Champions League Predictions – Tournament Tips
UEFA Champions League Betting Odds
- Barcelona (2.62)
- Real Madrid (3.50)
- Bayern Munich (5.50)
- Chelsea (13.00)
- Arsenal (21.00)
- AC Milan (23.00)
- Inter Milan (26.00)
- Napoli (41.00)
- Benfica (51.00)
- Lyon (81.00)
- Zenit St Petersburg (101.00)
- Marseille (151.00)
- CSKA Moscow (251.00)
- Apoel Nicosia (251.00)
- Bayer Leverkusen (301.00)
- Basel (401.00)
Full Draw
- Lyon v APOEL
- Napoli v Chelsea
- AC Milan v Arsenal
- Basel v Bayern Munich
- Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona
- CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid
- Zenit v Benfica
- Marseille v Inter
The Challengers
Pre-tournament favourites Barcelona topped Group H with 5 wins out of 6 and no other team scored more goals in the group stages than the Catalan’s 20. Smarting from another El Clasico win, Pep Guardiola’s side still remain the team to beat both in Spain and also Europe. The reigning champions have one of the most gifted players on the planet in Lionel Messi and the Spanish contingent and experience in this competition should see Barca go far yet again. The draw against Bayer Levekusen is one Barcelona are expected to progress from.
Second favourites for the Champions League, Real Madrid currently top the Spanish La Liga ahead of rivals Barcelona. Jose Mourinho’s side won 6 out of 6 in Group D, scoring 19 goals and conceding just twice. Real have not really been tested so far in this season’s competition, but Mourinho has assembled an impressive squad with the likes of Ronaldo, Di Maria, Higuain, Benzema and Xabi Alonso and are quietly fancied to go further than Barcelona both domestically and in Europe this season. The draw of CSKA Moscow should also not pose too many problems, with Real yet to concede a goal away in Europe.
German side Bayern Munich secured top spot in Group A despite the presence of both Manchester City and Napoli. Four wins out of 6 in the Group is impressive, particularly as Bayern picked a number of fringe players in the last group game in Manchester and the defensive signings this season including Jerome Boateng have really strengthened the German backline. Mario Gomez is a talented marksman and on paper Bayern have the tools to progress a long way in this seasons competition. The draw of Swiss side Basel, on paper could not be more favourable for Jupp Heynckes’ side.
The Best of the Rest
Fourth favourites Chelsea have a difficult draw with Italian side Napoli looking to provide a stern test for Andre Villas-Boas’ side. The Blues topped Group E, conceding just 4 goals during the group stage and have yet to concede a goal at Stamford Bridge so far this term. Chelsea have been a bit hit and miss this campaign and the Champions League seems a more attainable trophy this season than the English Premiership crown. Owner Roman Abramovich’s desire to win Europe’s elite club competition has also been well publicised over the years.
Arsenal and AC Milan square off in the knockout stages and both sides have been resurgent of late. Arsenal are a beautifully attacking side, but have lost a number of key players over the years and defensively do not carry the same experience and competency of their European rivals. The over reliance on Robin Van Persie is also a negative for the Gunners.
AC Milan have a fully talented squad with the likes of Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Pato and Nesta. Midfielder Antonio Nocerino has come of age this season and the Italian league leaders should have the upper hand on their English rivals in this clash. The heart condition of forward Antonio Cassano means the Rossoneri may also strengthen when the transfer window opens in January.
Elsewhere Inter Milan are a long way short of Jose Mourinho’s Champions League winning side a few years ago, but should at least navigate passed french side Marseille. Napoli face a difficult draw against English side Chelsea and the Italian outfit may struggle to progress too much further this season.
Best Bet: Real Madrid to win @3.50
Value Bet: Bayern Munich to win @5.50
Long Shot: AC Milan to win @23.00
Related Posts
Bayer Leverkusen v Stuttgart Betting Tips →
Lyon v Monaco Betting Tips →
Dortmund v Hoffenheim Betting Tips →
