Bayern Munich

Manchester City v Bayern Munich Double Odds at Ladbrokes. There is a great promotion at Ladbrokes for Manchester City’s final chance to squeeze into the last sixteen of the Champions League. They need to beat group toppers Bayern Munich to start with and then hope that Villarreal show a bit of form and stop Italian side Napoli from winning. That is the only scenario which will see Roberto Mancini’s men go through to the knockout stage on Wednesday night, and while it may seem a long shot, look at the upset that happened in Chelsea’s group last night, when leaders Leverkusen were held to a point and Chelsea fired the crucial win they needed and grabbed top spot against the odds. If City do pull of the miraculous and find themselves having qualified for the last sixteen of this season’s Champions League, then there will be good news for you if you have done your First Goalscorer and Correct Score betting for the match at Ladbrokes.

If Manchester City do qualify for the last sixteen of the Champions League on Wednesday night, then Ladbrokes will double the winning odds on the Man City v Bayern Munich First Goalscorer and Correct Score markets. This applies to bets placed on those markets before kick off and could well be worth a shot, especially with the chance to double your money. A 1-0 win Correct Score bet for City is trading at 6/1 and if that is the score line at the end of the match, and Napoli fail to win, then Ladbrokes would pay you out at 12/1, double your original odds. In the First Goalscorer Market Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli are both trading at 9/2, with Edin Dzeko just behind at 5/1 and again, those odds would be doubled up if they are winners and Manchester City qualify for the last sixteen.

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Man City v Bayern Munich Champions League Odds at Ladbrokes
Man City 8/13, Draw3/1, Bayern Munich 4/1

Manchester City v Bayern Munich Champions League betting sees the Premier League leaders face their final chance to get through to the knockout stage at the first attempt. A crucial defeat away at Napoli on Match Day Five has left City’s Champions League life line hanging by a thread. It has not been an easy ride for City adjusting to the Champions League, and while they were handed one of the most difficult draws possible, there is just a thin sliver of hope left for them to qualify. City need to win to start with and nothing else than that will do for them. It means that even a draw for City would not be good enough under any circumstances and even if they manage to get the better of the Germans, they would still need Napoli to fail to win. So the only thing that City can do now is go for broke at home against the strong Bayern Munich. When the two sides met on Match Day Two, City were totally outplayed away from home, and Bayern strolled to a 2-0 victory. It is not as if City’s home form has been that much to write home about either, because they could only muster a disappointing draw with Napoli, before a late Sergio Aguero winner managed to take all three points off Spaniards Villarreal when they visited. So form would suggest that things aren’t going to go Manchester City’s way on Wednesday night either in the Champions League, as Bayern Munich remain unbeaten in the group so far. It is a tall ask for City, and even if they crown their night with an important win, the other fixture is not in their favour either, as Napoli are expected to beat bottom side Villarreal.

So what are City’s chances? Well they are on a 14 match unbeaten home run in European competition, which should put them in good stead, but the experience which they will bring to the table, pales in comparison to that of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The strong Germans have a great defence, and although their form has dipped just a little bit in the Bundesliga, they are still top are still very mean at the back. City found that out when they faced them in group, so Roberto Mancini’s men need to find a bit more craft and guile, and turn on the after burners which they have done so often in the Premier League this season. Bayern have won six of their last eight away games in the Champions League and are clearly going to be no pushovers. The fact that they have won the group already, may afford them the opportunity to rest some players, but they will still be a handful whatever they do with their line up. Bayern’s last trip to face an English side was that incredible 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford in the 2009/10 Champions League quarter finals, which saw them eliminate United due to those away goals, in a fantastic game. However, it is worth noting for your Manchester City v Bayern Munich Champions League betting, that the Germans don’t have a great record in England. They have a W2 D7 L5 record in England and they have lost their last three straight away to English sides. So can City capitalise on that poor record and grab the victory that may just keep them in this?

City have just not looked as convincing in the Champions League as they have done on the domestic front. They certainly have not been as tight at the back, and the chances up front are not as free flowing. It is why the Champions League title is so coveted, because it is a tough adjustment to make in terms of football style. At the end of the day, whether they survive until the new year in the Champions League or not, may not ultimately be in Man City’s own hands. All they can do is win, and hope. But while there is hope, anything can happen and Man City have to be ready to launch a big assault on the German’s back line. It will be a remarkable life line if they can take it.

Manchester City v Bayern Munich Champions League Betting Odds
Man City to win: 8/13 at Boylesports
Draw: 16/5 at Bet365
Bayern Munich to win: 9/2 at Stan James

Online bookmaker Boylesports are running a Goalscorer promotion for your Manchester City v Bayern Munich betting. Take a First Goalscorer bet in this match and if the player you have selected does not score the first goal of the match, but does net the second goal of the match, then the bookie will refund your lost stake as a free bet, giving you some nice insurance. In the First Goalscorer Market at Boylesports, you have Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero all at 5/1, while prolific Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez is at 13/2. So good prices and good coverage for your Man City v Bayern Munich first Goalscorer betting. Boylesports offers a free £20 bet for new customers registering an account with them as a welcome bonus. The bookie will match the value of your first bet on a new account, up to the maximum value of £50.

