Champions League Betting
The Champions League returns this week and starting with Group A, Bordeaux managed by ex-French international Laurent Blanc have stormed this group so far. They entertain Juventus and the latest football betting odds have them at 2.60 with Juventus at 2.55. I find that slightly surprising given that Bordeaux are getting rave reviews this season and could become the new “Lyon”.
So much so that Sir Alex Ferguson even recommended Laurent Blanc as his successor once he steps down. Sometimes sports betting firms are a little slow to see a changing of the guard but judging by how Bordeaux have performed so far in this group then I just don’t see how Juve can be the favourites to win the game away from home.
Bayern Munich need to beat Maccabi Haifa at home to get back into contention but even that may not be enough depending on the result from France. Bayern can be backed at odds of 1.25 with Maccabi Haifa at 10.00, the draw is at 5.50.
Group B sees Manchester United host Besiktas and with qualification assured, they are sure to rest players although Ferguson may want to make top spot safe as this would mean that they could avoid some of the big guns in the last 16. The Reds are priced at 1.40 with the Turks at 8.00 and the draw is at 4.15.
CSKA Moscow host Wolfsburg and CSKA will need a win to get themselves back into contention for second spot in this group. They can be backed as favourites at 2.15 with the Germans at 3.20. Both betting odds look fair to me given the respective squads and the games to date.
Group C is turning into a real classic and I said at the outset that Marseilles have it in them to split the big two and they are pushing them all the way. Milan and Real Madrid both lead the group with seven points but Marseilles are only one point behind. However they must face both Milan and Madrid in their final games while the big two both face the potentially softer tie against FC Zurich.
Milan host Marseilles in the San Siro and a win for Milan and Real would see both of them qualify. Milan are favourites at 1.80 with Marseilles at 4.50. Real Madrid had a scare in Zurich before running away with it in the second half and winning 5-2 so even minus Ronaldo, they should overcome the Swiss side in the Bernabeu and are rightly 1.20 with FC Zurich at 12.00, the draw is at 6.00.
Group D is somewhat done and dusted with the only things left to play for are in who gets the top spot and who gets the Europa League place. Porto host Chelsea and things were pretty tight at the Bridge earlier in the campaign but Chelsea are flying now and Drogba is back. Porto can be backed at odds of 3.00 with Chelsea at 2.25, the draw can be backed at odds of 3.30.
The final match sees APOEL take on Atletico Madrid in what is a crunch game for the Europa League spot. APOEL are 4.05 with the Spaniards at 1.85 and the draw at 3.40. Whatever you decide to bet on then good luck.
Carl “The Dean” Sampson
