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

h1>Champions League betting – Milan vs Spurs

Milan vs Spurs betting preview, odds and tips

AC Milan     Form: DDWWDD    League Position: 1sr

AC Milan edged out of group G in second place with only a single point over 3rd placed Ajax. However the Italian giants have some real firepower in their side and currently sit top of the Italian Serie A. Milan also boast an impressive goal record after managing 40 goals in 24 league games this season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the Rossoneri’s top scorer this season with 13 league goals and 4 in the Champions League and a great price at 9/2 with Stan James to open the scoring on the night. Milan may though have to be a bit more careful in defence if they are to come out on top over the two legs after they conceded 7 goals in just 6 group games. Despite this they are strong favourites to win the first leg at home and best priced at 5/6 with Betfred and plenty of other bookmakers.

Tottenham     Form: WDDLWW    League position: 5th

Tottenham’s European adventure continues on Tuesday night when they face a tough clash away at Giuseppe Meazza after exceeding expectations and finishing top of their group above Inter Milan. Although Tottenham have had a good season in the Premier League, Redknapp’s men have perhaps not scored as many goals as they would have liked. Rafael Van Der Vaart has been central to their success this season after scoring 10 goals in the league so far this season and the Dutch is a good bet at 8/1 with Stan James to score at any time in the game. Gareth Bale has also shone this season and Tottenham’s chances may depend on the fitness of the left-winger. Despite being clear underdogs for the first leg, Spurs are still seen as able to progress over the two legs and are best priced at evens with most bookmakers to do so.

Match Prediction Milan WIN best priced at 1.75 with Paddy Power

Tottenham’s chances look slim in Italy on Tuesday when they could be facing a front line of Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Antonio Cassano, which should give their back four a real test. Spurs have saved their best performances for Europe this season though and if you feel they could cause another shock on Tuesday then odds of 37/10 are available from Unibet for an away win. On the other hand a 3-1 Milan win is showing great odds of 15/1 with Unibet. It is also worth bearing in mind that Tottenham have been very resilient this season and have taken more points than any other team in the Premier League from losing positions.

Highlighted Bets

3-1 Milan WIN – 14/1 best odds with William Hill

R Van Der Vaart Anytime goal scorer –Best odds 5/2 with Sky Bet

Z Ibrahimovic 1st goal scorer – 9/2 with Stan James

By Sam Markham

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Champions League betting – Milan vs Man Utd

AC Milan vs Man Utd betting preview, odds and tips

Two sides who have won the Champions League no fewer than nine times between them – AC Milan (7) Man Utd (2) – prepare to lock horns in the last 16 of the competition on Tuesday evening. The San Siro plays host to two of Europe’s most decorated clubs and whilst their European pedigree’s cannot be doubted; but will the return of David Beckham overshadow the importance of this star-studded clash? Beckham’s Milan are 9/5 with Boylesports to take a first leg lead against United, and the bookmakers are finding this one very tough to call with the Red Devils a short 8/5 price to win in Italy. The draw is chalked up at 11/5 with Bet365.

Winners three years ago, AC Milan scraped through to this years knockout rounds after pipping Marseille to second place in Group C behind group winners Real Madrid. The Rossoneri managed by former Brazil ace Leonardo, amassed just nine points in the group stages but did beat the Galacticos of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ironically, Madrid’s long list of Galacticos consists of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, two players who could have been facing each other on Tuesday had Real President Ramon Calderon not snared the pair last summer. Despite the departures of their key men, the ten other areas on the pitch boast quality, quality which sees both clubs challenging both domestically and in Europe.

