Champions League Preview

Following the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League Barcelona are the 9/4 (general) favourites to lift the trophy. The Catalans head the market ahead of Real Madrid at 5/1 (BetVictor), Bayern Munich are 71/10 (pinnacle). Borussia Dortmund are 41/5 (pinnacle), Juventus are 12/1 (boylesports), Man Utd are 14/1 (general) and PSG are 22/1 (Coral). At bigger prices Shakhtar Donetsk are 33/1 (general), Arsenal are 40/1 (general), Malaga 50/1 (general), Porto 50/1 (general), Schalke 66/1 (BetVictor), Valencia 66/1 (general), Milan 100/1 (general), Celtic 200/1 (Coral/You Win) while galatasaray are 250/1 (general).

The team I like the look of best is Juventus at 12/1 (boylesports). The Old Lady are a strong well organised side who will be difficult to break down. Scoring goals is perhaps their main problem though they are being heavily linked with Didier Drogba which would be a great addition and would give them a totally different dimension to their play.

The British sides did not receive a great draw and it is as short as 7/4 (betfred) that all the British sides are eliminated at this stage. This looks a decent price as Arsenal are forced to go against Bayern Munich, Celtic are against Juventus while Man United take on Real Madrid. Skybet are offering 11/1 that a British side goes on to win the tournament which does not appeal at all.

Another side who appeal at a bigger price are Shakhtar Donetsk at 33/1 (general). This price I think is a result of them going up against Borussia Dortmund in the next round and the Germans were hugely impressive in topping a group with Real, City and Ajax. That said Donetsk also impressed in qualifying and with the greatest respect to the Germans Donetsk will not be afraid. If Donetsk can get themselves into the last eight then this price will come tumbling down on them.

One final side I think look worth a little Champions League interest is galatasaray at 250/1 (Coral/william hill/You Win). Do I expect them to lift the trophy? No. What I could see though is them beating Schalke and putting themselves in the last eight. It is highly possible they then might face a Malaga/Porto and these prices could come tumbling down. In terms of an investment with an option to lay out then the Turkish side appeal.

Elsewhere the Europa League draw was made with the last 32 and last 16 matches being decided. The market is headed by Atletico Madrid who are 7/1 (general) chances. The Spaniards face Russians Rubin Kazan in the last 32 before a game in the last 16 against either Olympiacos or fellow Spaniards Levante.

Chelsea are among four English sides remaining in the competition and are 8/1 (Blue Sq/888 Sport), while Tottenham are 18/1 (bet365), Liverpool are 20/1 (ladbrokes) and Newcastle are 35/1 (You Win). If you want to combine all four you can get an English side to win at 9/4 with sportingbet who are also going 21/5 an Italian side, 19/4 a Spanish side, 6/1 a Russia side, 7/1 a German team and 9/1 the winners come from the Ukraine.

Other expected to go well in this competition are Inter at 12/1 (general), Anzhi Makhachkala at 14/1 (general), Napoli 18/1 (Blue Sq/888 Sport), Zenit at 20/1 (general), Bayer Leverkusen 25/1 (ladbrokes), Lazio 25/1 (general), Benfica 28/1 (Coral) and Lyon at 28/1 (Coral).

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Juventus to win Champions League, EW 12/1 (Boylesports)
SILVER: Shakhtar Donetsk to win Champions League, EW 33/1 (general)
BRONZE: Galatasaray to win Champions League, EW 250/1 (Coral, william hill)

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07/01/2013     © Frixo 2024