Manchester City’s Champions League adventures continue on Tuesday, with a tough away fixture against Bayern Munich. Roberto Mancini’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli in their first match, and really need to take at least a point out this one. City unfortunately landed themselves in a tough group alongside Bayern, Napoli and Villarreal, so will have their work cut out for them. City will be without Mario Balotelli, who is suspended, but that still leaves Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez to pick front, which isn’t bad at all. New signing Owen Hargreaves won’t play as he is not registered in Manchester City’s Champions League squad, and Adam Johnson also sits out with an injury problem. Other than that, City have good options and strength in their squad, and ahead of facing this tough task, the Eastlands side can take a lot of heart for the patience and discipline which they showed in beating Everton in the Premier League on the weekend. They will likely have a much tougher time on Tuesday as Bayern Munich are in incredible form. In their last nine matches in all competitions, they have not conceded a single goal. Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes will look for big strength at home, as Bayern have only conceded one goal in their last nine home European matches. In their home defeat against Inter Milan last season, that has left then with a record of eight wins from the last nine. In the Bundesliga season so far, Bayern Munich have scored 21 and conceded just 1 in seven matches. That is six wins from seven, after losing the opening match of the season. Bayern scored a big 2-0 win at Villareal on their first match, and are looking very strong contenders so far. They have a very strong defence, incredibly hard to break down, so Manchester City will certainly have their work cut out for them and need to get a grip of possession. Manchester United tried four times to beat Bayern Munich in Germany and have failed, and the Germans hold a home record of nine wins, five draws and just one defeat against English side. Manchester City and Bayern Munich have never met before in European competition. It is going to be a tough night for Manchester City, and Bayern go into the match as strong favourites.

Bayern Munich v Manchester City Betting
Bayern Munich to win: Evens at Ladbrokes
Draw: 11/4 at Bet365
Manchester City to win: 3/1 at Victor Chandler

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There is a repeat of last year’s Champions League final as Bayern Munich and Inter Milan go to head to head in the last sixteen of the Champions league. It is a rapid coming together from the two European giants as they look for progress through to the quarter finals. Inter Milan, coached by Jose Mourinho won out on that day, but since the Special One moved to Real Madrid, Inter Milan have struggled to pick up the pieces. He really was the extra element which gave Inter a winning mentality, and since Rafa Benitez came and went at the club, failing to make an impact, Brazilian Leonardo has started to get things back on track. However, Inter Milan are by no means as good as they were last season. Things haven’t gone too smoothly for Bayern Munich this season either, as they are unlikely to pick up another league title, but they are back to full strength with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in the thick of things, and that will make them a tough proposition. It is Ribery who could be the key factor in this match, as his trickery could unlock a static Inter Milan defence. We saw from Tottenham just what pace can do against an Italian side, and with the creativity and width that Bayern are able to put out, they should cause the Inter back line a lot of problems. Both Robben and Ribery have had a troubled seasons through injury, but now they are re-united in the side, just at the right time. Robben and Ribery are vital to Bayern’s success and with both in form at the moment, and both the extra injection of pace and quality that can unlock defences, Bayern could take a good advantage away from this first leg. There is a big threat up front to come from Bayern this time around, with Mario Gomez really leading the way. Because of injuries, Gomez has been called into the side this season, and has something of a phenomenal goal scoring record this year, hitting 26 goals in 30 matches for Bayern, including six in the Champions League. Throw Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger into the mix, then you have a very strong looking Bayern.

Only Inter Milan’s Samuel Eto’o can boast a better goal scoring record than in the competition this year, and Inter will look to his experience to lead the line. A trip to the San Siro though is never easy, and the Italians are renowned  for their defensive football. Inter failed to win their group stage, losing out to Tottenham and that is why they play at home first. This is not an easy match for the defending Champions, who have already lost to German opposition this year. On their visit to Werder Bremen, Inter couldn’t cope with what was being thrown at them, and suffered a defeat which left them reeling in second place. The defence of Inter’s Champions League title is well and truly on the line here, and you have to look at both as see Bayern as slightly the stronger team this time around. They are getting back into full flight just at the right time, and with the second leg advantage at home, they will fancy their chances of getting a quick revenge against the Italians. The big question here is whether or not Inter will be able to keep a clean sheet against Bayern at the San Siro. If Bayern come away from this first leg with a goal to their name, then you would picture them being in a very strong position. Inter are still looking to pick up the pieces, and they are lacking that x-factor which Jose Mourinho gave them. This is Leonardo’s first European match in charge at Inter Milan, and it couldn’t come with much higher pressure. However, Inter do have a strong home record, with eight straight wins in in the Champions League. In terms of form, Bayern have won five of their last six matches. Aside from last year’s final, there is another little bit of history between the two sides, with Bayern producing an away victory in the 2006/07 group stage, and a draw back in Munich.

Inter start the match as favourites, simply because they have the home advantage here, but it is a slender advantage in the odds which they take into the game, which is a fair reflection of the standing of the two sides at the moment. There looks as if there is very good value in backing the away side here, which isn’t often said for an away side in the Champions League. Bayern however, are running good at the moment, and with best odds being offered on then at 28/11 at Unibet, then they are well worth a flutter here. A draw at the San Siro is being healthily priced at 12/5 with Bet365. Bayern have the strength and the power to come away with at least a draw in this one, and have great firepower to carry them through. The likely goalscorer for Inter will be Eto’o (13/8 at Boylesports), so take a look at him in the Anytime Goalscorer market, but Munich’s Gomez (9/4 at Stan James) is in stunning form right now as well.