Ex- Milan player Leonardo replaced the Chelsea bound Carlo Ancelotti in late 2009, and whilst his side have reached the last 16, they have somewhat played second fiddle to city rivals Internazionale in Serie A. AC currently find themselves third in the league – a massive 8 points behind leaders Inter – and last Friday’s 3-2 win over Udinese ended a four game winless run. A brace from Dutchman Jan Klass Huntelaar ensured the Rossoneri kept pace with second placed Roma and maintained their slim hopes of catching Inter. Milan and United have met just four times in the Champions league in the 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 seasons respectively. However, Manchester United fans look away now because their head to head records don’t make pleasant reading. United have only managed to defeat Milan once in all four of these meetings and that was a 3-2 win at Old Trafford almost three years ago. This result did not prevent the Italian club knocking out the Premier League Champions however, as United couldn’t avoid defeat in the reverse leg at the San Siro. Something they will have to do this time around to increase their chances of progressing to the quarter final stages.

So, Sir Alex Ferguson’s long, illustrious and distinguished career has had just four meetings with AC Milan and if head to head’s are anything to go by, the United chief faces an uphill struggle to outwit his opponents this year. However, Fergie’s side are on a great run of form and the Scot will be delighted with his team’s current level of performance ahead of this crunch tie. United topped Group B with considerable ease with 13 points, losing only once against Besiktas. Master Fergie with all his European experience takes on the apprentice in Leonardo and the former must plot his battle lines in the knowledge that Milan have still to come to Old Trafford to face his 2008 winners.

The midweek draw at Aston Villa ended United’s four game winning run which saw them defeat neighbours City and rivals Arsenal. But Chelsea succumbed to a Louis Saha brace at Everton which meant the point gained at Villa Park closed the gap to just a solitary point between them and the Blues. And with Wayne Rooney in the form of his career, it seems nailed on that the England striker will score at anytime during the tie. Bank on Roon at 15/8 with Boylesports to add to his 23 goals in all competitions this term in the San Siro. Milan’s main goalscoring threat lies with fans’ favourite Ronaldinho who represents good value at 6/1 to open the scoring, young Brazilian starlet Alexandre Pato is next best at 11/2. Goalscoring aside, both teams ooze quality all the way through the park and Hills offer a poor 11/10 that both teams score on Tuesday.

AC Milan’s squad has an average age of 31, but can their experienced veterans stop a rampant United at the San Siro?

The appearance of David Beckham, whether this is a cameo one or the full ninety minutes, it is sure to steal all the headlines either way. Becks is back for a second stint at Milan after returning on loan from LA Galaxy and he has already singled out the return leg at Old Trafford as his ‘big day’ out. Beckham hasn’t played on the hallowed turf he used to once grace weekly during his ten years at United which ended infamously in 2003. His time in Manchester might have ended prematurely but the man dubbed ‘Golden Balls’ will be vying to put one over his former employees. Can Beckham deliver one of his trademark free kicks or can United keep him quiet over the two legs? The bookies think Beckham is a longshot to score in either leg, SkyBet offering a best price of 11/4. To score at Old Trafford Becks is 9/2, he is priced at 2s to receive a yellow card which seems more reasonable than the 20s he is quoted as to receive his marching orders. And finally just for fun on the Beckham specials, the former England skipper is 5/1 to exchange shirts with Wayne Rooney at the final whistle.

Recommended bets: Draw at 11/5 with Bet 365

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Champions League betting – Marseille vs Manchester United

Marseille vs Manchester United betting preview, odds and tips

United domestically in the league have been infallible, it has been in cup competitions they have come unstuck. Last weekend’s fragile display against Crawley being a prime example of this, while it’s not expected that Sir Alex will send out the kids for such a crucial tie, performances like that are definitely ones the Red Devils will be looking to avoid. Players like Gabriel Obertan, Tiago Bebe and Michael Carrick who underperformed heavily at the weekend will struggle to find a space in the team.

United’s main threat this season has come from Dimitar Berbatov, but he may strangely in this European tie be dropped to the bench in favour of a more defensive 4-5-1 formation, with Wayne Rooney leading the line. So with Rooney still struggling for form of late where will the goals come from, look no further than the one and only Luis Nani. Nani has scored 9 goals this season in all competition and thrives under the pressure of big games, and the 4-5-1 compliments him nicely allowing him to almost play as a 2nd deep striker. So with odds of 11.0 on Victor Chandler to score first he could be great value. With United likely to play 4-5-1 and stifle the game you can almost guarantee that it will be a low scoring game, just like when United play any big team. So a bet on the total goals being less than 2 at odds of 2.62 on Bet365 looks very good.

