It isn’t well known where Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo currently stands in his bid to become the permanent leader of the London club, or at least as permanent as any is in that job, but it is widely accepted that this competition, and game in particular are crucial to the goal being achieved. In their way Chelsea find a Bayern Munich side playing in their home stadium, albeit not quite with a home crowd, and packed with established performers at the highest level.

While the Germans have a better pedigree in this tournament than their ‘guests’ it is worth noting that the gap between them is not as wide as some suggest, and certainly no bigger than the gap between Chelsea and Barcelona. Add to that the fact Chelsea will expect to finish this game with eleven men and you’d have to say rumours of their demise are over-anticipated, but whoever comes away with the cup will have to give everything they have to do so.

Bayern played out what was actually the better of the two semi-finals in the eyes of a lot of educated observers, their clash with Real Madrid being as technical and brilliant as any two-legged affair in recent memory, and balancing the squad in terms of their confidence may be the biggest hurdle for Jupp Heynckes to overcome after winning that, albeit on penalties. The underdog spirit suits the London club more, with many players having been taught siege mentality by the master Mourinho in his time at the club.

Both sides has some suspensions to deal with, although Chelsea arguably the more damaging with the loss of Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires, Raul Meireles and captain John Terry, suspended after a moment of genuinely stupidity against Barca. I’d personally say that while Terry is a big man at the club the loss of Ramires is the more serious, given his excellent form, and arguably Ivanovic is just as much of a key man, but the news Gary Cahill and David Luiz have returned to training may help cheer di Matteo up as he contemplates his defensive options.

Bayern will miss Luis Gustavo, Holger Badstuber and young David Alaba, who was excellent against Real after conceding an early penalty, but of those only Gustavo can be considered a key player at this stage in their career. The likes of Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Robben and Ribery are all available, as is goal machine Mario Gomez, the Chelsea defenders will need to play perfectly to contain the Bayern attack.

Bayern come in as a 5/6 favourite with SkyBet, while Chelsea are 18/5 with VictorChandler, and I think that is a little bit generous to the Germans. Playing a game of this magnitude requires concentration and poise, and defending is easier than attack, so Chelsea have a great chance if they can score on the break. Bayern winning 1-0 is on at 13/2 with VictorChandler, who have 7’s on a 1-1, and you’d be mad to bet on lots of goals, but I think there’ll be many a twist and turn afore this one is through.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Champions League Final Preview

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With the second leg of Chelsea versus Barcelona just a few hours away the Champions League still looks to have the power to surprise and delight in equal measure, and despite Barca being 2/7 (BlueSquare) to go through Chelsea, at 11/1 (VictorChandler) have a real chance at a second final. For all the Catalan craft, cunning and brilliant technique this is still a semi-final, where the pressure is immense, and the one-goal advantage the away team have is immense in those circumstances.

Admittedly Barcelona only need to win 2-0 (13/2, VictorChandler), and on the face of it that seems fairly doable, but the reality of actually doing so on a stage of this magnitude is nowhere near as easy as all that. The Spanish side need to score twice, where a single Chelsea goal from a fortuitous break would leave the game frantically out of reach for the home team. On the other hand, this Barcelona outfit are rewriting the book as far as modern football goes, and a win wouldn’t be a shock for Pep and his men.

Personally, if I do flutter at this one I’ll be backing Chelsea for two reasons. The first is that the value is pretty much all on the London side of things, and that is always a good start. Secondly, though, I’m desperate to see Barca go through to an all-Spanish final (139/100, BetFair) after becoming truly infuriated with the antics of Drogba in the first leg, so that way I get to feel like a winner whatever happens, more than can be said for one of these two sides.

Meanwhile, in Madrid the team Jose built with cash and controversy is taking on the most motivated Bayern side in a while, mainly due to the fact the Germans are one game away from playing a Champions League final at their home ground, which would be magical for them. Although the German giants won the first leg Bayern are 11/2 (SkyBet) to make it through, where the odds on Real are a less generous 8/15 (BetFred). Again, I think these are a little bit long on Bayern and we could well see a shock result, or at least a shock to the bookies.

