Gobbi’s dismissal with just 15 minutes left to play. However, it got worse when Ovrebro, the famous referee in the Chelsea-Barcelona game at Stamford Bridge last season, missed a blatant dangerous challenge by Miroslav Klose, a tackle which probably should have been met with a red card. This never materalised though, something that would later haunt the Italians, as well as the poor referring on the night, as with 89 minutes on the clock Klose stabbed home Bayern’s winner, although, not only should the German forward had possibly seen red a little earlier, he was clearly standing in an off-side position when the ball was played through, and we mean CLEARLY!

Fiorentina, or Viola as we will call them now they’ll be sporting their famous purple kit back in Florence, shown bags of spirit and endeavour, even if they were short on their luck. However, the past cannot be changed and this is where the hard work begins as manager Cesare Pradelli sets out to master-plan Fiorentina’s progression into the Quarter’s with victory back on home soil. However, the bookies don’t like his chances as Bayern travel over to Florence as the overwhelming favourites to progress, with 1.40 currently the best price you can get on Bayern Munich qualifying for the quarter’s with BetFred. Fiorentina, however, are far bigger at 3.30 with bWin, and look enormous odds to overcome a Bayern side who were hardly intimidating in the first leg. Viola return home to familiar surroundings and their ‘To Qualify’ price quote looks one of immense value in our eyes.

Fiorentina

Outright odds: 80/1 VCbet

Fiorentina’s hopes of defying the odds in qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League were given yet another setback after defeat at home to Juventus last Saturday. The Florence based team are going through a sticky patch of form back home, having won just once in Serie A in an almost baron two month spell, but can they put their poor league form aside as they welcome Bayern Munich to Artemio Franchi Stadium in a competition which has provided Viola with a welcome distraction from their poor domestic affairs.

Fiorentina were resilient, if not stubborn, in the opening leg, restricting Bayern to meaningless chances for the best part of 45 minutes before Arjen Rooben opended the scoring. They travelled to Germany with high ambitions of holding out for a draw, a result which would have left Viola in the driving seat had they of earned what they initially set out for. The draw was what they deserved if truth be told, but they had no choice but to settle for a bitter defeat come the end as Miroslav Klose’s 89^th minute header left the travelling Fiorentina support heartbroken after a gruelling affair back in Germany. However, there were plenty of positives to take from their first-leg encounter; the fact Bayern were made to look like pussy cats in comparison to their intimidating global reputation, the rare glimpses of goal Fiorentina restricted Bayern to, and their crucial away goal scored by Kroldrup which leaves this tie still firmly in the balance. 

It’s definitely worth pointing out that Cesare Prandelli, a wanted man at the helm of Fiorentina by many top clubs around Europe, will be without both Adrian Mutu and Gobbi for this second leg clash with Bayern. Gilardino is likely to take up the role of lone striker, while the biggest danger posed by Fiorentina will come in the form of Montenegro wonder-kid, Steven Jovetic. The small forward, whom is an eyesore with his afro styled hair, is just 20 years-of-age but is already shaping up as one of Viola’s more influential figures. Jovetic is so often the architecture in Fiorentina’s forward plays and fans back home in England might remember him fondly for his neatly taken two goal haul at home to Liverpool in the group stages earlier in the campaign. 

Fiorentina’s drastic league form is a huge concern as the morale in camp won’t be be especially high what with Fiorentina floundering in mid-table in Serie A. – a million miles off their fourth place finish of last season. Some of the natives back home have used this very competition as a lousy excuse as to why their team hasn’t been performing back home in the league, and while that could be a valid point, to be the very best you have to manage your battles on all fronts and that’s something Viola simply haven’t managed to do this season. Still, victory, along with qualification for the last-eight of Champions League, would go some way to making it up to their fans for their lacklustre efforts back home in Italy and we feel that’s a strong possibility seeing as they only need one goal.

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 14/1 Boylesports

The powerhouses of Germany, Bayern Munich, have the ball in their side of the court after somehow snatching victory from a tight first-leg encounter, one that appeared destined to end in stalemate. Their vital win back home in Germany probably wasn’t a deserved one but it’s a result which sets them up perfectly as they head over to Italy in the mindset that, should they avoid defeat in Florence, they would qualify for the next stage of the competition. However, they ideally need a goal in Italy as were this be a tight affair, as expected, one goal from the home side could be enough to take Fiorentina through on the away goals rule should Bayern not respond with a goal of their own, so despite leading on aggregate Bayern’s job is far from done. 

