|
European Football
Previews - 11 Dec 2007
Live
Scores
Chelsea v Valencia
It's tough to call this one without knowing what sort of line-up
Avram Grant will put out ahead of the crunch game with Arsenal on
Sunday. Expect a weakened side, but probably not weak enough for a
feeble Valencia side to end their long unbeaten home record.
Valencia also have a huge game of their own on Saturday (at home to
Barcelona). Ronald Koeman could do with a confidence-boosting result
here, and a low-scoring draw would probably fit the bill. With
Schalke huge favourites to beat Rosenborg, a potential UEFA Cup spot
is unlikely to be enough motivation to go gung-ho in search of three
points. A big defeat would be disastrous given their current
delicate state. The early 0-0 value has gone, but Ladbrokes price on
under two goals looks tempting. Valencia haven't scored since
early November.
Recommendation: no bet
Marseilles v Liverpool
Just when you think Rafael Benitez has got the Premiership all
worked out, he goes and makes yet another bizarre team selection and
conspires to throw away the reds' impressive unbeaten record. The
Spaniard does appear to have been doing his homework on Marseilles
however, and is set to field two wingers to attack the French side's
suspect full-backs. That's no reason for Liverpool to be odds-on
though. This may be a must-win game, but Benitez' impressive away
record in Europe is based around a solid defence and midfield
double-pivot. Marseilles, and the pacy Mamadou Niang in partcular,
will relish testing Sami Hyypia and a Liverpool backline without the
midfield protection usually afforded in these kind of European away
games. The hosts have been backed into 7/2 so it makes more sense to
get with their main goal threat at a tasty each-way price.
Recommendations: 1 pt e/w Niang
first g/s @ 9/1. Betfred, Ladbrokes.
Schalke 04 v Rosenborg.
After a 4-0 hammering by Chelsea, the general consensus appears
to be that Rosenborg's 2nd placed position is a bit of a fluke. As
bad as Valencia have been this season, the Norwegians were good
value for their 2-0 wins home and away, and are not without chances
against perennial under-acheivers Schalke. The Germans have been
rocked by the internal suspensions of Serbian duo Krastjaic and
Rakitic following their antics in a Duisberg Nightclub, whilst
pivotal midfielder Jermaine Jones is serving a suspension of his
own. Though it's hard to see Rosenborg winning this, the point they
need does look within their capabilities. For a goalscorer bet, have
a little on Schalke defender Marco Westermann, scorer of both goals
at Frankfurt on Saturday, at a standout 50/1.
Recommendation: 1.5 pts Draw
@ 5.2. Canbet. 0.25 pt e/w Westermann first
g/s @ 50/1. Ladbrokes.
Olympiakos v Werder Bremen.
The situation is simple for Thomas Schaaf's side. Win in Greece
and a last 16 place awaits. Schaaf is not the kind of coach to send
his side out looking for anything less, as the weekend 4-3 defeat at
Hannover on Saturday perfectly illustrates. Werder certainly have
the attacking talent, but the problems lie at the other end. Schaaf
also needs to arrest a horrendous away record in this competition. A
level ball handicap looks a little off here, and Olympiakos should
be backed at 9/5. With three goals in the competition already,
Luciano Galletti should also be backed to make his mark once more.
Rcommendations: 2.5 pts Olympiakos
@ 9/5. Bet 365. 0.5 pt e/w Galletti first
g/s @ 14/1. Bet365.
Ilunga
|