Champions League Second Round Preview

Write-up by David Walker

The 21-22 February will see the sixteen remaining teams in the Champions League battle it out for a area in the coveted ultimate held on 17 May possibly in Paris. The second round fixtures have been made a decision so here is a run down of who is left in the competitors and their odds of progressing to the quarter finals:

Inter Milan vs AjaxInter competent easily from Group H as winners and have a favourable match versus Ajax. The Dutch facet qualified as runners up of Group A without having too a lot difficulty. Inter are mind-boggling favourites to qualify for the quarter finals and striker Adriano, with 4 goals so far in this levels of competition, poses the principal threat. Manchester Town. Verdict: Inter to qualify at two/five.

AC Milan vs Bayern MunichMilan stuttered via the very first round, with just 3 wins in six matches, prior to ultimately topping the group forward of PSV Eindoven. Andriy Shevchenko is the tournament’s most harmful striker with six objectives. Nonetheless, Bayern Munich ought to not be underestimated. They dumped out Arsenal at this stage final season and had been only edged out by a single target versus Chelsea in the quarter finals.Verdict: AC Milan to qualify at 4/6.

Liverpool vs BenficaThe Reds consider on the group who dumped Manchester United out of the Cup and are firm favourites to progress to the quarter finals. Liverpool had been unbeaten and hadn’t conceded a aim in 11 league and Cup games until finally Sao Paulo denied them the Entire world Club Championship on 18 December. Benfica’s 2-1 win over Manchester United was a shock end result, but a single they are not likely to reproduce. Ronald Koeman’s facet are only sixth in their domestic league and are probable to see their curiosity in the Champions League arrive to an end at this stage of the competitors.Verdict: Liverpool to qualify at 4/9.

Barcelona vs ChelseaThis was the most “anticipated” draw in terms of a replay of last season’s 2nd phase encounter. Barcelona have won 13 video games straight in La Liga, while Chelsea have topped the Premiership given that August, dropping just one match, in opposition to Manchester United, all period. Barcelona have also been unstoppable in Europe, winning five out of the 6 group. Regardless of the unquestionable expertise at his disposal, Jose Mourinho may possibly uncover his Chelsea crew outgunned this time all around.Verdict: Barcelona to qualify at five/6.

Lyon vs PSV EindovenLyon are a group not to be underestimated in this season’s Champions League and won their group ahead of the glamorous Real Madrid. John Carew is Lyon’s leading goalscorer with four goals even though Juninho has laid on three assists. PSV will have their backers but Lyon remained undefeated in the group stage and really should edge this encounter.Verdict: Lyon to qualify at 1/2.

Villarreal vs RangersAn upset could be on the cards in this encounter with Rangers a big value to qualify forward of Spaniards Villarreal. Under-fire Rangers boss Alex McLeish may possibly be ridiculously off-the-speed in the Scottish Premier, but he has got it right in Europe and Rangers have turn out to be the initial side north of the border to venture this far in the competition. Villarreal scored just three instances in 6 group stage matches.Verdict: Rangers to qualify at 5/two.

Actual Madrid vs ArsenalThis is the initial time the two have clashed in Champions League and the bookmakers are possessing problems separating them. The Gunners won their 5 opening matches in the group stage ahead of an experimental line-up drew – with Ajax in the ultimate round of fixtures. Genuine Madrid have a great deal of attacking strength in their line up but are suspect at the back which could be to Arsenal’s advantage.Verdict: Arsenal to qualify at ten/eleven.

Juventus vs Werder BremenJuventus stormed by way of the group stage, winning five out of 6 matches, with David Trezeguet scoring four goals. The “Old Lady” have currently beaten and lost to German opposition in the opposition this season, with two two-1 results in opposition to giants Bayern Munich in the group stage. Werder Bremen are at their best at home, demonstrated in the five-one demolition of Panathinaikos and four-3 victory more than Udinese.Verdict: Juventus to qualify at four/eleven.

About the Author

David Walker runs soccer betting and totally free bets sites. A free electronic mail course: “7 Days to Better Betting” is offered at the two of these internet sites.