Louis Van Gaal needs to put some careful thought into which tactic to use ahead of Tuesday nights clash. If Bayern sit back and try to absorb the Fiorentina attacks, all it would take is one goal to send Bayern home empty handed and out of the competition. However, were they to choose the attacking option, with the aim being to quickly grab a crucial away goal, one which would leave Fiorentina needing two goals at least just to take this tie into extra-time, it could potentially leave Bayern’s defence exposed and open to exploitation when Fiorentina roam forward. Van Gaal will haveto go for a balancing act; attacking in an efficent manner, without the need for overcomitting as their main priority will be to defend their one goal advantage of theirs, with scoring an away goal a close second.

Bayern Munich are more than capable of scoring in Florence due to the array of striking talent at the club; Arjen Robben & Franck Ribery are a right handful down the flanks with their pace and skill, while their vision to not only spot the ideal pass but to deploy it with deadly accuracy makes them extremely dangerous and a serious threat on the break, while Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez are proper strikers in that they are more than accomplished with the ball at their feet, but the pair also have this predatory instinct, especially Klose who scored a predators goal in the first leg, that famous off-side goal that never officially was off-side. Moreover, Bayern’s previous visit to Italy was just before the Christmas break in a pivotal, and evidentially qualifying decider, against Juventus in Turin. Bayern knew they had to win that night and did so with aplomb, smashing four past Juventus in a 4-1 victory. They set down a marker that night that they could score any number of goals when asked too, but will they meet the expectations this time around in their second visit to Italy in as many months.

Unlike their last-sixteen opponents, Bayern do have some solid league form under their belts and, crucially, some staggeringly high momentum behind them. While Bayern have only managed two draws in their last two away outings back in the German Bundesliga, the current leaders of the German league have gone a mouthwatering eighteen league games without defeat. It’s a run that stretches way back to September of last year. More importantly, however, eight of those eighteen unbeaten games were away fixtures, a statistic which should breathe confidence into the Munich players. They did, however, succumb to defeat in Bordeaux back in the Group stage, losing 2-1 to the French champions. The defeat in France was the evidence needed that the German giants are beatable, even if they are one of the more formidable teams left in the competition.

Our Verdict: Fiorentina to WIN – 2.90 Bet365

Call us silly, perhaps even foolish, but our gut instinct is saying Fiorentina will be the side progressing at Bayern’s expense, while the only way that will happen is with victory in Florence, so that’s our short and uneventful story on how we came across a Fiorentina punt. We expected so much more from Bayern in the first leg, yet throughout the course of their Champions League campaign they fail to meet the demands set upon them by us and their passionate fans. The Germans were in colossal form when they last visited Italy, beating Juventus 4-1, but that was a classy performance from out of nowhere, with Bayern’s away displays generally being patchy, and well below par. Bayern Munich are far too inconsistent for my liking to be taking chunks out of their short price to qualify, and so, preference is for Viola, Fiorentina, to spring the first mini-shock of the knock-out stage by seeing to Bayern Munich. After all, both Liverpool and Lyon have fallen in Florence this season, so what’s to stop Bayern succumbing to same, ill fate.

Match Odds:

Fiorentina – 2.90 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 PaddyPower

Bayern Munich – 2.50 totesport

Arsenal V FC Porto

Tuesday, 9^th March – 19:45 GMT

First Leg: FC Porto 2-1 Arsenal

The first leg finished in controversial circumstances as FC Porto clinched a vital home win to boost their Quarter-Final claims. However, their winner, scored by Colombian Falcao, was met by stinging criticism by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger because Falcoa was allowed to stroke the ball home into an empty net after the referee acknowledged Porto’s quickly taken free-kick. While the entire Arsenal squad were left feeling aggrieved, they only had themselves to blame after gifting the Portuguese side both of their goals, with Porto’s first coming by virtue of a goalkeeping howler from Lukasz Fabianski, while their second, that of Falcao’s, was made possible after Sol Campbell’s intended back pass for Fabianski in the Arsenal goal was picked up.

