| Champions League 2007/08 Group Stage, Game 5 – Betting Preview |
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Sevilla v's Arsenal - Group HArsene Wenger's team are already through to the Champions League finals after only dropping 2 points from their first four games. They have yet to lose in the Premier League this season, proving that there European form is no fluke. They face a Sevilla side which they have only played once in the competition before, when the Gunners won 3-0 in the reverse fixture of this group. Even though Arsenal have already qualified, it is unlikely they will want to slack off, as finishing top will allow them to play a second placed qualifier in the next round. Sevilla will be looking for a win at home to avenge the first leg and guarantee there place in the last 16.
Best odds: Sevilla 6/5 totesport, Arsenal 53/20 expekt, Draw 23/10 bet365
Prediction: This one could be a stalemate as both teams are likely cancel each other out. Expect Sevilla to be on the offensive and test Arsenal's defensive qualities
Man Utd v's Sporting - Group F
United's dominance of Group F has been nothing short of emphatic as they have yet to drop a point so far in the competition. Sir Alex's side have given a clear message out to the rest of Europe that they really fancy the Champions League title this season. Having already gone through and some of the regular first team squad still recovering from injury, Man Utd may look to field some of their fringe players. Sporting have only won 2 of their last 16 Champions League matches so a trip to Old Trafford is likely to be a daunting one, considering Man Utd are unbeaten at home in their last 11 European competition matches.
Best odds: Man Utd 29/50 Canbet, Sporting 13/2 Boylesports, Draw 3/1 Betfred
Prediction: Even though Man Utd are not likely to field a full strength side they will be expected to beat Sporting at home by at least 2 goals.
VfB Stuttgart v's Rangers - Group E
This is a must win game for Rangers as they will not get a better opportunity to take 3 points in the remaining games of qualification. VfB Stuttgart's have not won in their last seven Champions League matches. One consolation for the German side was there last win in the competition was against Rangers in 2003 when they won 1-0. Rangers will be lifted with the knowledge that if they win Tuesday night and Barcelona lose, they will qualify for the next round.
Best odds: VfB Stuttgart 13/10 Lasseters, Rangers 47/20 Canbet, Draw 23/10
Prediction: The bookies favour the German side, but Rangers will be lifted by the opportunity to qualify if they win. I'm sticking my neck out here but I think Rangers could win by a goal.
Wednesday 28 November 2007
Celtic v's Shakhtar Donetsk - Group D
Gordon Strachan's Celtic have a real critical tie coming up on Wednesday. A win could see them stand a great chance of qualifying for the last 16. A lose could see their opponents take that opportunity themselves. Both teams are evenly poised on 6 points with Shakhtar Donetsk having a slight psychological advantage, by winning the first leg at home 2-0 in September. However, they will face a greater resistance at Celtic Park on Wednesday, as the passionate Celtic supporters will be adding a twelfth man to the pitch.
Best Odds: Celtic 10/11 Paddy Power, Shakhtar 67/20 Canbet, Draw 12/5 bet365
Prediction: Even though they lost the previous leg, Celtic's home form has been impeccable this season in the Champions League. I expect the Scots to nick it by a goal.
Liverpool v's FC Porto - Broup AAfter dishing out a 8-0 thumping to Besiktas two weeks ago and a flurry of wins in the domestic league, a win at home to FC Porto would appear to be a formality to Rafa's Reds. However the recent fallout between the manager and Liverpool's new owners could be cause for concern for punters. The bookies appear to have overlooked the fact that FC Porto top Group A and have yet to lose a game so far in qualification. With so much hinging on this tie for Liverpool, the pressure will be on them to take the game to the Portugese side.
Best Odds: Liverpool 1/2 Paddy Power, FC Porto 77/10, Draw 16/5
Prediction: With so much resting on Liverpool's home form, their odds are way too short. A much better bet is FC Porto to pinch a win and at these odds they are well worth a punt.
Rosenborg v's Chelsea - Group B
It was after the reverse fixture of this tie that Jose Mourinho walked out of Stanford Bridge, leaving a club that he had guided to several titles over his three year rein. The jury is still out on his replacement Avram Grant, however the Israeli manager has quietly been helping Chelsea back to its feet. They sit top of Group B in the Champions League and will qualify if they beat Rosenborg on Wednesday. Their Norwegian opponents are enjoying one of their best seasons in Europe's premier competition and will be eager to continue their run of good form. If they can beat Chelsea at home it will give they a great chance of qualifying for the last 16, something they have yet to do in this competition.
Best Odds: Rosenborg 11/2 Paddy Power, Chelsea 63/100 Lasseters, Draw 11/4 bet365
Prediction: Chelsea are in good form, but will not enjoy the Scandinavian climate at this time of year. This could end up being a 0-0 draw if conditions are extremely cold.
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