Champions League Betting – October 3
Here’s some game previews from Handicap betting specialist PinnacleSports.com. (Sorry, no US bettors).
After only one round of fixtures, the 2008 Champions League betting market has changed dramatically, with Chelsea drifting like a barge in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s exit. The Blues’ game against Valencia at the Mestalla is a critical clash for the embattled Premier League club, but there are several mouth-watering matches across the eight groups, and one place to find up to 60% better Champions League odds – PinnacleSports.com.
Chelsea Must Dig Deep to Avoid Defeat at Mestalla
The clouds over Chelsea football darkened on the weekend as they failed to score in their fourth straight Premier League fixture. The Blues dropped to eighth in the division after the 0-0 draw at home to Fulham, which saw Didier Drogba red-carded, and John Terry substituted at half-time with a fractured cheek-bone, making him a real doubt here. Chelsea failed to beat Norwegian minnows, Rosenborg, at home on match-day one, so will be desperate to avoid dropping more points. On the back of their dismal form, and the inability of new coach, Avram Grant, to steady the ship, the Londoners must travel to Valencia for this tough Champions League clash.
It was at the Mestalla in last season’s quarter-finals that Chelsea showed all their grit and determination – characteristic under Mouriho – to turn a 1-0 half-time deficit into a 2-1 win at 90 minutes. Even optimistic Chelsea fans would hesitate to suggest they are capable of a similar performance under current conditions. Valencia, by comparison, are enjoying an excellent run. Since losing their opening La Liga game, they have strung together seven consecutive wins, including away to Schalke on match-day one of the Champions League. The attacking trio of Morientes, Villa and Silva have six league goals between them and will look to terrorise the unfamiliar Chelsea full-back pairing of Alex and Ben-Haim. Chelsea start as under-dogs with PinnacleSports.com 3.650 who make Valencia 2.20, and the draw 3.250.
Celtic Ready to Capitalise on Milan Crisis
Celtic coach, Gordon Strachan, should be upbeat ahead Wednesday night’s Champions League tie at Celtic Park. Though he will show the respect that the visit of reigning European Champions warrants, there simply couldn’t be a better time to play AC Milan. Since winning on the opening day of the Italian season, Carlo Ancellotti’s side have gone five Serie A games without a further victory or clean sheet. Hosting minnows Catania on Sunday at the San Siro, the Rossoneri only salvaged a 1-1 draw courtesy of a very dubious penalty shortly after half-time.
Worse still, Ancellotti lost defender, Kakha Kaladze, with a suspected groin strain. It is however, the ongoing injury to Ronaldo, that is hurting Milan most. In his absence too much goal-scoring responsibility falls on his compatriot, Kaka, who is showing the strain of that continuing burden. Scottish Champions, Celtic, warmed up with a 3-0 home win over Dundee United, that took them to the top of the SPL. The Bhoys will welcome the news that the chances of Shunsuke Nakamura’s involvement are steadily improving. Last season Nakamura was instrumental in getting the Hoops’ through the group stages for the first time in the club’s history, only to lose out in the last sixteen to Milan. The clubs shared a goalless draw in Scotland, and another at the San Siro, before Scottish hearts were broken in extra time by Kaka. On Wednesday night they have a perfect opportunity for revenge. Despite their form PinnacleSports.com make AC Milan favourites 2.180, with Celtic 3.670 and the draw 3.350.
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