One question to be answered is the ability of Ronaldo to produce under the huge pressure of an international or top European setting, but his goal against Barcelona on Saturday will have given him the belief he can do that more regularly. The favourite score for Madrid to qualify is again 2-0 at 17/2 (BetFair), although Bayern are given more hope than Chelsea, mainly due to theirs being the better team. The TV companies seems to have decided, along with the bookies, that Real and Barca will go through, but I think we could be talking about a different game to that come Thursday morning.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Champions League Odds, Final Four

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Now we’re into the last eight and the clubs all know their potential routes to the final the Champions League is finally starting to hot up, even if the favourites are obvious to everyone and some teams seem devoid of hope. Chelsea’s Lazarus-like display against Napoli proved it does not do to write anyone off, even a lowly Cypriot side managed by an enigmatic Serb.

The Spanish sides have the weight of the ‘makers behind them, and Ronaldo and co were probably pleased to see Apoel Nicosia (250/1, BoyleSports to win the CL) come out of the hat. Real Madrid are 11/5 with Coral to win the Champions League, and their mercurial Portuguese forward is 25/1 to by top scorer in the competition.

Mario Gomez of Bayern is 5’s with SkyBet for the same odds, and his side are also considered the best of the rest at this stage, if you discount the likes of Barca and Real. The German giants are available at 6/1 (Ladbrokes) as tournament winners, although being as they are scheduled to meet Real in the semi-finals they must have everyone firing at once if they are to beat the necessary teams.

For the Londoners I think the bookies are a little tight. BlueSquare offer 11/1 on Chelsea as CL winners, which is fairly poor when you think about their form and ability compared to the other sides, but their draw with Benfica (66/1, VictorChandler) at least provides them with a chance of progression. I should say, though, that Benfica are a better side than the Lisbon team that recently beat City, so Chelsea could easily crash out.

Milan (22/1, BetFred) fans nearly saw their side go out through sheer complacency against Arsenal, and they are Marseille (132/1, BetFair) have the odd pressure of being huge at home but unfancied for this particular pot. Of course, everyone is chasing Barcelona (7/5, BWin), and with their route to the final now planned that is unlikely to change, but one thing is certain, that this season has a huge potential to be as good as any competition in recent years.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Champions of Europe

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Chelsea Champions League Odds

The Champions League is well and truly underway this season, and Chelsea fans will be looking to the Chelsea Champions League odds hoping that their team will manage to fulfil their massive potential. Chelsea will be looking to lift the Champions League trophy this season following a series of near misses.

Chelsea Champions League Odds with Sky Bet see the Blues as 6/1 third favourites behind Barcelona (9/2) and Real Madrid (5/1) to lift the cup. Many Chelsea fans will be thinking this is their season, and that the 6/1 on offer from Sky Bet represents massive value. Other betting odds for the Champions League involving British teams have Manchester United at 13/2, Liverpool 10/1, Arsenal 14/1 with the Scottish clubs bringing up the rear. Rangers are 150/1 and Celtic are 200/1 to triumph.

As well as betting on the winner of the Champions League, Sky Bet also offer Champions League Top Goalscorer betting odds. Chelsea players offered by Sky Bet include Didier Drogba, who is 16/1 for the Golden Boot.

The 2009/10 Champions League is the 55th time the competition has been staged in various guises, and the first time it will have been staged following its new qualifying format. Chelsea will be hoping to be present at the final, which is due to be played on 22 May 2010 at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium. Bet on Chelsea in this season’s Champions League with Sky Bet and you will get a free £10 matched bet once you have placed an opening bet of £10 of more.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Chelsea Champions League Odds

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CHAMPIONS’ LEAGUE ODDS
The UEFA Champions’ League, which evolved from the European Cup, has been organized by UEFA since 1992. It is the most prestigious club competition in football.

Qualification

In 1997, eligibility was expanded to include the best performing runners-up, according to the UEFA coefficient ranking list. The coefficient is determined by clubs’ results in UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions’ League games over the past five seasons and used to allocate Champions’ League places to a certain number of clubs from each league. The English Premiership currently has 4 Champions’ League qualification places.