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Group E

Bayern Munich v Roma

Just one of a few very interesting matches for the Wednesday edition of the Champions League. This is a big clash between last year’s finalists Bayern Munich, and Claudio Ranieri’s Roma, who are establishing themselves as a strong force in Italian football after finishing second last year. Bayern have not encountered Roma before in the Champions league and won’t be too fazed, especially as they will see that the Italians are well below strength because of injury problems. Bayern have seen plenty of Italian opponents come their way in the Champions League in the past. Just last season they dealt with Juventus in the Group Stage and then Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League. Was last year a flash in the pan from the Germans? They played a strong game for a lot of the time, beating Manchester United along the way to the final but at other times they showed weaknesses that could be exposed. It will be interesting to watch if they have learnt from past mistakes and have gotten even stronger after such a successful season last year. Bayern won the German league and cup, but missed out on the treble in the Champions League final. This is the big clash in the group, as both of these sides will be expected to qualify, so who will draw first blood? Pointers are that Bayern should have the edge in this one, even though the two teams look fairly evenly matched. For Roma, they are missing a handful of players through injury, and are sitting second from bottom in Serie A without a win in their opening two matches. Rodrigo Taddei, Mikro Vucinic, Philippe Mexes, John Arne Riise and Paolo Castellini will all miss out, and there were huge worries over striker Adriano. One piece of good news, is that his injury looks to have finally healed in time to get him into action for this one. This could be quite a pulsating game, especially if Bayern grab things by the scruff of the neck. Things aren’t quite going Roma’s way at the moment, and that is why Bayern Munich must edge the football betting here. Roma missed out on Champions League football last year, but in the season before gave a very good account of themselves. This is a tough start, and although a defeat should not ultimately hurt them, they need to get confidence going quickly.
Bayern Munich to win: 8/11 at Boylesports
Draw: 37/13 at Bwin
Roma to win: 9/2 at Paddy Power

Cluj v FC Basel

Not exactly two Champions League heavyweights going toe to toe, but it’s a great chance for one of the two sides to get off to a strong start. The last appearance for both sides was in the 2008/09 campaign, and both of them were, not unexpectedly, eliminated at the group stage. Romania’s Cluj haven’t had the best preparation for this match, as they have just changed manager because of a pretty poor start to the season on the domestic front. That doesn’t bode too well for them here, but will that new manager factor play a big part in producing a big performance. While there is a big opportunity for three points here, neither can really afford to lose, as they will each see this as the weakest opposition which they will face in the group. To be honest, the stronger input should come from the Swiss team, who had to come through qualification to reach the group stage. That means they are up and running well, and with Cluj not on top of their game at the moment, it could be a great time for the Swiss to strike. Their talisman is Alexander Frei, who netted a couple in the qualification process, but midfielder Valentin Stocker could be the key to everything here. This may be more entertaining than high quality, but is your Champions League betting, Basel could be the better bet of the two.
Cluj to win: 11/8 at BetFred
Draw: 23/10 at Ladbrokes
Basel to win: 9/4 at Bet365

Group F

Marseille v Spartak Moscow

Marseille looked at one point as if they were really going to cause problems to Real Madrid and AC Milan in the group stage last season. It didn’t pan out that way for the French side, as they missed out on the final day, finishing in third place. But, to their credit, in a tight French league, they have qualified again for another crack of the whip for the fourth consecutive year. This time around, they will be a bit happier with the draw, and should qualify along with Chelsea from the group. While Marseille on paper should be the stronger team here, there are some football betting stats that you should be aware of. Marseille haven’t exactly been that great at home in the Champions league in terms of results, and in each of the last two campaigns they have lost their match day one fixtures. Can they rectify that this time around? On a similar note, Spartak struggled the last time they were in the Champions League, their away form really hammering the nails in the coffin. It is this last fact which should just give Marseille a slender advantage here. There is always a bit of feeling out the opposition in these match day one fixtures, and Spartak would be happy with a draw. That means the initiative has to come from the home side, and Marseille have to grab this opportunity with both hands. If they let this one slide, then they will be in for more of a qualification struggle than they will have hoped for. Like many of the teams in the Champions League this year, Marseille’s new season domestic form has been pretty poor, with just one win in four matches. A tight game here, but the French should succeed.
Marseille to win: 3/4 at Stan James
Draw: 13/5 at Totesport
Spartak Moscow: 17/4 at Bet365

Zilina v Chelsea

A David and Goliath battle in the Champions League here. Zilina are making their Champions League debut, while Chelsea are one of the favourites to lift the title. The Blues did struggle on the road last year a bit, and at times didn’t look convincing at all. Is there a shock upset on the cards? Read our full Zilina v Chelsea betting preview here
Zilina to win: 14/1 at Bet365
Draw: 5/1 at Bwin
Chelsea to win: 1/4 at SkyBet

Group G

Real Madrid v Ajax

Possibly the best group of the tournament this year. Jose Mourinho’s new Real Madrid will start their campaign at home, against one of Europe’s giant names, Ajax. While the Dutch side hasn’t really done much in recent times to live up to their past European glories, they are at least back where they belong, among Europe’s elite. After taking Inter Milan to the title, what can we expect from Real Madrid? Well, the thing with them now, is that they make take on a little different personality. Mourinho is famed for playing tight games, strangling the opposition with economy over any real flair. In their two opening matches in the Spanish domestic league, for all of their talent in the team like Kaka, Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Higuain, Mesut Ozil and more, they have only scored one goal. People want to see the flair of Real Madrid, that is what they expect from the Galacticos, so is Jose Mourinho the right man for the job? We will find out, and if they lift the Champions League, then there will at least be a certain answer to that question. It is early days in the season though, and Mourinho may need a little time to get things going his way. Real Madrid were found out badly against Lyon in the Champions League last year, and Ajax have the tools to present just as many problems. The Dutch giants have won four of their first five league games, which suggest that they are certainly heading in the right direction again. For such a big club, this is the first time that Ajax have been in the Champions League since the 2005/06 season. They have failed to come through qualification rounds in subsequent seasons, but now they could be back with a real bang. They have Luis Suarez (remember the Uruguayan from the World Cup?) who continues to display his prolific goal scoring talents, as he hit three goals in four qualification matches. This is one of the top games of match day one, and there is just a hint that Ajax will spoil the Madrid party. Perhaps going to Spain and running up a victory is just a little to much to ask, Ajax could well hold for a draw here. Madrid weren’t great at home last season, and Ajax could strike while the Galacticos are still a little cold.
Real Madrid to win: 1/3 at 888Sport
Draw: 9/2 at Bet365
Ajax to win: 10/1 at Boylesports

