Premier League betting – Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal vs Chelsea betting preview

Arsenal: League Position: 2nd, League Form: WLWWL

After a tepid performance against Manchester United, and a little winter break, Arsenal now face Chelsea. This fixture has ended with the Blues winning by three goals in the past two seasons. Arsenal appear to roll over meekly in the big games. Recipe for disaster at The Emirates? Well, if there’s a time to face Chelsea then form suggests it’s now.

The usual problem is their defence against Drogba. Squillaci and Koscielny are not receiving rave reviews in North London or further afield, but they may be lucky to find Drogba still a couple of steps off of his best form.

The return of Fabregas and form of Nasri mean their midfield will have a force of creativity unlike any other team in the league.

There’s a sense that this is the time for Arsenal to prove they can win the title, and back-to-back defeats to the two big teams in the Premiership would certainly put a dent in that ambition.

Chelsea: League Position: 4th, League Form: LLDDD

Backing Chelsea has been a dangerous habit of late. The champions haven’t won a league match since the 10th November, and it can be argued they were the beneficiaries of the cancelled game against Manchester United last week. That game now lands in March, and most would expect Ancelotti’s side to have recovered their form and fitness by then.

But, with questions to answer, would you really want to bet against Drogba pulverising Arsenal’s defence again? Of all the players in the squad the Ivorian is the one who has failed his side most lately, with poor performances (albeit down to struggling with malaria) and then a penalty miss in stoppage time that could have turned one point into three at White Hart Lane in their last game.

The positives are hard to ignore, and with an extra rest period with last week’s postponement Chelsea are looking stronger. A fitter Essien, Drogba and returning Frank Lampard. They’ll be confident that this is the place to kick-start their campaign.

Match Prediction: CHELSEA WIN – Best odds 2.88 at Victor Chandler

The outcome of the big matches is always hard to pick, and though the draw is tempting, and possibly acceptable for both these sides, the stats suggest this is the day Chelsea will turn things round.

Chelsea have lost only two of their last 18 matches against Arsenal in all competitions, and have won the last five meetings. The Blues have scored 11 goals in their last four league games against the Gunners, conceding only once. It is 290 minutes (four hours and 50 minutes) since Nicklas Bendtner scored Arsenal’s last goal in the league against Chelsea.

Drogba has scored 13 goals in his 11 league and cup appearances against Arsenal. 8 of these were in the league, and that’s more than he’s scored against any other side.

If Frank Lampard had stepped up late against Tottenham in the last Chelsea game you’d imagine the revival would have began already. It’ll start Monday.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.95 Bet 365,
First Goalscorer: Didier Drogba – 7.00 Paddy Power
Correct Score: Chelsea Win 3-1 – 34.00 Blue Sq

Match Odds:-

ARSENAL – 2.63 Bet 365
Draw – 3.3 Bet Fred
CHELSEA – 2.88 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Arsenal vs Blackburn

Arsenal vs Blackburn betting odds, tips & free bets

Arsenal League Position: 2nd League Form: DWWDD

Arsenal are being billed as the only real competition in the race for the title against Manchester United, but will need to stop putting in lacklustre performances such as the one last weekend against West Brom. They will be boosted by the fact that Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song and Abou Diaby will be returning from injury. Theo Walcott’s return coincides with the suspension of first choice Blackburn left back Gael Givet, meaning that Walcott could be a good shout to open the scoring after having such a great season before injury, he is priced at 7.0 on BetFred to do so.

Arsenal will also be boosted by the fact that star striker Robin Van Persie has been declared fit for the weekends clash as well, his 11 goals in 16 matches is evidence of the influence that he can have on the game. So at odds of 1.75 on UniBet for a bet that is likely to pay off why not have a go. Arsenal are still having goalkeeper troubles though and accident prone Manuel Almunia looks set to start ahead of veteran Jens Lehman, so the Gunners are still likely to suffer from their usual defensive worries so why not bet on both teams scoring at odds of 2.05 on William Hill.