Past Results

From a national perspective, Italy, Spain and England lead the way, with 11 wins apiece. Germany and Holland have six wins each. As far as individual clubs are concerned, Spain’s Real Madrid boast the best record, with 9 wins, followed by Italy’s A.C. Milan with 7. English clubs have performed well, Liverpool with 5 wins and Manchester United with 3.

Champions League Winners Odds

Winning Nation Odds

Champions League Top Goalscorer Odds

Champions League Group Betting

The majority of online layers (such as Bet365 and Blue Square) offer Champions league odds on the winners and qualifiers from each of the eight qualifying groups. The “Big 4″ English clubs are all in the top two in the 2008-09 Champions League odds for qualification from their respective groups.

Stage of Elimination

BETFAIR offer Champions League betting odds on the stage at which the British club will be eliminated from the competition. Celtic, with just 2 points from 4 games and an apparent inability to win away from home, are overwhelming favourites to be the first British side eliminated.

Champions League Match Betting

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Champions League Odds

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ROMA v CHELSEA BETTING – 4th NOVEMBER

Chelsea’s next Champions League encounter is away to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome on 4th November. With 3 matches played, Chelsea top Group A with 7 points, CFR Cluj having 4 points, with Roma and Bordeaux on 3 points each. Stan James rate the Blues as 1/14 chances to win the group, while Boylesports have them at 1/250 to progress beyond the group phase. Roma are 8/11 with Paddy Power to qualify. The Rome encounter will almost certainly decide the group winners.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent Champions’ League encounter, at Stamford Bridge, the two sides had not met previously. Roma, currently strugglers in Serie A, put up a resolute defensive display. The visitors seemed content to settle for a point and were happy to stop the Blues playing their way through the centre. Francesco Totti operated as a lone striker, giving Chelsea the responsibility of breaking down the defence. However, Roma came close to taking the lead via Matteo Brighi in the 35th minute, only being denied by an outstanding tackle by Chelsea skipper John Terry. Chelsea enjoyed a great advantage in terms of possession and created a number of chances which they failed to convert. However, there was little evidence of the “beautiful game” desired by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, as the home side were continually frustrated by the resilient defending of the visitors. Scolari’s demeanour clearly demonstrated his displeasure with Chelsea’s inability to get on top. John Terry finally put paid to Roma’s resistance with a second-half winner. Terry rose majestically above the defence to head home from Frank Lampard’s 77th minute corner, giving the Blues a 1-0 victory and retaining top spot in Group A.

Despite their currently lowly position in Serie A, this was a spirited performance from Roma. Chelsea will need to be at their best for the return fixture in Rome. The Blues remaining fixtures are a trip to Bordeaux, who they beat 4-0 at home, and a home tie with surprise package CFR Cluj, who were good value for their 0-0 home draw with Chelsea and won 2-1 in Rome. Given that Chelsea should pick up at least 4 points from these two games, a draw in Rome should be sufficient to secure the group, while a win should make it a formality.

Key Players

ROMA:

Doni
6ft 5in Donieber Alexander Marangon, or simply Doni as he is more frequently known, is a Brazilian international goalkeeper, who joined Roma in August 2005. His first team appearances were initially limited by the presence of Italian under-21 international ‘keeper Gianluca Curci, but a series of impressive performances in cup competitions soon saw him promoted to the starting line-up. He is now widely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A.

Alberto Aquilani
24 year-old Alberto Aquilani is an Italian international midfielder, who, ironically, was offered a lucrative contract by Chelsea at the age of 16. Aquilani turned down the Blues’ offer, as his dream was to play for Roma. He is renowned for his thunderous long shots and while his goalscoring record is unspectacular (15 in 136 appearances for Roma), he has scored twice in 8 appearances in the 2008-09 season. Aquilani is often employed as a “holding” midfielder, a role in which he excels, as Chelsea discovered recently.

CHELSEA:

Deco
It came as little surprise that Deco, real name Anderson Luis de Souza, was coach Scolari’s first signing for the Blues. He signed the Portuguese international midfielder following a particularly impressive Euro 2008 tournament. The 31 year-old attacking midfielder has exceptional passing skills, which can tear opposing teams apart.