AC Milan v Auxerre

These two make up a fascinating group. There is something of the feel, and a disappointing one, of a fallen giant when you look at AC Milan. After winning in 2006/07, they looked on top of the world, or Europe at least, but how quickly things change. In the next three seasons, they crashed out at the last sixteen stage twice, and failed to qualify for the tournament altogether in 2008/09. Well, there is a new man in charge at the San Siro, as AC Milan sent coach Leonardo packing and brought in Massilimiano Allegri. It has been a while since AC Milan picked up a Champions League victory at home in the competition. It’s been about two years since they have given their passionate supporters anything to cheer about on the home front. While AC Milan are no strangers to the Champions League, their manager is making his debut. History is on his side though, as AC Milan have a good home record against French clubs in the competition, having won seven, drawn three and lost just one at home. This should be the ideal opportunity for Milan, who finished third in Serie A last term, to shake off those home blues. AC Milan have one win and one loss in their opening Serie A fixtures this year, so not too much to read into there. Auxerre are back for only the third time in the tournament, and in their previous three visits to Italy in Europe, they haven’t managed a single goal. Looking at the French Ligue, Auxerre, like Lyon and Marseille (France’s other Champions League participants) are occupying three of the bottom six places. That’s not a great advert for them to do well in the Champions League. Auxerre are not in form, and haven’t won a single game in the league this year, and have only scored five. You have to go with some kind of form on this one, and feel that the trip to the San Siro will be too daunting for them. You can’t expect too many fireworks from AC Milan, who last year looked a yard slower than everyone else in the Champions League, as they look to rebuild. What they have done is sign Brazilian star Robinho from Manchester City. Didn’t really see that one coming, but he replaces Klaas Jan Huntelaar who moved to Schalke. With Ronaldinho, Pato, Inzaghi and Zlatan Imbrahimovic who has joined on a season loan, they look to have plenty of fire power. They just need to play with a some fresher, quicker legs and a higher tempo. Milan win.
AC Milan to win: 2/5 at Blue Square
Draw: 19/5 at William Hill
Auxerre to win: 9/1 at Bet365

Group H

Arsenal v Braga

Although Arsene Wenger will be missing Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, he will be confident of getting maximum points at the Emirates. No reason to bet against that happening, as they are a strong force at home. Braga from Portugal are making their Champions League debut, and could we see a surprise package emerging? Read our full Arsenal v Braga betting preview here
Arsenal to win: 2/7 at Bet365
Draw: 9/2 at SkyBet
Braga to win: 12/1 at Boylesports

Shakhtar Donetsk v Partizan Belgrade

Shakhtar, from the Ukraine, spent three consecutive years in the Champions League before failing to qualify last year. They picked themselves to get back on track though, and they will be happy to start their campaign at home against Belgrade. These two should be in competition for second place in the group behind Arsenal, so there are some big points to be scored. Serbian football is doing ok at the moment, and Partizan Belgrade will be proudly flying the flag for them among Europe’s elite. One stat to take note of, and that is striker Cleo, who hit eight goals in six matches during qualification for the group stages. That surely makes him worth an Anytime Goalscorer bet. Although Donetsk are at home, and travelling out east is often tiresome and tricky, would actually lean towards Partizan coming away with at least some of the spoils in this one.
Shakhtar Donetsk: 2/5 at SkyBet
Draw: 15/4 at Bet365
Partizan Belgrade: 8/1 at William Hill

Champions League Final Betting Preview: Well there are no English representatives in the Champions League Final this year, but that does not mean there is no interest in football betting. With Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan taking on Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich, both sides have knocked out English opponents this year on their way to the final. So, with an eye on helping punters decide where to lay their bets on the Champions League final, here is the tale of the tape between the two finalists, starting with Manchester United’s conqueror’s Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich’s Route to the Final
Bayern had a fairly understated trek through the competition this season, not really attracting much attention. That was largely down to their less than spectacular form in the group stages, in which they needed a result on the final day of the round robin stage to squeeze themselves into second place ahead of Juventus, and behind surprise team Bordeaux. After knocking out out Fiorentina in tight yet open contest over their two legs in the first knockout stage, Bayern then faced the might of Manchester United in the quarter finals. Much was made of the German’s somewhat suspect defence, and after Wayne Rooney had given United an early lead in Munich, it looked all downhill for the Germans. It was top scorer Ivica Olic who capped a late comeback by the home side, scoring the winner in added time, to take a 2-1 advantage with them to Old Trafford. Again it never really looked to be enough for the Germans, and they were expected to come under a lot of pressure at Old Trafford, and that is exactly what happened as United raced out to a 3-0 lead. But then the game turned with the sending off of United defender Rafael, which allowed Bayern to get some control, which they never had. Once Ivica Olic had pulled them back into the tie, just a couple of minutes after the red card, Bayern pressed for another goal to take an away goal advantage, and it came with a stunner from ex Chelsea star Arjen Robben. Robben was at it against in the semi finals against Lyon as he struck to give Bayern a 1-0 lead after the first leg. They then went to Lyon and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, sending them into the final, chasing their fourth European cup title.

Bayern in Profile
Despite a slow start to the season, it has been one of transformation for Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich. They now stand on the brink of completing what would be a historic treble for them. They stormed from behind to take the German Bundesliga title, and added to that the German Cup with a 4-0 victory over Werder Bremen. Now, with the Champions League final in their grasp, they could come up smelling of roses on Saturday, capping a fine season for a team which still visibly looks to have its vulnerabilities. They will go into Saturday’s match without one of their main stars, Franck Ribery, who is serving a suspension. Bayern have been appealing his ban, but to no avail, and he will be sitting in the stands, thinking about all the speculation about the Barclays Premier League teams who want to sign him. Coach Van Gaal is tactically sound, and fully aware that their defence is not one of the best in Europe, but the team spirit and fight which they have shown, certainly is up there. From a sluggish start, they have gone from strength to strength. One thing with Bayern is that they are likely to concede goals, having only kept six clean sheets in their last 23 matches. But they seem to have enough fire power to compensate for that, especially in Olic and Arjen Robben, who is clearly enjoying his football at the moment, scoring 20 goals in his last 24 club matches.