Blackburn League Position: 13th League Form: LDLLD

Blackburn are in 13th position and one would expect with a position like that, that it would be difficult for them to be dragged into a relegation dogfight. When looking closer though, they are only 1 point away from the relegation one so games like this where unexpected victories can be earned could be very valuable in this final run in. Nikola Kalinic has already provided 4 goals from the bench this season and looks set to warm the bench again for this fixture, behind Roque Santa Cruz. So a bet on him being the last goalscorer is definitely one that should be considered for this fixture, with odds of 16.0 on UniBet.

So with Blackburn’s form being discernibly poor it looks like the Gunners should run out winners here, they have won their past 8 home fixtures against Blackburn so with a fit first tam and few defensive mistakes Arsenal should walk this one. A 3-1 win for Arsenal at odds of 11.5 on Betfair should be enough to tempt anyway.

Highlighted Bets:

First Goalscorer Theo Walcott 7.0 BetFred
Anytime Goalscorer Robin Van Persie 1.75 UniBet
Both Teams to Score 2.05 William Hill
Last Goalscorer Nikola Kalinic 16.0 UniBet
Correct Score Arsenal 3-1 Betfair

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Arsenal vs Newcastle

Arsenal vs Newcastle betting preview

Arsenal League Position: 2nd League Form: LLWWW

After the midweek display against Shakhtar Donetsk that started out so promising and ended in a lacklustre performance that looked nothing like the Arsenal we have become accustomed to see this season. Theo Walcott was the only Gunners player who looked like a serious threat at goal, so at 6/1 on SkyBet to be the first goalscorer he could be a worthwhile bet.

Their last league showing against bottom of the table West Ham was another distinctly poor one and although they may have come out 1-0 winners it was only down to a late Alex Song goal, who looks set to miss this game along with long term absentees Robin Van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen and Manuel Almunia. However with Arsenals strong squad they look set to field a strong side most probably with Marouane Chamakh leading the line and with Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin (If deemed fit) providing support from the flanks.

This kind of line up means that Arsenal are rarely short on goals and can find them from all over the pitch, meaning a high scoring match is always probable with 12 of their last 15 games in all competitions having over 3 goals.

Newcastle League Position: 7th League Form: LLDWW

Newcastle’s return to the Tyne-Wear derby after their season in the championship was by far there best performance of the season with Captain Kevin Nolan scoring a Hat-Trick that was added to by Shola Ameobi’s 2 goals. Kevin Nolan looks a fair shout to carry on this scoring form at 14/1 on StanJames and for those of you who feel a second consecutive hat trick is on order the odds of 175/1 at PaddyPower would be foolish to miss!

The Magpies though do have one key asset who has come well this season in Andy Carroll while he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet in the derby he was there contributing and provided the assist for 4 of the 5 goals. Newcastle’s league form away from St James Park has been shaky too and their defensive frailties have been highlighted by the more skilled teams like Manchester City.

Important figures as well as Carroll though will be the midfield duo of Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan who will need to put in a shift and a half if they are to overcome Arsenals strong midfield. This is where the main battles will be and it looks more likely that Arsenal will come out on top with the quality of Cesc Fabregas and England starlet Jack Wilshere shining through.

Recommended bets:

Theo Walcott First Goalscorer 6/1 Sky Bet
Kevin Nolan First Goalscorer 14/1 Stan James
Correct Score- Arsenal 3-1 10/1 Sky Bet

By John Fernandez

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Champions League betting – Spurs vs Werder Bremen

Spurs vs Werder Bremen betting preview, odds and tips

Spurs – Champions League Group Form: DWLW

How to top the best possibly the best weekend any Tottenham fan has had in recent history? It’s a tough ask, but if any man can then it’s Harry.

The return of Jermaine Defoe in the second half on Saturday turned the game. Even without doing much, his threat is one constantly heeded and toying with the mind of a defender. The pace he brought also changed Tottenham’s approach. The fact they’ve torn apart Inter Milan without their best striker shows the potential this side has.