Salomon Kalou
Salomon Kalou was a surprise signing from Feyenoord Rotterdam in May 2006. Kalou was born in Ivory Coast but failed in a bid to obtain Dutch nationality in order to play for Holland at the 2006 World Cup. His Blues’ career started slowly, but with continuous improvement he regularly features on the left wing, or as an impact-making substitute. A pacy and dangerous performer, he can play on the wing or in a deep-lying role, making him a versatile asset.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Roma v Chelsea Odds

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ARSENAL v FENERBAHCE BETTING – 5th November

With 3 games played, Arsenal top Group G with 7 points, with Dynamo Kiev on 5 points and Porto with 3 points, while Fenerbahce languish at the bottom of the group with just 1 point. Arsenal are 1/10 favourites, with Stan James, to win the group, Dynamo Kiev and Porto are 10/1 and 25/1 respectively, with Paddy Power, while Fenerbahce are rank outsiders, attracting odds of 100/1 from William Hill. Prices to progress from the group phase are 1/100 Arsenal (BetFair), 1/2 Dynamo Kiev (Boylesports), while Paddy Power offer 2/1 about Porto and 10/1 Fenerbahce. Arsene Wenger’s troops now face a home tie with Fenerbahce on 5th November.

TV Coverage

Live TV coverage will be provided, from 19.30, by Sky Sports Xtra and Sky Sports HD3.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent clash in Istanbul, Arsenal and Fenerbahce had never met. Following a 5-2 hammering, Fenerbahce fans will probably be pleased that they hadn’t! It was the hosts’ first defeat in Europe at home in 16 matches. The Turkish side came close to drawing first blood in the fourth minute, with Gunners’ keeper Manuel Almunia having to rush out to smother Ugur Boral’s close-range shot. The (in)famous, intimidating Istanbul atmosphere was unmistakable from the kick-off, with every Arsenal attack greeted with boos and whistles from the Fenerbahce fans. However, Emmanuel Adebayor silenced the crowd in the 10th minute, springing the offside trap, collecting Cesc Fabregas’ pass and firing home for his third Champions’ League goal in as many matches. Fabregas replicated his defence-splitting pass a minute later and Theo Walcott rounded the goalkeeper, shooting inside the near post to put the Gunners two up. Fenerbahce were temporarily back in the game after 19 minutes, courtesy of a Mikael Silvestre own goal, but Abou Diaby restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead two minutes later. Both teams defended poorly, but Arsenal took their chances while Fenerbahce failed. Surprisingly, Spanish striker Daniel Guiza failed to convert two excellent chances just before the break. Four minutes into the second half, Alex Song volleyed in a fourth to make it 4-1. Guiza finally managed to find the net in the 78th minute, lobbing ‘keeper Almunia. However, in the fourth minute of injury time, substitute Aaron Ramsey fired in off a post to complete the 5-2 battering.

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are a home tie with Dynamo Kiev and a trip to Porto who they defeated 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. With Kiev’s other remaining fixtures being home ties with Porto and Fenerbahce, the showdown at the Emirates on 25th November looks the group decider.

Key Players

Arsenal

Theo Walcott
19 year-old Walcott set the Championship alight with Southampton, showing awareness, composure, confidence and ability beyond his years. Often coming off the bench to impress with his pace and skill, Walcott was a good “impact” player, but was often overawed by the big stage and could not hold down a first team place. However, with lightning pace, superb finishing, a brilliant footballing brain and good with both feet, Walcott possesses all the attributes for a striker in the modern game. He is now established at Arsenal and is a potent attacking threat.

Abou Diaby
Vassiriki Abou Diaby is a French international midfielder of Senegalese descent, signed from Auxerre in early 2006. Coach Arsene Wenger believed he could add a further dimension to the Gunners midfield. Such has been his success that he has earnt comparisons to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Lately he has been used on both wings for Arsenal, but appears better suited to a central midfield role. He has score 3 times in 10 appearances in the Champions’ League.