Bayern’s Champions League Season
Group Stage: Finished second with a record of W3, D1, L2, For 9, Against 5
Last 16: beat Fiorentina on away goals after 4-4 draw
Quarter Finals: beat Manchester United on away goals after 4-4 draw
Semi Finals: beat Lyon 4-0 on aggregate
Champions League form guide: LLWWWLWLWW

Inter Milan’s Route to the Final
In contrast to Bayern, there is always plenty of attention focused on Inter Milan wherever they go, simply because of manager Jose Mourinho. They were drawn in a group along with Barcelona, which also leant weight to their publicity circus, but the Italians did not exactly set the group stage alight with any great form. They played out a dull 0-0 draw with Barcelona in their first encounter, before falling 2-0 in the second meeting between the two teams. Inter only picked up two wins in their group stage, with probably their most surprising result was being held 1-1 by Russian champions Rubin Kazan. Still, they navigated their way through to the knockout phase of the tournament in second place behind Barcelona, where Jose Mourinho would become the focus of attention all over again, as his Inter Milan side were drawn against his old club Chelsea. The first leg at the San Siro saw exactly what Inter are made off. They were happy to sit back, concede possession to the visitors and kill the game off with a couple of clinical attacks. They took a 2-1 victory with them to Stamford Bridge, the stomping ground of much of Mourinho’s success, but a place where the Champions League title evaded him. Even Mourniho, in all his planning, probably never expected quite such an easy night, as they found Chelsea in an uninspired and lacklustre mood, and again Mourinho was able to walk out of Stamford Bridge as a winner, taking the match 1-0. The Quarter finals gave them a potentially tough and tricky tie against CSKA Moscow, who had progressed from Manchester United’s group. Again it was efficiency over style for Inter, as they won 1-0 both home and away, with Wesley Sniejder largely being the difference in tight encounters, which Inter probably deserved just to edge. The Semi finals them pitted them back against the defending champions Barcelona. If there was one side in Europe, one manager who would know how to orchestrate the downfall of the great Catalan’s, then it would be Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho. Barca went into the fixtures as strong favourites, but another superb tactical showing from Mourinho, saw Inter steal a 3-1 home win, with Barca struggling to find a way through Inter, even with their wealth of attacking talent. Barcelona won the second leg 1-0 at the Nou Camp, but they just couldn’t find that precious second goal which would have sent them through to the final on the away goal rule. The fact that they couldn’t is a testament to Mourinho and how he sets him team up, and how hard a task Bayern will have in the final.

Inter Milan in Profile
Mourinho simply sets them up to win, and it has brought them success in Serie A, and now possibly the Champions League final. His system though, attracts a lot of criticism, as it is largely a negative way to approach games. There is a clear contrast in the way in which Chelsea won the Premier League under Mourinho, to their recent success under Carlo Ancelotti, who unleashed a fierce attacking side. Defence is priority with Mourinho, and a 1-0 win in a dull game is priceless to him, as it enforces his tactical decisions. One thing Inter do have is an incredible defence, which knows how to squeeze the big name strikers out of the games. Central defender, and Brazilian star Lucio in particular didn’t give Didier Drogba an inch, and pairing up with Walter Samuel, they were easily able to contain Lionel Messi. With Bayern having a more limited attack than Barcelona and Chelsea, the defensive set up that Inter are able to bring to the game, will make them favourites. They will be missing Thiago Motto who was sent off in the semi final second leg.

Inter Milan’s Champions League Season
Group Stage: Finished second with a record of W2, D3, L1, For 7, Against 6
Last 16: beat Chelsea 3-1 on aggregate
Quarter Finals: beat CSKA Moscow 2-0 on aggregate
Semi Finals: beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate
Champions League form guide: DWLWWWWWWL

Inter Milan v Bayern Munich Betting Stats

Champions League Head to Head
Bayern 1, Inter Milan 1 (2006)
Inter Milan 0, Bayern Munich 2 (2006)

Last 5 Match Goals (all competitions)
Inter Milan: 8 For, 4 Against
Bayern Munich: 14 For, 3 Against

Last 10 Match Form
Inter Milan: W8, D1, L1
Bayern Munich: W7, D2, L1

Top Goalscorer:
Bayern Munich: Ivica Olic (7)
Inter Milan: Diego Milito (4)

Ball Possession (average time per match)
Bayern Munich: 34 mins
Inter Milan: 27 mins

Notes:
Bayern are top scorers in the Champions League this season with 21 goals (jointly with Arsenal and Man Utd)
Bayern Munich have had the most shots off target of all teams in this year’s Champions League
Bayern Munich have won the most corners (92) of all teams in this year’s Champions League
Inter Milan have the most yellow cards in the Champions league this season
Inter Milan’s Diego Milito has the highest count of offside decisions of all players this season

Match Prices
Bayern Munich to win: 12/5 at Bet365
Draw: 23/10 at Bwin
Inter Milan to win: 5/4 at SkyBet

To Lift the Trophy
Inter Milan: 4/7 at Boylesports
Bayern Munich: 7/5 at Ladbrokes