That game showed the ups and downs of a classic Spurs side, and Harry Redknapp has done well to keep true to the Tottenham way whilst making them successful. And, against a flailing Bremen side, has the chance to make history again by firing his side through to the knock out stages of the Champions League.

Werder Bremen – Champions League Group Form: DLDL

Outside of Bayern Munich, it’s easy to think the German league’s best side is Werder Bremen. Many will be shocked to see this champions league side struggling so much in their own country.
Out of form Werder will have to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday not only without captain, and best player, Torsten Frings but also missing ex-Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre and striker Marko Arnautovic.

Seven games without a win and two goals in their last five games doesn’t suggest a team worth a punt, and it’s no surprise to see the bookies shortening Tottenham’s price. Consider the goals Tottenham have scored and their approach in this competition, then consider that Bremen’s last two away games ended 4-0 and 6-0.

Match Prediction: Tottenham WIN – 1.5 Bet Fred, Paddy Power.

The tour de force that has been Tottenham’s Champions League run this season shows no sign of stopping. Spurs sides of years gone by haven’t been able to score 3 goals away at Arsenal, let alone 3 goals when not playing anywhere near their best. Compare that to the dismal recent defensive record of the German side and there’s scope for destruction at the Lane this Wednesday.

Defoe could return for his first start since injury, and there is really little to suggest he’ll meet much resistance in this midweek tie. There is no chance Redknapp will rest any of his best players either, a win here almost guarantees qualification, instead of leaving them with a must win clash away at Twente on the last day of the group stages.

Any number of Tottenham players are in goalscoring form, so preference for Defoe, Bale and Van Der Vaart will be the deciding factor in goalscorer choices. With Defoe still not fully fit and Bale likely to be wide stretching the German side, Van der Vaart may find gaps and knockdowns, feeding off the scraps to score first.

With goals on offer, Bremen’s form suggests the one team in Europe they don’t want to play is free-scoring Spurs. Enjoy.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.57 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Rafael Van Der Vaart – 5.75 Victor Chandler
Correct Score: 4-0 Tottenham Win – 23.00 Bet Fred

Match Odds:-

Tottenham Hotspurs – 1.5 Bet Fred, Paddy Power,
Draw – 4.8 William Hill
Werder Bremen – 7.00 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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Champions League betting – Spurs vs AC Milan

Spurs vs Milan betting preview, odds and tips

Tottenham Hotspurs: League Position: 5th, League Form: WWWLD

Ask any football fan how a team should prepare for a crucial Champions League knockout tie against the might of AC Milan and their response would not be a defeat at Blackpool followed by a draw at Wolves. Since triumphantly outplaying the Italian giants in their own backyard at the San Siro, Tottenham’s defence has shown itself to be weaker than originally thought. They need only a clean sheet to progress through the round, they’ve let in six goals in the past two games against two of the poorer teams the Premier League has to offer.

The positives are there for all to see, and their attacking nature and outstanding pace were highlighted all the more against their stagnate opponents in the first leg of this tie. Joint top scorers of the group stages, they were always likely to threaten Milan. In a controversial game it was of no surprise to English football fans to see Aaron Lennon rip a tired Milan backline to shreds with raw pace before presenting Peter Crouch with an unmissable chance. He took it, and Tottenham got a result they deserved. A performance of anywhere near the amount of class will ensure them safe passage, especially with Bale and Van Der Vaart both likely to return.

AC Milan: League Position: 1st, League Form: DWWWW

The story of Milan’s group stage varies massively to that of Tottenham. Earning only eight points, they scored only seven goals, conceding that same amount, and did the Italian thing; just enough. However, they could barely handle Spurs, and there is no doubt they will be a little bit scared.

Without Pirlo, Ambrosini and Gattuso, rightfully charged for his ridiculous behaviour in the last tie, Milan have lost their core, their most experienced and successful players, although Flamini and Van Bommel can add much of the bite Gattuso’s absence. They will again rely on Ibrahimovic and Robinho to go out and win them the game, with Seedorf, Pato and Cassano as options on who will support them.

