Wednesday Champions League Preview
28th November, 2007
Tonight will see Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic all try to take a further step towards the final 16 of the Champions League.
Liverpool face an uphill struggle, needing to win their two remaining fixtures, including tonight’s at home to Group A leaders Porto. Betfred are giving odds of 4/9 to win the game, with previous Champions League winners Porto priced at a huge 6/1, and higher in places. The other match in Group A sees Marseille travel to Istanbul to face Besiktas.
Chelsea can guarantee progression to the next stage from Group B with a victory in Rosberg. The Norwegians have been the surprise package of the group, where a win would also seal their qualification to the last 16. Betfred make the home side 5/1 to take the three points they are looking for, whilst Chelsea are a short ½ away from home. Elsewhere in the group Valencia welcome Schalke to La Mestalla, and will be looking to take all three points if they are to stand any chance of making the final stages. Valencia may provide some value at 4/6, whilst Schalke are given a chance at 7/2.
Celtic will be hoping to continue their great home run in Europe, as they host Shakhtar Donetsk in Group D. The Scots will guarantee their place in the next round with a 3-0 win. The bookies expect Celtic to take the spoils, available for odds just under evens. The fact that they have conceded just one goal in the last eight games in from of their fans may tempt a few punters to a value bet here. Group D also contains the holders Milan, who need one point from their trip to Benefica to secure qualification.
Real Madrid are in the same position, needing only a draw in Germany against Werder Bremen to seal their place in the last 16. Also in Group C, Olympiacos and Lazio will be scrapping for second place in the group in Rome, with both teams level on five points.
After securing qualification last night, Barcelona remain favourites to win the competition outright, at 4/1. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea make up the next most fancied teams.
