The Champions League has entered the make or break stage as teams try to qualify through to the knock stage. Four English teams have made it through this year with Manchester United and Manchester City leading the way. Chelsea and Arsenal are back again, however, Arsenal’s days may be numbered if they continue their poor start to the season. There are two games of interest today and another two tomorrow.
Of the four Premier League teams playing this week, Arsenal have the toughest ask. They travel to a well-seasoned Bor Dortmund and as the current German Bundesliga League champions, are worthy of their favourite status for this game. Bookmakers have been generous listing them as high as 5/4 to win. Arsenal on the other hand are drifting at 11/4 and may even hit 3/1 come match time. The draw is a popular bet at 12/5, however, given Arsenal’s current form, we’re tipping the home team to win this leg of they tie.
In today’s second game, Chelsea host the Bundesliga runner up Bayer Leverkusen. At home, Chelsea will be hard to beat. Bookmakers have Chelsea well in the red at 4/9 while Bayer Leverkusen are easing out beyond 8/1 in latest betting. It’s almost impossible to bet against Chelsea at home and we’re not about to. Chelsea to win in a fairly easy game – the question will be by how much and whether or not they can build a decent lead before the return half of the tie.
Tomorrow, Manchester United travel to Lisbon to take on Benfica. They were last seasons runners up in the Primeira Liga and should give a good account for themselves against United. Bookmakers are treating this game with a little caution pricing United at a shade over even money. Benefica are at 3/1 with the draw at 11/4. United should win this game, however, a draw would be good enough to take home for the reverse leg. We’re United to win a close game.
Manchester City host Napoli, a team once famous for its conquests with the great Maradonna. They finished third in last seasons Italian Serie A league, hardly tough competition for City at their best. Bookmakers have City at 2/5 with Napoli drifting out past 9/1. We’re tipping a Manchester City win – look for a bag of goals from the hosts – perhaps another 5-0 mauling.
In Champions League betting, Barcelona head the table at 2/1 from Real Madrid at 5/1. Manchester United are a healthy 7/1 followed by Manchester City at 11/1. Chelsea and Arsenal are unwanted in betting, with Chelsea the best at 15/1. We like the odds of Manchester United at this stage, although City could be ready to finally deliver on the high prices paid for their squad. United at 7/1 with a nibble on City at good odds – that’s our strategy for now.