Unbeaten since December in domestic football, they’ve only lost three league games this season, and the Tottenham defeat was their first in 11 games. They cannot be accused of weakness away from home either, having this weekend travelled to Turin to defeat Juventus 1-0. Safe to say, they don’t feel this tie is over. And they may be right.

Match Prediction: Tottenham Win – 2.25 Paddy Power

Form and statistics can tell you a lot of things, but so can 90 minutes of football. Tottenham were superior across the park in the San Siro during the first leg, and they seem to have a style to stifles Europe’s finest. Attack is the best form of defence according to many, and there’s no doubt a Harry Redknapp side will play to attack.

As for the tie as a whole, Milan need to score, and two would do them very handy. Their defensive instincts may need to be thrown away. This is why this tie intrigues, both sides could do with learning a little from the other. The absence of Pirlo, Ambrosini and, to a lesser extent, Gattuso limits Milan’s midfield influence, but it’s the pace of Spurs they seem to struggle with. Lennon showed them before why he’s dangerous, and the possibility of combining him with Bale in this match could be electrifying.

Peter Crouch got the decider in the reverse fixture, and got under his opponents skin all evening. They couldn’t handle his lofty frame, or his elegant touch, and he’s overpriced at 8.00 to repeat the first goalscoring trick, especially with the width Tottenham play with at home.

There should be goals, Milan need them and Spurs can’t help but search for them, even if it means conceding a few on current form.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Bet Fred
First Goalscorer: Peter Crouch – 8.00 Sky Bet
Correct Score: Tottenham to win 3-1 – 19.00 Blue Sq
Both teams to score: Yes – 1.83 Sky Bet

By Chris Wilkerson

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Champions League betting – Spurs vs Inter Milan

Spurs vs Inter Milan betting preview, odds and tips

Tottenham’s first half collapse in their last Champions League game cost them dear as they went down 4-3 to Inter at Giuseppe Mezza. But despite the defeat Spurs still stand at 2nd in the table with a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage. With a win and a draw before the defeat under their belts in Europe this season you can’t help but feel Redknapp’s men have every chance of getting a result, which is reflected in the odds with Tottenham best priced at 17/10 on Paddy Power. Unfortunately, their injury problems continue which will have an effect on their chances with several players already on the sidelines. Rafael Van Der Vaart is now a doubt after limping off in the weekends defeat at Manchester United with a hamstring complaint.

Inter Milan

Reigning champions Inter go into the clash with Spurs top of the group and looking to put one foot into the knockout stages. Although it has been a summer of change for the Italian giants, with Jose Mourinho going to Real Madrid and Rafael Benitez coming in, the squad that won the unprecedented treble last season remains in tact. With Samuel Eto’o in red hot form this season after 15 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions, there is no wonder he is favourite to open the scoring and is best priced at 13/2 with StanJames. Unfortunately Inter travel to England with injury concerns over Esteban Cambiasso and goalkeeper Julio Cesar, while Dejan Stankovic and Thiago Motta will definitely miss out.

With not much separating the two teams on the market the draw at 12/5 with Sky Bet represents the best value for money. As Inter will come to White Hart Lane looking to keep it tight and Tottenham will not be wanting to have to come from behind again. The correct score of 1-1 looks a good bet at 6/1 with William Hill for those looking for more of a return on their money. While if you think Gareth Bale can come back to haunt Inter again then odds of 12/1 on him being the last scorer are very good at Stan James.

Reccomended bets: Draw at 12/5 with Sky Bet

By Sam Markham

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Champions League betting – Spurs vs FC Twente

Spurs vs FC Twente betting preview, odds and tips

Tottenham entertain Dutch outfit FC Twente in the Champions League on Wednesday aiming to bounce back after two defeats in the space of four days. Spurs suffered extra-time agony at home to arch rivals Arsenal in the Carling Cup and West Ham compounded more misery on the North Londoners with a one nil reverse in the Premier League last time out. But can Harry Redknapp’s men pick up their first three points in Europe after letting a lead slip in Germany in their opener?