The first leg was a catalogue of errors for the Gunners as their mistakes proved costly. However, there was one positive to take from the game and that was Sol Campbell’s 18^th minute header. His first goal for the club since re-joining the Gunners in January ensured Arsenal at least left Porto with a vital away goal, a goal which leaves this tie firmly hanging by a knife edge. However, Arsenal are still favoured by the bookmakers to see off their Portuguese opponents, with Arsenal a general best priced 1.67. Porto, however, whom hold all the aces after their 2-1 victory in Portugal, are perhaps more attractive at 2.25 with VCbet, although do they have it in them to record a big result on English soil.

Arsenal

Outright odds: 14/1 Coral

It was a good weekend for the Gunners as preparations for this second clash with Porto went to plan with a routine victory over Burnley last Saturday. Granted the performance of the Arsenal team wasn’t the best, but the three points they earned from that win kept up the pressure on Chelsea & Man Utd, with Arsenal now just two points off the pace currently set by Manchester United and full of confidence after their fourth league win the spin. Arsene Wenger will be hoping that victory over Burnley will be the platform to a successful Tuesday night, but will the Portuguese giants spoil the party of another English side.

While Arsenal remain the favourites to qualify at the expense of Porto (Arsenal to Qualify, 1.62 SkyBet), this Porto side can be dangerous, especially when they are being completely written off. Manchester United found out the hard way when they when they fell behind to the then champions of Portugal before eventually finishing with an unsatisfactory 2-2 draw. Should the same result occur at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would be packing their Champions League bags, so it’s imperative the Gunners don not underestimate their Tuesday night opponents. 

Arsene Wenger was dealt a huge blow though, arguably the biggest he could of ever of imagined before such an important encounter, in that Cesc Fabregas is a major doubt after picking up a hamstring injury during Arsenal 3-1 win at home to Burnley on Saturday. Fabregas, whom opened the scoring for Arsenal at the weekend, is the puppet master in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, pulling all the strings of his fellow midfielders and forward team-mates. His deft little touches, his vision on the ball, his quick interchanges with those around him, all of which Arsenal will sorely miss should he not be fit in time for this clash. Were this nightmare to become a reality then Arsene Wenger will be short of some creative spark in the centre-of-midfield, while the danger runs and clinical finishing from the Spaniard are also fine attributes that Arsenal will have to cope without.

The plus point for you Gunners is playing at the Emirates, a stadium where Arsenal have been notoriously strong at this season with only Man Utd & Chelsea beating Arsenal there in all competitions. Even without Fabregas, Arsenal should still find some sort of attacking rhythm. This should especially be the case after watching Arsenal plug on without their talismanic midfielder in the second half of their weekend game with Burnley, with the Gunners creating more than half-a-dozen clear cut chances in the second half alone. Our only reservation is should Arsenal go a good 45 minutes and then some without a goal that would level the tie on aggregate, do they have an individual willing to step up and become a hero, a role Fabregas would duly fill. We aren’t so sure they do so a strong start is crucial if Arsenal want to switch the pressure back onto their Portuguese opponents and restore the parity lost from the first-leg.

FC Porto

Outright odds: 66/1 PaddyPower

Unlike their English opponents, FC Porto’s weekend didn’t exactly go to plan as they could only warm up for this hotly anticipated last-sixteen clash with a draw back in Liga Sagres in Portugal. Porto, whom were a general 1/5 to win on Saturday night, drew Olhanense, a team second from bottom in the Portuguese SuperLiga. That draw was important as it mean Porto haven’t won a competitive fixture since their victory over Arsenal in the first-leg, which begs the question; are Porto consistent enough in their performances to produce a display worthy of taking them through to the quarter-final stage of the competition?

We would have to say no, with this especially being so after taking a look at Porto’s away fortunes back in their own respective domestic league; PLD: 10, W: 4. Not only that but their previous visit to the Emirates Stadium didn’t exactly go to plan, or well for that matter, with Porto being on the receiving end of a 4-0 whitewash when the two teams met in the group stages of last season. However, Arsenal’s goalscorers that day are either unavailable or no longer at the club, and what with Fabregas, Arsenal’s most influential player being missing, perhaps the Gunners are low on ammunition as Porto head back for another bite at the Arsenal cherry.