Asian Handicap Betting Advice. One of the main questions, is whether Bayern will have enough fire power to break down the organised defence of Inter Milan? The defensive side of Inter may well mean that the weaker Bayern defence may not come under quite as much pressure. The two sides are on the brink of a treble, after winning their respective league and cups. Betting will naturally favour Inter Milan, simply because they are so strong and organised, while Bayern are perceived to be weaker at the back. Despite their defensive strengths, Inter are set up to attack, and that is why they are so clinical. They can be economical with the ball when they get it, especially with key man Sniejder pulling the strings. He is the key to Inter’s victory, but the competition will be stern. Van Gaal is as much of a tactical master as Mourinho, but looking at the line-ups and records, Inter should be able to grind this one out, so starting with Bayern in a plus on the handicap, should be something of a banker either way.
Bayern Munich +0.25 Asian Handicap: 5/6 at Paddy Power

Lyon v Bayern Munich Champions League Semi Final Betting Preview: It did not draw as much attention as the highlight of the Champions League semi final between Barcelona and Inter Milan dominated the news, but Lyon and Bayern Munich are locked in a close battle. It was not any kind of dramatic spectacle in Munich for the first leg, but the Germans, looking efficient if unspectacular or creative, got the better of a Lyon side which seemed to be happy enough to play negatively. Lyon though have had a good rest since the midweek encounter last week, as they did not have a domestic game on the weekend. Instead they have been working hard at their training camp away from the city, to help stay focused and geared up to overturn the 1-0 deficit inflicted on them by Bayern in the first leg.

Lyon need to win by a clear two goals to reach the final and they need to show a marked improvement in the creative department, to what they did in the first leg. Lyon boss Claude Puel is confident his side can reach the final of the Champions League, and they remain confident ahead of the match, as things could be playing into their hands, and worth considering for betting strategies. Bayern’s preparations have not gone as well as the French sides, for there are problems finding fit personnel to fill the defence, with their main centre half pairing of Martin Demichelis and Daniel Van Buyten both struggling to be fit. Both have traveled with the squad to Lyon however, in the hope of at least one of them passing a late fitness test. Veteran international striker Miroslav Klose is also a doubt for the game after missing training on Monday.

Bayern Munich coach Luis Van Gaal is widely respected across Europe, and they will need his wealth of tactical prowess to overcome a Lyon side who have not lost at home in the competition this season. To add to the worries of the Germans, Franck Ribery was sent off in the first leg, so they will need to go into the game without one of their most influential stars. Bayern will also miss Danijel Pranijec who is suspended as well for the second leg. It is not the ideal situation in which to head into a semi final of the Champions League, and it was made worse by the news that Anatoliy Tymoschuck would not be able to travel due to a bout of gastroenteritis. If Bayern comes overcome these adversities, not made any easier by being away from home, they will rely on their slender 1-0 lead to make their first Champions League final appearance since 2001.

Bayern’s drawn domestic match on the weekend, has left them leading the Bundesliga by goal difference only. Will having played an extra game in between the Champions League legs prove crucial? It is likely that Lyon will have to get onto the front foot early, and expose any weaknesses created in the German side through all of their disruptions. It would be to their advantage, and it should give Lyon the edge in terms of Champions League betting, because one stand out factor between the teams, is that the Germans don’t have the best of defences. If their back line is weakened, then Lyon could enjoy a lot of success, as they should be the stronger attacking force at home. Lyon will miss Jeremy Toulalan who was sent off in the first leg, and that made it three sending-offs in three matches for the French club. They will also miss Francois Clerc, but there is a strong chance that Lisandro, Cris and Jean-Alain Boumsong will be fit to play.

Match Odds
Lyon to win: 6/4 at SkyBet
Draw: 12/5 at Bet365
Bayern Munich to win: 2/1 at Victor Chandler

To Qualify
Bayern Munich: 1/3 at Bet365
Lyon: 11/4 at Ladbrokes

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Lyon are looking for their first major European final, and they are in good stead to do it. They have won their last three European games at home, and are a strong side there, a two goal victory should not be too far out of reach for them. Lyon need a win, Bayern can get through with a draw, so backing the Germans with a draw, such as a +0 Handicap could pay off, as they could be stubborn to break down, especially with all of their problems. If you think Lyon can win the match by the two clear goals which they need to do, then you would have to back them in a minus. Best odds for sensibly backing Lyon would be:
Lyon: -0.25 Asian Handicap 11/10 at Bet365

Bayern Munich v Lyon Champions League Semi Final Leg 1 Betting Preview. It is clearly not going to attract as much attention as the other semi final of this year’s Champions League competition, but Wednesday’s match throws up an interesting encounter all the same. Manchester United’s conquerors Bayern Munich entertain French side Lyon for a place in this year’s final, with the  first leg looking like a real 50/50 for both sides. Both of these sides are rich in Champions League history, and have always posed a threat to other teams along the way, and are usually good for a Quarter Final appearance. Bayern Munich have held the European Cup aloft three times, and once under it’s current guise, back in the 2000/01 season. Lyon are yet to get their hands on Europe’s top prize, and this, they will feel, is their big chance, but first they need a stern away display to overcome their German opponents, as Munich’s result on the weekend, will have highlighted just how good a team the Germans can be.

Bayern Munich steamrolled Hannover 96 at home on the weekend, by a scoreline of 7-0. Yes, that really happened, and that has put them on course for another domestic title. The Germans have turned their season around after a slow start, and their dogged performances against Manchester United in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League this year, crowned with a stunning goal from ex-Chelsea player Arjen Robben, showed that they can battle, scrap, as well as play with a certain amount of flair. They have one of the most respected coaches in Europe at their helm, in the form of Dutchman Louis Van Gaal, and he could give his team the edge over the two matches. However, the Bayern Munich players themselves know that Lyon are going to be no pushover, especially after beating Spanish giants Real Madrid in the last sixteen, and then French rivals Bordeaux in the Quarter Finals. Much in the same vein as their German opponents, Lyon know how to dig deep as well as play with some attacking style. This makes the balance of this tie, a somewhat precarious one to chose from in terms of betting.