Seemingly cruising to an impressive victory in the Weserstadion almost a fortnight ago, Werder Bremen pegged back goals from Peter Crouch and a Petri Pasanen own goal to earn a share of the spoils. And although the match ended in complete contrast to how it began, it was a matter of two points lost rather than one gained. But, certainly a deserved point nevertheless, something ‘Arry would have taken before a ball was even kicked. FC Twente’s impressive home draw with Inter Milan also meant all four clubs in a wide-open Group A were tied on one point.

Spurs would have earmarked the clash with Twente as a chance to collect a maximum points return leaving themselves with the best possible chance of last 16 progression. They have been chalked up at 4/5 with Ladbrokes to make it a win and a draw from their first two games and this looks a snip of a price. Wigan are the only team to have beaten Spurs at White Hart Lane this season, but by their own admission they were poor that day and it seems inevitable Twente will be in for a much sterner test. We saw how easily how Tottenham dispatched of Young Boys at home in qualifying and a similar scoreline would come as no surprise. For this reason, they seem value to win both halves at Bet365’s generous 8/5. The WHL faithful could be treated to a flurry of goals once more and the over 3.5 goals market appeals at 11/5 (Victor Chandler).

Very few expected FC Twente to get anything from their opener with Inter Milan but the team from Enschede displayed a battling spirit and resolve for manager Michel Preud’homme. While it was Steve McClaren who guided the club into European competition, the Eredivisie champions seem to be playing for their relatively new Belgian gaffer. They have made a typically bullish start domestically and are yet to be beaten in their first seven outings, but can they defy odds of 4/1 (Betfred) against English opposition? Indeed, they can contest this match and make it difficult for the home side and will no doubt have some backers after the Milan draw. Perhaps a draw is more likely, and 11/4 (Boylesports) is reasonable.

The First Goalscorer Market is worth exploring with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch joint favourites to grab the opener at a creditable 11/2 with Paddy Power. It could be worth chancing an outsider in this one though and Gareth Bale can reward those backers at 11/1 (Betfred). The Welshman hasn’t score since a brace against Stoke in late August but is more than capable of opening his European account on Wednesday. Another player not to overlook is new signing Rafael Van Der Vaart who makes all the right noises at 17/2 (Bet365). The Dutchman has settled into the Spurs midfield nicely and will know more than most about the weaknesses of Twente. Can he exploit those frailties and give Harry a fantastic start in the Champions League?

Reccomended bets: Draw at 13/5 with William Hill

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Champions League betting – Real Madrid v Tottenham

Real Madrid v Tottenham betting preview, odds and tips

Real Madrid host Tottenham in the first leg of the Champions League Quarter final after reaching this stage of the competition for the first time since 2004.  While Tottenham go to the Bernabeu looking for a priceless away goal and to come away with a result that still leaves hope of progression going into the second leg at home. Spurs overcame AC Milan in the last round as Real Madrid eased through against Lyon with a 4-1 aggregate win.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will be a real force to be reckoned with in this year’s competition as two time competition winner Jose Mourinho looks to add to his impressive trophy collection. Madrid are looking for a 5th straight home win in the competition and they are currently unbeaten having scored an impressive 18 goals. Mourinho has instilled some defensive stability into the Galacticos without sacrificing the firepower, and with Karim Benzema out injured, Gonzalo Higuain could continue upfront after returning from injury on Saturday. The 23-year-old has scored 7 goals in 13 games so far in the league and is a great bet at 6.0 with Skybet to open the scoring. Madrid are clear favourites to win the match and best priced at 1.44 with Stan James, and rightly so after Jose Mourinho only recently lost his first home league match in 9 years as a manager. Much of Madrid’s chances will depend on whether injured trio Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo are risked, as all 3 are key players.