Marseille

Marseille are currently sitting in third place in the Ligue 1 table after winning the title last year. Manager Didier Dechamps has already come out and said how important a game this is, and that they need to get some kind of advantage before the 2nd leg in Manchester. Star striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, is already out of the fixture and goalscoring duties fall too top scorer this season Lucho Gonzalez, who with odds of 6.5 to score anytime in the fixture on William Hill could be a veery good bet seeing as he in such good form at the moment.

Marseille’s domestic form has been very strong, winning there last 3 games and not being defeated in 6, but in Europe we all know that form back home counts for very little, a lot comes down to simply who wants it more on the night. United look set to be very fired up after the Crawley debacle and will most likely win this game and with odds of 7.0 on Totesport for a 1-0 United win.

Highlighted Bets:

First Goalscorer Nani 11.0 Victor Chandler
Total Goals Under 2 2.62 Bet365
Anytime Goalscorer Lucho Gonzalez 6.5 William Hill
Correct Score 1-0 Manchester United 7.0 Totesport

By John Fernandez

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Champions League betting – Man Utd vs Valencia

Man Utd vs Valencia betting preview, odds and tips

Champions League Group Position: 1st, Champions League Form: DWWWW

Imperious Manchester United lost their shine last week after an awful performance in the Carling Cup against West Ham. A weakened side it may have been, but in a team that prides itself on its strength in depth this was an embarrassing result and performance.

However, many a team will have faced an angry Manchester United side, and even if the players may not be the same as in that defeat, the manager still is. Alex Ferguson doesn’t take defeat lightly, and he won’t want any sort of negative run have its chance to fester ahead of crucial games against Arsenal and Chelsea.

With the return of form for five goal Dimitar Berbatov against Blackburn and Wayne Rooney returning to full fitness, along with supporting cast Nani and Park Ji-Sung, Manchester United at full flight still scare anyone. A point takes them through top of the group, which can be vital come the knockout draw. They’d expect at least that.

Valencia: Champions League Group Position: 2nd, Champions League Form: WLDWW

Valencia were unlucky to lose at home to United in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, making the better chances and having more control of the match. However, they were taught a lesson by an incisive and experienced European side, who drew them on before counter punching fantastically.

The threat they carry in La Liga has waned slightly of late, where early form suggested they could maintain an outside title push, they now trail league leaders Barcelona by 13 points, and Espanyol in the Champions League spot by four points.

The most impressive part of their continued attacking threat is how they’ve coped with the loss of world class talents David Villa and David Silva. Juan Manuel Mata and Roberto Soldado have filled the shoes of these stars impressively. These two, along with the likes of Joaquin and Vicente, carry enough threat to cause damage in any game, and they’ll travel to England knowing they’re capable of getting points.

Match Prediction: Manchester United Win – 1.73 Victor Chandler  

Both teams are safe as far as qualification goes, and as such this game could fade into a bit of a damp squib. If United can score early, there’s a chance Valencia will drift through the rest of the game and let this game finish without event.

It could be a game neither side wants to lose without forcing themselves forward in search for a win. United will be content to control the game without too much hassle, and a clean sheet after letting in four the week before would be ideal.

Of course, with little to lose, there’s also a chance that both sides will approach this game with no fear and trust their attacks to damage the others. A watching neutral can only hope.

If any player needs a goal rush to start then it’s Wayne Rooney. Berbatov isn’t a prolific scorer and certainly isn’t value at the same price as the England striker. It’s only a matter of time until the goals start to flow, the old adage applies here; Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 goals – 1.9 Bet 365

First Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney – 5.5 Stan James

Correct Score: 1-0 – 7.0 victor Chandler

Match Odds:-

Manchester United – 1.73 Paddy Power

Draw – 3.6 PaddyPower, William Hill

Valencia – 5.25 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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