The Sports Bookie Blog

Champions League Online Betting Previews: April 22-23

April 15th, 2008

With a sense of déjà vu, the online Champions League betting market at PinnacleSports.com for the semi-final stage of the 2008 competition, features three Premiership teams, mirroring the situation a year ago. The big question is whether Barcelona can spoil the Premier League party, by beating Man Utd to the final, where they would face either Liverpool or Chelsea, who meet at this stage for third time in four years.

Dream Premiership Final Gets Another Step Closer

For the second successive year, three Premiership teams have reached the semi-final stage of the Champions League, bringing the possibility of an all Premiership final tantalisingly close. However, the might of Barcelona stand in the way of that dream for English football fans, facing Manchester United over two legs in late April. It was at this stage last year that the Red Devils were beaten by AC Milan, who went on to beat Liverpool in the final.

The Reds once again line up in the final four of Europe’s premier domestic competition, having eliminated Arsenal in a dramatic all or nothing game at Anfield. Liverpool face Chelsea at the semi-final stage of the Champions League for the third time in four years, with the Blues looking to avenge defeat on both previous occasions. The Londoners have had a miserable time in the latter stages of this competition also missing out on the final in 2004, beaten by Monaco. John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard – all survivors of that trio of heart-breaking defeats – will be desperate to break the Hoodoo. It should be to their advantage playing the second leg in London, though the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge can never rival the Anfield amphitheatre.

Despite Liverpool making the final in both 2007 and 2005, PinnacleSports.com price Chelsea favourites to progress 1.893 (0/scratch)* with Liverpool 2.030 (0/scratch)* – a market priced to only 102%.

Man Utd Chasing League & European Double

Manchester United are chasing a European and domestic double which would emulate (in part) the club’s achievements in 1999, when they landed a historic treble. Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are survivors from that memorable night at the Nou Camp when United scored twice in injury time to defeat Bayern Munich. Wes Brown watched from the bench, while Paul Scholes was suspended, giving him a huge motivation at the age of 33 to appear in a Champions League final. Inevitably Cristiano Ronaldo will grab most of the pre-match headlines, having already scored over 30 goals this season, and on course for World Player of the Year.

If Lionel Messi recovers fitness in time, the two best players in the world should share the limelight. Barcelona may be struggling in La Liga, but they have looked confident in the Champions League, looking to emulate their success in 2006. Ronaldinho won’t be playing, ruled out for the season, but there will be enough talent on show to make this an exquisite encounter, though captain Carles Puyol is suspended for the first leg.

Perhaps on the basis of their performances in Europe PinnacleSports.com price Barcelona favourites to progress 2.080 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Manchester United 1.855 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
* Odds subject to change so check out the latest Champions League odds LIVE at BookieLabRat.com – best odds at top online sportsbooks compared live.

Entry Filed under: European Football,Sports Betting