Tottenham

Tottenham overcame all the odds when they produced another great European performance in the last round, knocking out AC Milan after winning 1-0 in the San Siro and drawing 0-0 at home. Their recent league form has stuttered though, winning none of their last 4, and so their chances of retaking 4th place again have taken a blow. Spurs also have their injury worries with Gareth Bale doubtful to face the Spanish Giants. The Welsh winger has been one of the standout performers this season and if passed fit may just make the difference going forward. Rafael Van Der Vaart was signed from Madrid in the summer and has been in great form so far this season. This Dutchman is Spurs top scorer and a good bet at 4.0 with Sportingbet to get on the score sheet at any time. Although huge outsiders, there is good money to be had in a Tottenham win and if you think they can repeat the performance in the San Siro a few weeks ago, then Unibet are offering odds of 22.0 for a 1-0 away win.

Highlighted Bets

Real Madrid 3-1 WIN – 14.0 Paddy Power
Gonzalo Higuain first goal scorer – 6.0 Skybet
Rafael Van Der Vaart  anytime scorer – 4.0 Sky Bet
Tottenham 1-0 WIN – 23.0 Coral
Madrid to score first 10 mins – 5.0 Skybet

By Sam Markham

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Champions League betting – Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Real Madrid vs Barcelona betting preview, odds and tips

Real Madrid have proved with recent performances they can compete with Barcelona, and whilst this has come too late for the league, the recent run of Spain’s biggest derby being played four times in a month has given them a Copa Del Rey win and confidence they can take this semi final to victory.

This run of four games comes into the third here, and Real can be happy with not losing either of the first two, both ending in draws over 90 minutes. This time out do they need to win, considering the difficulty of getting a result at Camp Nou?

They have not looked like losing yet in these past two games either, even when a goal down with 10 men in the league fixture. Mourinho has set about strangling midfield space, using an attacking trio spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo to counter with pace. The most important figure in this side has been Pepe, pushed out of central defence to a holding midfield role. His aerial threat has disrupted the Barcelona defence too, nearly scoring in each game from corners. Even with Carvalho unavailable it is likely Pepe will stay there and Ramos and Albiol will combine at the back.

To see Barcelona’s recent performances against Real Madrid you would be forgiven for thinking they were playing Inter Milan of last season, their Champions League nemesis coacher, of course, by Jose Mourinho.

Words have been, and will continue to be, written of the beauty of the Spanish champions play, but the first two of the four El Clasico’s have seen a suffocated Barcelona, strangled of space and forced down corridors away from goal. The first derby of the season, back in November, was easy for Barcelona as Madrid pushed and pressured, or least attempted such tactics, across the pitch, which left gaps for Xavi and Iniesta to dictate, and Messi and Villa to strike. This time Madrid sat deep, worked hard and forced Barcelona to play in front of the defence, instead of through them.

The positives are of course their brilliance, the fact they are the best side in the world. David Villa scored his first goal in 11 games at the weekend, whilst Lionel Messi reached the enormous total of 50 goals for a season.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.4 Stan James

To say there could be four draws in succession in these ties was unthinkable at their beginning, but Mourinho has found a formula that forces Barcelona out of their rhythm, a tactic he used against them at both Chelsea and Inter Milan. Can they do it over 180 minutes? And can they do it in a way that helps them through to the final?

Barcelona have the advantage of the second leg being at home, and will look only for an away goal here. This tie will only be over for them if Real score four or more without conceding in this leg, which seems unlikely given their style. They will have confidence in their ability to finish off this semi final at home.

Real Madrid, however, do not fear Barcelona anymore. Going into the second leg with it all to play for will be an acceptable state of affairs for both sides.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Coral
First Goalscorer: Pepe – 34.00 Blue Sq
Correct Score: 1-1 Draw – 7.00 William Hill

Match Odds:-

Real Madrid – 2.75 Victor Chandler
Draw – 3.4 Stan James
Barcelona – 2.8 William Hill

To Qualify:-

Real Madrid – 2.75 Victor Chandler
Barcelona – 1.53 Bet 365

By Chris Wilkerson

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Champions League Quarter Final betting