Fenerbahce

Gokhan Gonul
23-year-old Gokhan is a Turkish international right full back. He possesses abundant pace and is renowned for his ability to get forward, providing attacking scope. With his precise passing skills and the ability to beat defenders, he is a useful and versatile performer.

Ugur Boral
Ugur Boral is also a very gifted play-maker and surprises goalkeepers with his deceptively powerful shot. He is naturally left footed and is very versatile player, operating effectively as a left back, left sided midfielder or on the left wing. He was called up for the Turkish Euro 2008 squad, scoring the opener in the 3-2 semi-final loss to Germany.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Arsenal v Fenerbahce Odds

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CELTIC v MAN UTD BETTING – 5th November

Manchester United are joint leaders of Group E, along with Villareal, each side with 7 points. Celtic and Aab Aalborg seem to have no chance of progressing, having each gained only 1 point from three games. The bookmakers agree, with Manchester United attracting a quote of 4/9 to win the group from Paddy Power, with Villareal at 7/4 (Stan James), while Celtic are 125/1 (Paddy Power) and Aab Aalborg 500/1 (bet365). Odds to qualify from the group are 1/100 United (Betfair), 1/50 Villareal, 16/1 Celtic and 50/1 Aab Aalborg (all Paddy Power). United next visit Parkhead for the fixture with Celtic on 5th November.

TV Coverage

Live TV coverage will be provided, from 19.30, by Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent Group E encounter, honours were even between Manchester United and Celtic in Champions’ League encounters. In the 2006-07 competition, United triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford, while Celtic were victorious 1-0 at Parkhead. Since then, one of them has spent around £100 million and gone on to lift the Champions League. Any away win would do for the other, who have now lost 17 out of 18 games on their travels in Europe, and are the Champions League’s worst performers at away grounds. Manchester United contemptuously dismissed Celtic in their recent all-British encounter with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

The visitors were comprehensively outplayed and penned in their own half for long stretches. Dimitar Berbatov fired the home side ahead after 29 minutes, though seemingly offside. Celtic might have been level at the break when John O’Shea turned Shunsuke Nakamura’s free-kick towards his own goal. Thankfully for the Irishman, ‘keeper Van der Sar was alive to the danger. After 51 minutes, Celtic ‘keeper Artur Boruc failed to hold on to a fierce free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo, allowing Berbatov to complete his brace. Again, he looked suspiciously offside. Wayne Rooney joined in with a 76th minute goal, but even the 3-0 scoreline failed to reflect United’s total dominance.

Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably delighted with his team’s performance. However, he admitted that Celtic’s loss of Giorgios Samaras and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink was a major blow. Looking forward to the return fixture at Parkhead, he said, “We have to think a result in Glasgow will get us through. But Celtic have a very good record up there, so it will be a difficult game.” However, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan described Manchester United as the best team he had seen in Europe after they outclassed his side at Old Trafford. Strachan said that United were warm favourites to successfully retain their Champions’ League title.

Key Players

Celtic

Shunsuke Nakamura
Shunsuke Nakamura is a Japanese international midfielder, who has scored 22 times in 81 international appearances. He became the first Japanese player to score in the Champions’ League. A natural left-footer, he is versatile in terms of position, effective in left, right and central midfield. Renowned for his vision and touch, he is also a free-kick specialist. Slightly built Nakamura has been criticised for lack of strength on the ball. However, he has flourished in the physical Scottish Premier League. Former Tottenham Hotspur player Steve Perryman once remarked that Nakamura was so good, he “could open a tin of beans with his left foot.”

Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov finally earned his dream move to Manchester United after a summer-long transfer saga. The Bulgarian has already been to a Champions’ League final, with Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. He had two stunning seasons in the Premier League, scoring 46 goals in 101 appearances for Spurs in 2006-07 and 2007-08. His class, grace, passing and goalscoring ability attracted a price tag of £30 million. Having taken some time to break his goalscoring duck for United, he has now scored four times in two Champions’ League appearances.

Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar, the most-capped Dutch international ever, signed for United in 2005. He moved to Old Trafford after spending four years with Fulham. Van der Sar showed in his first few months at Old Trafford that he is an immense goalkeeper, commanding in his area and athletic and agile for such a giant of a player. A goalkeeper with great agility for one so tall (6ft 6in), he is a reliable and commanding figure – a colossus between the sticks. Van der Sar’s age (37) means that United may soon be seeking a long-term alternative. However, following Mark Bosnich, Fabien Barthez, Tim Howard and Roy Carroll, the majority of United fans will be delighted to maintain the status quo for as long as possible.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Celtic v Man United Odds

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LIVERPOOL v ATLETICO MADRID BETTING – 4th November. This match may be shown on Sky Sports

Liverpool’s next Champions’ League outing sees them host a Group D fixture with Atletico Madrid, with whom they recently drew 1-1 at the Vicente Caldron stadium, Madrid. Given their performance in Madrid, Liverpool will be hot favourites for the return fixture. The two teams, both unbeaten, top the group with 7 points each, and Paddy Power rate the Reds a 1/500 chance to advance from the group with Athletico Madrid at 1/40. With PSV Eindhoven having broken their duck with a 2-0 win over Marseille, it may not be a two-horse race, but the Anfield fixture must surely determine the group winners. Liverpool are currently 12/1 to win the Champions League with Bet365.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent encounter in Madrid, the two sides had never met. Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 15 matches, quickly settled into a decent rhythm and were by far the dominant force in the first half. After 14 minutes, skipper Steven Gerrard combined with Robbie Keane to unlock the Athletico offside trap, Keane slotting the ball home past ‘keeper Franco. The Reds, who looked like the home side, could have easily doubled their lead before the break. However, Irishman Keane missed a great opportunity from a Gerrard cross.

Atletico, coming off the back of three domestic league defeats, looked woefully short of attacking ideas in the first 45 minutes. The only first half excitement they provided for their fans was a 25-yarder from Diego Forlan after 40 minutes, which was just wide of Pepe Reina’s far post. Otherwise, the Liverpool ‘keeper could have safely read the evening paper for the majority of the first period. Under-pressure Athletico coach Aguirre substituted star striker Sergio Aguero for Luis Garcia at the start of the second half. The change lifted the Athletico side, who twice came close shortly after the break. Forlan actually had the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Within minutes, Simao produced a brilliant save from Reina. Liverpool became increasingly sloppy in the second half, and paid the penalty in the 83rd minute. Simao, unmarked in the Liverpool penalty area, was picked out by a precise Forlan pass and drilled home a low shot to level at 1-1. Indeed, Liverpool could have lost, with Reina producing another excellent save from a Miguel volley.

The result did not do just to the balance of play and Liverpool coach, Rafa Benitez, was deeply disappointed, considering it to be 2 points lost rather than a point gained. He is anxious to avoid the same scenario in the return fixture on 2nd November.

Key Players

Liverpool

Robbie Keane
Much-travelled “second striker” Robbie Keane signed for Liverpool in July 2008. Keane boasts impressive career statistics of 171 goals from 455 appearances for Wolves, Coventry, Internazionale, Leeds, Spurs and Liverpool. He scored his first goal for Liverpool in the Champions’ League win against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield and doubled his Reds’ European tally with a 14th minute strike against Athletico Madrid.

“Pepe” Reina
“Pepe” Reina, real name Jose Manuel Paez Reina, was signed by Rafael Benitez in July 2005, as he continued his Anfield rebuilding scheme. Despite doubts surrounding Reina, ironically the son of famed Athletico Madrid stopper Miguel Reina, he answered all his critics with a string of solid performances, following his move from Villareal. Agile, confident and a dominant force in the penalty area, he is an excellent goalkeeper, described by Benitez as “the best goalkeeper in Spain.”

Atletico Madrid

Simao
Simao Pedro Fonseca Sabrosa, commonly referred to as Simao, a Portuguese international for nearly a decade is a gifted right winger. Prior to his late strike securing Madrid a point from their recent home encounter with Liverpool, his only other Champions’ League goals came in the 2005-06 season against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Liverpool at Anfield. Renowned for his dribbling ability, he is a free kick and penalty specialist. However, he can also be a valuable defensive asset.

