UEFA Champions League Betting Preview

It’s Matchday 3 in the UEFA Champions League and we’re starting to approach the business end of the Group Stages. On Tuesday, Arsenal, Manchester United and Rangers all have the chance to move onto 9 points and more or less secure their passage into the knock-out stages.

United face a tricky trip to Ukraine to take on the pointless Dynamo Kiev. The Red Devils were on great form at the weekend, beating Villa with some silky football but may have to settle for a share of the spoils in a scrappier affair against József Szabó’s men. The bookies suggest United are clear favourites as they’re best priced at 4/6 (BlueSq, BetFred, Paddy Power & Stan James) but I think the safer bet is on there being less than 2.5 goals in the game, back this at 81/100 at Canbet.

The real value of the night could be at Ibrox where Walter Smith’s men could prove a stern test for Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona. There are already disgruntled noises emanating for the Nou Camp in relation to their hectic schedule and a bruising trip to Glasgow’s southside is probably the last thing Barca fancy at the moment. Deco limped out of their defeat at the weekend and Ronaldinho returns after a gruelling midweek in Brazil.

Rangers, on the other hand have some momentum both domestically and in Europe. Last time out the stunned French champions Lyon with a 3-0 win and as recently as Saturday took care of great rivals, Celtic, with another 3-0 victory. They’re well organised, physically strong and won’t allow Barca to play in the final third. With both teams on 6 points our of 6 and their group rivals yet to register a single point I think a draw will suit both teams. you can back this at 11/4 (Bet365 or Canbet), but I think the safer bet is to back Rangers on the Asian Handicap (+0.5, +1) at 51/50 with Ladbrokes.

In the same group, Lyon can get their campaign off and running with a victory over Stuttgart but back them on the Asian Handicap (0) at 91/100 with Stan James).

Wednesday sees Celtic take on Benfica in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and attempt to win their first ever away game in the Champions League. And whilst a full squad has travelled it may well be injuries to key players such as Vennegoor of Hesselink and McManus that might tip this the way of Benfica. Celtic’s form of late has been abysmal and that Champions League record makes Benfica one of the bets of the night. Last season’s 3-0 drubbing in Lisbon serves as reminder of just how vulnerable the Celtic defence can be on the road. Benfica at 21/20 with William Hill just seems to hard to resist. Celtic’s inability to keep a clean sheet also makes the over 2.5 goals at 5/4 with Stan James very appealing also.

In the same group, Shakhtar have been very impressive so far and the 8/1 (BetDirect, Skybet) to win at the San Siro seems very generous. 3 points is probably a step too far to be honest but they are certainly capable of running Milan close. back them with a (+1, +1.5) goal of a start on the Asian Handicap at 19/20 at Bet365.

Chelsea should see off Schalke at Stamford bridge. Back them at 4/7 at BetDirect for a guaranteed return.

Big Six Bets

• Under 2.5 goals in Dynamo Kiev v Man Utd – 81/100 at Canbet
• Rangers on the Asian Handicap (+0.5, +1) – 51/50 with Ladbrokes
• Lyon on Asian Handicap (0) – 91/100 with Stan James
• Benfica – 21/20 with William Hill
• Shakthar Donetsk (+1, +1.5) on the Asian Handicap – 19/20 at Bet365
• Chelsea – 4/7 at BetDirect

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