Football betting preview for the Champions League

Reigning European champions FC Barcelona will continue the defence of their crown after being paired with the side they beat to win the competition in 2006, Arsenal, in the quarter finals. The Catalan giants powered past Stuttgart in the last 16 defeating the Germans 5-1 on aggregate and they travel to the Emirates to do battle with Arsene Wenger’s gunners in the first leg. Juliano Belletti’s winner broke Arsenal hearts in the final in the Stade de France almost four years ago, and Barca are 5/4 favourites to record another success over the North Londoners and take a lead back to the Nou Camp. The gunners are a generous 7/4 to make home advantage count before travelling to Spain with a priceless lead, while a draw in the first leg is being chalked up at 11/5. Pep Guardiola’s side have been replaced at the summit of La Liga in recent week by El Classico rivals Real Madrid but they are a very short 2/5 to brush aside Arsenal into the semi-finals. Wenger’s side have never tasted Champions League success and are currently fourth favourites at 9/1 to fly the trophy back to the capital.

Last Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland, was the first time since 1998/99 that six nations were represented in the quarter final draw, and a first time that a team from Russia had advanced this far in the competition. CSKA Moscow’s 3-2 aggregate victory over Sevilla, meant they were Russia’s sole representatives after Rubin Kazan’s group stage exit. Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan provide the opposition for a team that could only muster a fifth place finish in the Russian Premier League last season. Chelsea’s conquerors Inter lie in wait after comprehensively defeating the Blues over the two legs in the last round. The San Siro plays host to the first leg and at 6/1 the bookmakers feel the away side have little chance of taking a lead back to the Russian capital. The ‘Special One’s’ Internazionale are a short 2/5 to take the first leg while the draw pays out at 11/4. The Milanese have not won the European cup since back to back successes in 1964 and 1965 and Hills list them as third favourites to win the competition outright at 10/3. CSKA are the rank outsiders for European glory at 33/1.

The S.A.S put Bayern Munich to the sword 11 years ago when Manchester United met Germany’s most successful club in the1998/99 Champions League Final. Two years later Bayern beat United in the quarter-finals en route to lifting the trophy themselves. And this year’s quarter-final meeting will provide an intriguing test for Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side who humiliated AC Milan 7-2 over two legs in the previous round. But United cannot call on Sheringham and Solskjaer this time around when they travel to the Allianz Arena to challenge the Bavarian outfit. Bet365 cannot separate the pair who have won Europe’s biggest club prize no fewer than seven times between them. Louis Van Gaal’s men are 6/4 to record a victory after away goals in Florence ensured progression; the Red Devils are the same price to gain an advantage while the draw is trading at 21/10. United are odds on at 4/9 to breeze past Munich and into the semi-finals. And they are second favourites to repeat their 2008 success in Moscow at 3/1 and prevent Barcelona being the first club to retain the Champions League. Bayern are a distant 12/1 to win the competition outright.

The two remaining French clubs left in the competition were drawn against one another in the quarter finals. Current Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux make the journey east to Lyon, who find themselves languishing in 6th place in the French league, five points adrift of their Champions League opponents. But they did manage to provide the shock of the round last time out, gaining an invaluable draw in the Bernebeu against the Galacticos of Real Madrid. Miralem Pjanic’s volleyed strike sent Madrid’s £200 million assembled squad crashing out of the competition early and kept Lyon on track for a maiden European success. Lyon’s first leg home advantage means they are slight favourites to come out victors at 21/20 before the return leg in Bordeaux, who are 11/5. A draw in the Stade de Gerland is a plausible 21/10. Both Lyon and Bordeaux are long price outsiders to lift the Champions League crown in the Santiago Bernabeu on 22 May, the former at 14s and the latter 16s.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have no further part to play in this years Champions league but the seven goals he has already amassed thus far, make him 11/8 favourite to finish as the competitions top scorer. Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are both stuck on four goals and are joint second favourites at 9/4. But with potentially five games still left to play, lump on either overtaking the Portuguese ace in the goalscoring charts.

Reccomended bets: Wayne Rooney to be Champions League top goalscorer

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Article by Mikey Mumford