Diego Forlan
Diego Martin Forlan Corazo is a Uruguayan international striker. A former English Premier League winner with Manchester United in 2002-03, he signed for Villareal in August 2004, becoming La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals and helping his team to their maiden Champions’ League qualification. He joined Athletico Madrid in August 2007 and has scored 26 times in 57 appearances, including 3 from 4 in European competition.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Liverpool v Athletico Madrid Betting

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FENERBAHCE V ARSENAL BETTING – 21st OCTOBER 2008

Round three of the 2008-09 Champions’ League group stages sees Turkcell Super League runners-up, Fenerbahce, host Premiership 3rd-placed finishers Arsenal, in a Group G tie at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The two sides have never met before, so there is no head-to head form on which to base judgements. Get a Free £25 bet on Fenerbahce v Arsenal when you join either 888sport or Blue Square.

CURRENT FORM

Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce have made a poor start to their domestic season, having lost four out of six Super League matches to currently lie 12th in the table. Coach Luis Aragones’ worries have not been alleviated by his team’s opening matches in the Champions’ League. Fenerbahce were completely dominated by FC Porto in their opening tie. They were two down after 14 minutes, and despite Daniel Guiza getting one back, against the run of play, on the half hour, Lino’s injury-time strike sealed a straightforward 3-1 victory for Porto. Fenerbahce have boasted an excellent home record in European competition in recent seasons. However, their 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kiev was another lacklustre performance, with the Ukrainian side easily absorbing the pressure.

Arsenal
Arsenal have made a somewhat mixed start to their domestic season, amassing 13 points from 7 games to lie 4th in the Premiership table. However, losses at Fulham and at home to Hull tend to temper confidence somewhat. In the Champions’ League, Arsenal were lucky to escape with a point from their opening tie with Dynamo Kiev, in the Ukraine. The Gunners trailed to a Bangoura penalty after 65 minutes, but skipper William Gallas bundled in a late equaliser to save Arsenal’s blushes. Arsenal’s subsequent fixture against FC Porto at the Emirates Stadium saw normal service resumed, a brace each for Robin Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor securing a comfortable 4-0 win.

KEY PLAYERS

Fenerbahce
Punters will doubtless be familiar with the stars of the Arsenal team, but Fenerbahce’s influential players may be something less than household names. Skipper Alex (Alexsandro de Souza), former captain of the Brazil national side, was signed from Brazilian club Cruzeiro in 2004. Renowned for his playmaking, Alex is a skilful left-footed midfielder, who is a specialist at free-kicks penalties and corners. However, this has never stopped him scoring from open play and he is definitely one to watch. Another to note may be Spanish international striker Daniel Guiza, who became the Super League’s most expensive foreign player when signed from Mallorca for ?14 million, in July 2008. He has already scored twice in the current Champions’ League campaign.

Arsenal
Arsenal captain William Gallas has proved especially valuable in the 2008-09 Champions’ League, scoring twice against FC Twente in qualification, along with the equaliser against Dynamo Kiev. Signed from Barcelona in 2003, Cesc Fabregas has established himself as a technically gifted playmaker in the centre of the Arsenal midfield, and one of the most coveted young players in the game.

TEAM NEWS

Fenerbahce
Influential midfielder Emre Belozoglu and defender Gokhan Gonul picked up injuries during Fenerbahce’s 4-1 Super League home defeat by Kayserispor and have withdrawn from the Turkish national side’s World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Estonia. Early indications are that the Arsenal tie will come too soon for both players, who are likely to take some 3 weeks to recover. Emre, rated by some as one of the most accomplished Turkish players ever, is renowned for his dribbling and passing skills. 23-year-old Gokhan is a right full back, with pace in abundance. He is well known for his ability to get forward to aid in attack, precise passing and the ability to beat defenders. The balance of the Fenerbahce side will be upset by the absence of both players.

Arsenal
Cameroon international centre back Alex Song will be fit, having played a full 90 minutes against Sunderland recently. French midfielder Abou Diaby may also have recovered from a thigh injury, and as Arsenal have no new injury worries, coach Arsene Wenger should have a fully-fit squad for the trip to Istanbul.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

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