Champions League Predictions 12th & 13th April
One of several Champions League quarter finals almost completely sewn up is Shakhtar Donetsk against Barcelona. Last week we successfully predicted over 2.5 goals in the game as Barcelona ran out 5-1 winners at Camp Nou, but Tuesday’s encounter is likely to be far less clear cut. At the Donbass Arena the Hirnyky have won 4 out of 4 in this season’s competition including a 3-0 win over Roma in their last home game.
Barcelona on the road in this season’s Champions league have hardly been convincing with their only away win in 4 matches coming at Panathinaikos. Iniesta, Abidal and Puyol are all injured and according to some reports Pep Guardiola may lean towards introducing some less familiar faces for the second leg. With contrasting home and away records and no real need or urgency for Barcelona to go out and win the game, expect Shakhtar Donetsk to run the Spanish champions a lot closer.
Shaktar Donetsk 0, +0.5 AH (Asian Handicap) @1.925
One of the more delicately poised Champions League affairs this week comes at Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome Chelsea, with Sir Alex Ferguson rumoured to line up with the same formation and similar personnel in the first leg as Chelsea seek a vital away goal.
Chelsea were hardly convincing though at the weekend against Wigan as their misfiring attack continued. In the first leg at Stamford Bridge Van der Sar, Vidic and Ferdinand all illustrated their class and defensive ability as Manchester United picked up a creditable clean sheet. Ancelotti will be weary of conceding another goal and will look to establish a sound footing and tactical advantage in which to get back into the tie. A tight game is anticipated on Tuesday and with all 4 of Manchester United’s home games in this season’s Champions League having had no more than 1 goal at half time, another quiet first half looks on the cards.
Back both 0 (Exact 1st Half Goals) @2.5 AND 1 (Exact 1st Half Goals) @2.5 to ensure 0.5 profit stakes if the 1st half finishes with less than 2 goals