Porto rode their luck in the first leg but reaped the rewards as a direct result. Their 2-1 first-leg leaves the tie wide open with both sides boasting serious claims for progression. However, the dangerous factor as far as Porto are concerned is the away goal Arsenal scored, so while Porto do hold the one goal ace card over the Gunners, Porto would need a goal of their own to really pile the pressure on Arsenal. An away goal for Porto isn’t out of the question though considering they put two past Manchester United in the very same stage of last seasons competition. They would, however, need a performance similar to that at Old Trafford a year ago, with some quick breakaways and some clinical finishing. Porto were a menace at Old Trafford that night, bombing forward with electric pace and with plenty of support, and should they deploy similar tactics at the Emirates on Tuesday night then perhaps a shock could be on the cards.

Our Verdict: Draw – 4.00 bWin

Porto are one of those teams which you love to draw, but then know you must attain a positive result in the away leg to leave yourself in the driving seat. While Arsenal do have that away goal, the one goal deficit does leave them extremely vulnerable as the omen is on them to ask all the questions and to commit men forward to attack in order to level the tie. That doesn’t sound at all good for us as Porto are one of the masters at breaking out from defence at an alarming rate, aided by plenty of forward support. Moreover, This Arsenal defence has been found wanting when backtracking against the very best in England on more than one occasions in the past month or two, which has got us thinking that perhaps Porto are the team to side with, at least as far as qualifying goes. One goal from them would leave Arsenal needing at least two goals just to take this tie into extra-time and we wouldn’t put it past the Portuguese champions scoring at the Emirates.

Interesting Fact: In nine previous attempts to reverse a first-leg deficit, Arsenal have only been successful on one occasion.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.62 SkyBet

Draw – 4.00 bWin

FC Porto – 6.50 Bet365

Tuesday 8^th December

19:45 GMT – Juventus V Bayern Munich (Group A)

19:45 GMT – Maccabi Haifa V Bordeaux (Group A)

17:30 GMT – Besiktas V CSKA Moscow (Group B) 

19:45 GMT – VFL Wolfsburg V Manchester United (Group B)

19:45 GMT – FC Zurich V AC Milan (Group C) 

19:45 GMT – Marseille V Real Madrid (Group C)

19:45 GMT – Chelsea V APOEL (Group D) 

19:45 GMT – Athletico Madrid V FC Porto (Group D)

Wednesday 9^th December

19:45 GMT – Liverpool V Fiorentina (Group E)

19:45 GMT – Lyon V Debreceni (Group E)

17:30 GMT – Inter Milan V Rubin Kazan (Group F) 

19:45 GMT – Dynamo Kiev V Barcelona (Group F)

19:45 GMT – VFB Stuttgart V Unirea Urziceni (Group G) 

19:45 GMT – Sevilla V Rangers (Group G)

19:45 GMT – Olympiakos V Arsenal (Group H)

19:45 GMT – Standard Liege V AZ Alkmaar (Group H)

Our Bets:

Value Bet: VFL Wolfsburg to WIN – 2.20 Bet365

It has to be Wolfsburg to get the better of Manchester United in Germany. Wolfsburg’s attacking prowess last season led them to the Bundesliga title and with United missing just about every defender in the squadm Patrice Evra the only exception, surely the forward pairing of Edin Dzeko and Grafite, a partnership which bagged more then sixty goals last season, should have a field day in front of the United goal probably filled with an unconvincing Ben Foster. Also, how can we forget that United have already qualified for the knock-out stage whereas Wolfsburg must win to fend off the challenge from CSKA Moscow.

The German champions to prevail over the English champions for us in a game which should produce it’s fair amount of goals.

VFL Wolfsburg (11/10), Chelsea (1/3), Barcelona (8/13) & Juve-Bayern (23/10) (Draw): 14/1 Accumulator – Bet365

Possible surprise result:- Rangers to DRAW in Spain…

The Scots’ only representative in this seasons competition and they’re already facing up to the fact that they’re out of Europe all together. Rangers have to be Scotland’s worst entry in a Champions League for some time, with their 1-1 draw with Stuttgart in Germany their only noteworthy result, or the only game which they didn’t get beaten, either way it makes for dire viewing.

However, it would be typical for Rangers, after a dreadful campaign thus far, to pick up a result in the toughest venue in Group G. On their previous showings they could be in for another hiding but that’s not worth the hassle with Sevilla currently 1/3 on to win in Spain. However, a small nibble on the DRAW at 15/4 could be worthwhile, if not for comedy value.

