Previews: The 2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals
The 2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals hang in the balance after the first leg games ended in stalemate, but one way or another on Tuesday and Wednesday night we will find who the finalists will be. With two such finely balanced ties, no-one would rule out the drama of penalties.
Lampard Loss A Sad Blow for Chelsea
Every professional European footballer would love to play in a Champions League semi-final, but some things are more important than football. The sad death of Frank Lampard’s mother last Thursday, underlines this, and Chelsea’s influential midfielder is unlikely to play on Wednesday night against Liverpool as he takes time to get over the loss. Lampard’s absence may improve Liverpool’s chances of overcoming Chelsea’s away goal advantage; punters should however, note that the Londoners beat Man Utd on Saturday without him, and the Reds will themselves be without Brazilian left-back, Fabio Aurelio, who is out for the season with a groin injury.
Despite the likely absence of Lampard, Chelsea are favourites to go through having earned a crucial – if somewhat fortunate – away goal at Anfield. The Pool must now either win the tie, or produce a higher scoring draw to reach the final in normal time, or replicate the 1-1 draw to take the tie to extra time. Unfortunately for Rafa Benitez their record at Stamford Bridge suggests this is unlikely. The Reds have failed to score in an amazing eight games at the Bridge under Benitez, and Chelsea have lost just once in normal time at home in any competition since September 2004 (against Barcelona).
In that context PinnacleSports.com (top rating Handicap sportsbook) price Chelsea favourites to reach the final 1.556 (0/scratch)* with Liverpool 2.700 (0/scratch)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Will United Pay for Ronaldo Penalty Miss?
Cristiano Ronaldo was philosophical when asked about his penalty miss in the opening minutes of Manchester United’s semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. The Portuguese winger promised to make amends the wasted opportunity saying ‘I will score at Old Trafford’. Alex Ferguson and all United fans will be hoping Ronaldo’s confidence is well-placed, but with the talent that Barca bring to the Theatre of Dreams, he may still come to regret his mistake. In 2000 United faced Real Madrid in a second leg quarter-final at Old Trafford, after a 0-0 draw at the Bernabeu, only to lose 3-2.
Though the Red Devils had another genuine penalty claim waived away, the first leg was otherwise dominated by the Catalans. With quick forwards such as Henry, Eto’o and Messi, Barca could punish United but outside of European competition, those rare talents have failed to deliver on the road. Coach, Frank Rijkaard, has been unable to establish a successful formation, and has been hindered by injuries to key players. Messi, Deco and Henry are all available but short of full fitness, while Ronaldinho is definitely out. On the plus side, captain, Carles Puyol, returns having sat out the first leg due to suspension.
PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd favourites to progress 1.741 (0/scratch)* with Barcelona 2.250 (0/scratch)*.
*All odds subject to change, so check out the latest odds LIVE here at BookieLabRat.com. Which bookie has the best Champions League Prices?
Add comment April 28th, 2008