Lyon will travel by a convoy of mini vans to reach Munich, and they will use the strength of their defence to have something to take back to France for the second leg. Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the competition this season, and is a large factor in the success of their Champions League campaign, and the main threat up front for them comes from Lisandro Lopez. Lyon have proven time and time again, just how stubborn and hard to break down they can be, as well as having the prowess in front of goal. Looking at the two sides, Bayern may just have the tactical edge going forward with Van Gaal in charge, but Lyon have a lot of strength in their defence, and certainly appears to be stronger than Bayern’s. Manchester United exposed Bayern’s defence quite easily, and that is something which Lyon will be focusing on as they look for some silverware this season. Lyon have fallen behind in the race for the French domestic title, while the Champions League for Bayern, is representing a chance at a treble for them.

Bayern need a good home performance in this first leg, for if they do not take at least a draw to Lyon for the second leg, then trying to overcome the French side in their own back yard will be a tough ask. The two sides look well balanced and evenly matched, but Bayern, with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at their disposal, will try and take the game to the French visitors. This is their ideal opportunity to meet either Inter Milan or Barcelona in the final of this year’s competition, and they will have an enormous amount of confidence about them after their 7-0 win on the weekend. Lyon, on the other hand, had to twice scrap back from falling behind, earning themselves a 2-2 draw against Bordeaux, who they beat in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League. The two sides met in the 2008 Champions League, with Bayern winning 3-2 in Lyon, and the two sides drawing one each in Germany.

What will be the deciding factors in this game? The long ride Lyon will have in getting to Germany? The contrasting confidence of the weekend’s results? A draw seems favourable between these two sides, but it really will be about Bayern, who will likely control most of the possession, being creative enough to break down a strong, visiting defence.

Bayern Munich v Lyon Betting Stats (All competitions)

Last 5 Match Goals
Bayern Munich: 14 For, 6 Against
Lyon: 8 For, 6 Against

Last 10 Match Form
Bayern Munich: W 4, D2, L4
Lyon: W3, D5, L2

Win Percentage:
Bayern Munich have a 66.7 win percentage at home
Lyon have a 39.1 win percentage away from home

Last Match Results
Bayern 7, Hannover ‘96 0
Bordeaux 2, Lyon 2

Match Prices
Bayern Munich to win: 8/11 at Bet365
Draw: 11/4 at Bwin
Lyon to win: 9/2 at William Hill

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Really nothing much to chose between the two sides, as they look evenly matched against each other. It is really tough to see even an edge one may have over the other, and in this case, the first leg could be all important, especially in Bayern’s point of view. If they get ahead, then they can probably hand on to win over the two legs, but looking at this individual fixture, the odds and the bookmakers are leaning towards the Germans sneaking it. Therefore, better odds lie in Lyon grabbing at least a draw, something which they are capable of:
Lyon +0.75 Asian Handicap: Evens at Bet365

Champions League Betting Preview: Barcelona, as they have been since the start of the competition, firm favourites to lift this year’s Champions League trophy. The spectacular Spaniards blitzed Arsenal in the second leg of the Quarter Final, with Argentinean superstar Lionel Messi firing four goals past the Gunners. It was one of the special Champions League displays from one of the World’s genuine football superstars. Barcelona put out a weaker side due to injuries and suspensions, but they were still able to overwhelm one of England’s strongest side. With Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd all falling before the semi finals, there looks to be a shift in power in Europe, as perhaps the German and French leagues are catching up in standards, or the quality of the Premier League is slipping.

However, Barcelona look strong enough to retain the title which they won last year and now could possible face what is the equivalent of their final as they take on Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan. The two sides met earlier in the competition in the group stages, with Barcelona having the upper hand over the two games. The Spaniards were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro, but the return fixture at the Nou Camp saw Barcelona run out comfortable 2-0 winners, with Rodriguez and Pique scoring. Now the two sides go up against each other again, after Inter came through a tricky fixture against CSKA Moscow, ensuring passage with two 1-0 victories against the Russians. The winner of this year’s Champions League looks set to come from this semi final.

After making Manchester United buckle under their pressure, Bayern Munich will take on Lyon. These are two strong European sides which have always been a threat in the competitions, and now there is the chance for one of these relative underdogs in the grand scheme of things, to progress to the final. Lyon overcame French rivals Bordeaux to reach the semi finals, and this should be a great contest between two evenly matched teams. Lyon perhaps will have the edge, as Bayern are probably a bit more vulnerable at the back, but both can turn on the controlled attacking power when needed. With both teams qualifying in second place from their respective groups, and both teams challenging for their domestic titles, it should all equal out to an even contest. There is the big prize of a Champions League final awaiting the winners and both teams will see it equally as being the ideal opportunity to get there.

Bayern Munich v Lyon (1st Leg)
Bayern Munich to win: 4/5 at Totesport
Draw: 5/2 at Bet365
Lyon to win: 4/1 at Bet365

Bayern Munich v Lyon (To qualify)
Bayern Munich: 4/6 at BetFred
Lyon: 11/8 at Bet365

Inter Milan v Barcelona (1st Leg)
Inter Milan to win: 11/5 at Bet365
Draw: 23/10 at Bwin
Barcelona: 11/8 at SkyBet

Inter Milan v Barcelona To Qualify
Inter Milan: 9/4 at William Hill
Barcelona: 2/5 at Paddy Power

Champions League Outright Betting
Barcelona: 4/5 at Bet365
Inter Milan: 9/2 at Extrabet
Bayern Munich: 9/2 Victor Chandler
Lyon: 7/1 at Bwin

Champions League Betting Preview for Man Utd v Bayern Munich, Quarter Final, Second Leg. He simply will not be risked. Wayne Rooney will definitely miss the second leg of Manchester United’s Champions League quarter final against Bayern Munich. There has been back page speculation that the England striker was recovering and responding so well to treatment on his injured ankle, that Alex Ferguson was about to spring a big surprise and play Rooney. However, after on training on Tuesday with the team, the Red Devils boss came out and categorically denied that Rooney would take any part in the game. This is a huge blow for United, who need to step up their game after losing ground in both the Premier League and the Champions League in the last seven days. The defeat 2-1 defeat in Germany, has left United needing a big Rooney-less performance at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. They do have the away goal under the belt, but if Bayern can snatch a goal, and looking at United’s defensive record in Europe this season, it certainly is not out of the question, then the Old Trafford crowd may face a disappointing night.