Sevilla-Rangers to DRAW – 15/4 Bet365

Debreceni VSC V Liverpool

Tuesday 24^th November – 19:45 GMT

Group E

Respective situations:

Debreceni – It’s now theoretically impossible for the Hungarian’s to progress any further in the competition but, however, a berth into the UEFA Europa League is a still a possibility, albeit a very slim one. For Debrecen to drop down into the Europa League they will need not only have to beat Liverpool on Tuesday night, but they will also have to beat Lyon in France, and hope Liverpool don’t beat Fiorentina at Anfield on the final match day. To put it bluntly, they would need a miracle. Bottom place in Group E beckons.

Liverpool – The five time winners of the competition have their backs to the walls as their fate within the tournament doesn’t fall into their own hands. Not only do they need to win both their remaining Group E fixtures, the first in Hungary, but they will also need Lyon, the current leaders of the group, to do them a favour in Florence, at least holding Fiorentina for a draw on Tuesday night. However although that does seem likely at first glance, Lyon have already qualified for the next stage of the competition after drawing with Liverpool on the previous Match Day, so perhaps their hearts won’t be in it and their distinct lack of hunger could be Liverpool’s downfall.  

Even if Lyon do frustrate Fiorentina in Italy on Tuesday night, Liverpool would still need to beat Fiorentina on the final Match Day, at Anfield. What a night that could be.

Debrecen

Group E Position: 4^th

Group E Form: LLLL

I’ve dreaded this game for some time as we simply know next to nothing about the Hungarian’s, despite our love for most European leagues. However, the Hungarian divisions doesn’t really attract too many eastern European followers, mainly because they don’t get the coverage due to their lack of appearances in the big competitions – The Champions League & UEFA Europa League. Nevertheless, that could actually play into their hands, or it could of, shall we say. They were somewhat of an unknown quantity before Group E kicked into life but that certainly isn’t the case any more, and now they have unfortunately earned the reputation of being the beating boys, the team everyone enjoys playing against as it should be an easy set of three points.

Although Debrecen have been a poor outfit thus far, they have still put up some form of resistance in some of their Group E encounters, none more so than against Fiorentina, a side Liverpool desperately need to slip up, also on Tuesday night. Debrecen scored all five of their goals against ‘Viola’ although they shipped plenty in return during the two meetings – nine in fact. On the same token, Debrecen unwillingly boast the worst defensive record in the group stages of the competition, with 14 goals conceded in just four outings. However, Liverpool were the only team out of the three big guns in the group not to put at least four past them so perhaps they do have what’s required to frustrate the Reds’ on Tuesday night.

Not only do Debrecen have the worst defensive record out of the 32 teams competing at this stage but they are also one of just two teams without a single point to their name. The other being Maccabi Haifa in Group A. They clearly haven’t got the funds back home to purchase the talent or even grow some home grown players of their own to compete at the biggest stage and this has shown in their Champions League displays of late, although, they did put in a creditable performance against Liverpool at Anfield, a game they lost 1-0. That was their highlight of the competition so far but they will be hoping to go one better on Tuesday by recording their first ever point baring result in the Champions League proper.

Liverpool

Group E Position: 3rd

Group E Form: WLLD

We have already summed up Liverpool’s predicament and we can clearly weigh up the difficulty of the task ahead of them. Were it completely in their hands then you would fancy the Reds’ to sail through, but that’s certainly not the case, far from it. Liverpool have been struggling all over the shop, with their severe drop in form in the Champions League being elegantly replicated back while in Domestic action, with Liverpool’s league title ambitions all but dead in the water after a disastrous run of results. Normally, however, when results back home have gone astray, Rafael Benitez has look upon the Champions League as an escape clause from the pressure cooker back home in England, but that hasn’t been an option this time around and their fate within the competition could all but be sealed with a Fiorentina win elsewhere.

Were Fiorentina to beat Lyon in Florence, or Liverpool failed to get the better of the Hungarian champions, then Liverpool would exit the competition at their earliest departure point for nearly seven years. Their last five Champions League campaigns has seen them bypass the group stages, some occasions easier than others it must be said, but an early exit is well and truly on the cards on Tuesday. However, we can’t keep focusing on results elsewhere as firstly, Liverpool will need to secure the win they so desperately need on the road in Hungary. Their away record thus far stands at 0-1-1, with the Reds’ still without an away win after a defeat in Fiorentina (2-0), and a draw in Lyon (1-1).  

If this game was based on form then Liverpool wouldn’t stand a chance as their fortunes both in this competition and back home have been dire. However, Rafael Benitez’s does have the injury card to play as a whole host of players have come down with various knocks and injuries. So far this season, just about every player in the Liverpool camp has suffered some form of an injury setback but it’s been the ones to their key players which has hurt them the most, the ones to Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres – Their talismanic duo.

Fernando Torres missed Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Man City at the weekend and looks likely to miss the trip to Hungary, also, although, Steven Gerrard did play the whole 90 minutes and will captain Liverpool in Hungary as they aim to keep their Champions League dreams alive. If we’re honest, his lack of match fitness shown in the weekend’s game as he didn’t have his usual swagger about him. However, he will enjoy the vast amounts of space the Hungarian outfit will give him and he could be the driving force behind an expected demolition job on Tuesday.

With Fernando Torres out, the forward debate could rumble on as Benitez racks his brain over whether to start with David N’gog, a young French U21 international who has yet to really find his feet, or Andriy Voronin, a Ukrainian international who has fluffed several golden opportunities that Rafa’ has handed him this season. The former looks the most likely after starting on Saturday but he’s only scored four goals this season, and it does appear the goalscoring mantle will be passed down to the midfielder’s – Yossi Benayoun, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, once again, although, Liverpool have amassed just 3 goals thus far, a worse tally then Debrecen themselves who have 5.

Match Verdict:- Liverpool to WIN – 1.36 Bet365

Anything but would not only be a major shock around Europe but also the nail in the coffin as far as Liverpool appearances in the Champions League go. It’s a must win game and we, along with everyone else, expect them to win and win well. Steven Gerrard will have no excuses after playing 90 minutes at the weekend, their defence have struggled to keep clean sheets but won’t have many better opportunities then against Debrecen, while our main concerns are with their blunt forwards. However, even they should prosper on Tuesday night, although it maybe a lot closer then we expect due to their severe lack of confidence, despite the fact that it should be a cricket score.

Match Odds:

Debrecen VSC – 10.00 PaddyPower

Draw – 5.00 PaddyPower

Liverpool – 1.36 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Bet: Yossi Benayoun Anytime Goalscorer – 3.75 WilliamHill

Arsenal V Standard Liege

Tuesday 24^th November – 19:45 GMT

Group H

Respective situations:

Arsenal – The Gunners will become the third English side to progress past the group stage as long as they avoid defeat at The Emirates against the travelling Belgian’s. Arsene Wenger’s side top Group H after three wins and a draw, still unbeaten in six games if you include their two qualifiers with Celtic before the group round proper. They are four points above the team in second place, Olympiakos, so a point is all that’s required for them to book their place in the last sixteen. Were they to lose then they would still only need a point to progress but would have to get that point in Greece against an Olympiakos side that would still be in the running come Match Day 6.

Standard Liege – The Belgian side are still in contention for a second place finish and with that a berth into the last sixteen. However, their dreams could be dashed if they do suffer an expected defeat at Arsenal and Olympiakos beat AZ Alkmaar in Holland. Defeat in England does look extremely likely for them so they will be hoping Alkmaar do them a massive favour elsewhere by at least earning a point against Olympiakos. Were AZ to beat the Greek outfit then Standard Liege would only need to beat the Dutch side in Belgium to progress, baring Arsenal gain at least a point in Greece against Olympiakos. However, were Liege to lose at Arsenal and AZ & Olympiakos to play out a draw, Liege would then need The Gunners to beat the Greek’s, preferably in a big scoreline, while they would need to beat AZ and beat them well back in Liege. A win for Olympiakos at AZ Alkmaar would spell the end for Standard.

Arsenal

Group H Position: 1^st

Group H Form: WWDW

It’s been an unconvincing campaign to date for the Gunners, despite their superior position within the group, a very easy group it has to be said. The same opponent caused them all sorts of problems in the reverse meeting in Belgium, with Standard taking an early 2-0 lead back in Liege. However, Arsenal did come up trumps in the end, via bit of good fortune, beating Liege 3-2, their first competitive victory over the Belgians. Now they go and hunt back-to-back wins over Standard Liege, one that would see them progress into the next round.