There was contrasting fortunes for the two teams on the weekend, with United suffering a hard defeat against title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford. Without Rooney, United looked something of a shadow of their former selves, with Dimitar Berbatov unable to do the Rooney role. Where Rooney will run and work hard to get back into the channels, Berbatov is a completely different style of player, and the Manchester United system, developed around Rooney, doesn’t appear to work with Berbatov spearheading it. This could force Ferguson’s hand in going to a more orthodox 4-4-2 to try and provide some extra support up front. Perhaps the rush and speculation over whether Rooney will play or not, or whether he may talk his boss into starting the match on the bench, simply highlights just how much United need and rely on Rooney. Do they have enough confidence in their game without him, to beat the strong German side at Old Trafford? In contrast to United’s loss, Bayern Munich won their weekend domestic match against title rivals Shalke, and showed how deep they are prepared to dig in order to get jobs done. Bayern are still chasing silverware on three fronts this season.

Bayern Munich seized the initiative in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final match, after United had taken the lead through Rooney. Somewhat remnant of “that “ Champions League final which United won in injury time against Bayern, it was the Germans turn to sneak an injury time winner. Ivica Olic popped up with the late winner, after a Franck Ribery free kick had taken a wicked deflection of Wayne Rooney to wrong foot United keeper Edwin van der Saar for an equaliser. Bayern boss Louis Van Gaal is playing one card close to his chest, and this is whether or not former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben will be fit enough to play. The Dutchman missed the first leg through injury, but has travelled with the Bayern squad and is hopeful of playing. Bayern may not be too fazed by the Rooney talk, for, as they showed in the first leg, they are capable of beating United with him playing.

This is now a major moment in United’s season, with their Champions League lifeline in the balance. Chelsea’s Premier League charge picked up after they were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan, and United, finding themselves two points behind Chelsea, and out of the Champions League at the Quarter Final stage, would be be a scenario which would start to breed panic around Old Trafford. Will their Carling Cup victory be their only success for the season? There are just a handful of games left in the domestic season, and United need Rooney back as soon as possible, there is no doubt about that. Will Ferguson risk throwing him on if United need a goal on Wednesday night? Is he playing mind games against opposite number Van Gaal? Berbatov failed to step up to the mark against Chelsea, being guilty of missing a golden opportunity to find the back of the net.

The one area in which Manchester United have been stuttering, is in ball possession. Usually they are crisp and clear with their passing, and use possession to grind teams down. Against Bayern Munich, Michael Carrick gave a class in how to give the ball away, and again the lack of midfield control was evident in their defeat against Chelsea, with Darren Fletcher being the main culprit. The midfield is one area they will need to dominate if they are to get to grips with Bayern Munich, who get back Sebastian Schweinsteiger. The first leg swayed this way and that, but there were shades of fatigue creeping into United in the second half. It has been a busy schedule for them, but no busier than Bayern’s. Without Rooney, the United players need to be sharp in front of goal and take any chance that comes their way, and they do have the players, experience and quality to create themselves chances. Without Rooney to put them away, who will stand up at Old Trafford to be United’s hero, as they aim to reach their third consecutive semi final appearance in the competition?

Manchester United v Bayern Munich Betting Stats

Last 5 Match Goals (all competitions)

• Man Utd: 11 For, 5 Against
• Bayern Munich: 6 For, 6 Against

Weekend Results:

• Manchester United 1, Chelsea 2
• Shalke 1, Bayern Munich 2

Last 10 Match Form:

• Man Utd: W7, D0, L3
• Bayern Munich: W4, D3, L3

Win Percentage

• Manchester United have a 74.1 win percentage at home
• Bayern Munich have a 47.4 win percentage away from home

2009/10 Champions League Stats:

• Bayern are the third best team when it comes to possession, with an average of 56% ball retention in all matches, compared to Man Utd 46%
• Man Utd have scored 18 Champions League goals this season (4th overall), with Bayern hitting 15
• The two sides have picked up 30 yellow cards between them
• Man Utd have had 65 shots on target, Bayern have had 61
• Man Utd have been caught offside 39 times (2nd highest overall)
• The First leg produced the most attempts on target in a Champions League fixture this season, with a total of 19

Man Utd v Bayern Munich Match Prices:
Man Utd to win: 4/5 at BetFred
Draw: 14/5 at Bwin
Bayern Munich: 4/1 at SkyBet

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: United have only beaten Bayern Munich once in eight attempts in the Champions League, they need to alter that in order reach the semi’s this year. Really is not too much to choose between the two teams, and United will still be a handful at Old Trafford. Bayern showed that they could get at the United defence though, but they will have to soak up a lot of pressure as the away side no doubt. A draw seems a plausible result, but that won’t be good enough for United. Asian Handicap betting will be all about whether or not United can be two goals better than Bayern. If you think they will be, then best price on United will be around Evens for a 0.75 Asian Handicap. Bayern +1 is 4/5 at Victor Chandler, and is a great price, but a little more profitable, therefore a braver bet, is:
Bayern Munich +0.5 Asian Handicap: 11/10 at Paddy Power