Arsenal appeared to be on-fire back in the league, that was until they met the seasons most improved team in Sunderland. Arsene Wenger’s side had their moments at The Stadium of Light but, to be brutally honest, they weren’t at the office and were duly dispatched for their lack of effort and endeavour. Darren bent scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Sunderland, a goal that ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run of fourteen games without defeat in all competitions. However, they have still yet to taste defeat at home, or drop a point at The Emirates for that matter, all season and that shouldn’t change on Tuesday.

Arsenal’s brittle display at Sunderland was specifically down to the absence of Robin Van Persie, as the Gunners simply lacked inspiration and the creative spark which Van Persie normally adds to Arsenal’s play in the final third. In the absence of the Dutch international, the mantle of lone striker was passed down to Eduardo, a role he didn’t come up trumps in. He showed very little in terms of off the ball movement, an aspect which makes the Arsenal machine work. Thomas Rosicky & Cesc Fabregas did try their utmost to add some creativity and spark into Arsenal’s play on Saturday but to no avail. With Robin Van Persie out for some time, questions will now be asked of the Gunners after their early prolific spell in front of goal.

Although Van Persie will once again be missing for Arsenal’s next outing, a home fixture with Standard Liege, Arsenal should still get the point they need to progress. They’ve been the pacesetters in the group, leading the way at the top by four points and also heading the goalscoring chart in Group H with 10 goals, conceding the 4 in return. However, Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in the Group Stage, that coming in a 2-0 win over Olympiakos. With Liege scoring in both of their away encounters to date, perhaps the Arsenal goal could be breached once more.

Standard Liege

Group H Position: 3^rd

Group H Form: LDLW

Standard Liege shouldn’t be short of motivation as they head over to London to take on Arsene Wenger’s, Arsenal side. Not only will they be gunning for revenge after their oh so nearly success in Liege, losing 3-2 to the Gunners after previously leading 2-0, but they will also have their sights set on possibly finishing in second place, hopefully at worst – third place. Although a win for the Belgian’s is unlikely, a point would put them in a very healthy position to at least obtain a third place finish as they head into a potentially Europa League deciding game with AZ in Belgium on the final Match Day.

Back home, Standard Liege have been a difficult side to beat, and, to some extent, they have been just as difficult to beat in the Champions League, with their two defeats in Group H both coming by the slimmest of margins, losing 2-3 at home to Arsenal, and 2-1 away in Olympiakos. Their only success to date came against Olympiakos, winning 2-0, but that did come back in Belgium and not outside of their home country, Liege have yet to register an Champions League away win, with the draw in Alkmaar the best they could manage thus far.

The attacking third is where Liege are most dangerous, as Arsenal found out on Match Day 1, but their intent to play on the front foot often leaves them exposed at the back, although their goals against tally of 6 isn’t the worst I’ve seen. They’ve scored the same amount in return, two of those coming against the Gunners, but they did endure just their second league defeat of the season on Saturday when they lost away at AA Gent, 2-1, while that defeat has meant that Liege have now lost two away league fixtures in as many games. Perhaps we could excuse them for possibly having their sights set on this trip to the English capital but what any side needs heading into a fixture of this magnitude and a game of such importance is form, and Liege’s weekend slip up has left them with very little in terms of that.

The two danger men for Liege will be their forward pairing of Mbokani & Milan Jovanovic. The latter averages a goal every other game for Liege, scoring 51 in 104 first team appearances, while Mbokani betters Jovanovic’s goalscoring average with 32 goals in 62 games. The latter will pose Arsenal a few problems from set-pieces with his imposing strength and stature, standing in at just over 6 foot tall.

Match Verdict:- Arsenal to WIN – 1.33 Bet365

It’s hard to envisage the Arsenal defence conceding more then the Liege back four, what with the array of talent Arsene Wenger has it his disposal compared to his opposite number. The midfield is where this game will be settled, in Arsenal’s favour that is, as the likes of Thomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri, Arshavin & Cesc Fabregas should dominate and control the centre of the park. Liege could pose a few problems when they do stretch their legs in the Arsenal third but we expect the game to be spent mainly the Liege third. Edurado will be aiming to amend for his baron 90 minutes at Sunderland on Saturday so perhaps he could prove a beneficial punt to score during 90 minutes as alternatives punts are advised due to Arsenal’s poor price.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.33 Bet365

Draw – 5.50 Skybet

Standard Liege – 12.00 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Bet: Eduardo Anytime Goalscorer – 2.10 BlueSquare