The Champions League is well and truly underway this season, and Chelsea fans will be looking to the Chelsea Champions League odds hoping that their team will manage to fulfil their massive potential. Chelsea will be looking to lift the Champions League trophy this season following a series of near misses.

Chelsea Champions League Odds with Sky Bet see the Blues as 6/1 third favourites behind Barcelona (9/2) and Real Madrid (5/1) to lift the cup. Many Chelsea fans will be thinking this is their season, and that the 6/1 on offer from Sky Bet represents massive value. Other betting odds for the Champions League involving British teams have Manchester United at 13/2, Liverpool 10/1, Arsenal 14/1 with the Scottish clubs bringing up the rear. Rangers are 150/1 and Celtic are 200/1 to triumph.

As well as betting on the winner of the Champions League, Sky Bet also offer Champions League Top Goalscorer betting odds. Chelsea players offered by Sky Bet include Didier Drogba, who is 16/1 for the Golden Boot.

The 2009/10 Champions League is the 55th time the competition has been staged in various guises, and the first time it will have been staged following its new qualifying format. Chelsea will be hoping to be present at the final, which is due to be played on 22 May 2010 at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium. Bet on Chelsea in this season’s Champions League with Sky Bet and you will get a free £10 matched bet once you have placed an opening bet of £10 of more.

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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Chelsea Champions League Odds

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Qualification

In 1997, eligibility was expanded to include the best performing runners-up, according to the UEFA coefficient ranking list. The coefficient is determined by clubs’ results in UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions’ League games over the past five seasons and used to allocate Champions’ League places to a certain number of clubs from each league. The English Premiership currently has 4 Champions’ League qualification places.

Past Results

From a national perspective, Italy, Spain and England lead the way, with 11 wins apiece. Germany and Holland have six wins each. As far as individual clubs are concerned, Spain’s Real Madrid boast the best record, with 9 wins, followed by Italy’s A.C. Milan with 7. English clubs have performed well, Liverpool with 5 wins and Manchester United with 3.

Champions League Winners Odds

Winning Nation Odds

Champions League Top Goalscorer Odds

Champions League Group Betting

The majority of online layers (such as Bet365 and Blue Square) offer Champions league odds on the winners and qualifiers from each of the eight qualifying groups. The “Big 4″ English clubs are all in the top two in the 2008-09 Champions League odds for qualification from their respective groups.

Stage of Elimination

Betfair offer Champions League betting odds on the stage at which the British club will be eliminated from the competition. Celtic, with just 2 points from 4 games and an apparent inability to win away from home, are overwhelming favourites to be the first British side eliminated.

Champions League Match Betting

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Champions League Odds

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Chelsea’s next Champions League encounter is away to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome on 4th November. With 3 matches played, Chelsea top Group A with 7 points, CFR Cluj having 4 points, with Roma and Bordeaux on 3 points each. Stan James rate the Blues as 1/14 chances to win the group, while Boylesports have them at 1/250 to progress beyond the group phase. Roma are 8/11 with Paddy Power to qualify. The Rome encounter will almost certainly decide the group winners.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent Champions’ League encounter, at Stamford Bridge, the two sides had not met previously. Roma, currently strugglers in Serie A, put up a resolute defensive display. The visitors seemed content to settle for a point and were happy to stop the Blues playing their way through the centre. Francesco Totti operated as a lone striker, giving Chelsea the responsibility of breaking down the defence. However, Roma came close to taking the lead via Matteo Brighi in the 35th minute, only being denied by an outstanding tackle by Chelsea skipper John Terry. Chelsea enjoyed a great advantage in terms of possession and created a number of chances which they failed to convert. However, there was little evidence of the “beautiful game” desired by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, as the home side were continually frustrated by the resilient defending of the visitors. Scolari’s demeanour clearly demonstrated his displeasure with Chelsea’s inability to get on top. John Terry finally put paid to Roma’s resistance with a second-half winner. Terry rose majestically above the defence to head home from Frank Lampard’s 77th minute corner, giving the Blues a 1-0 victory and retaining top spot in Group A.

Despite their currently lowly position in Serie A, this was a spirited performance from Roma. Chelsea will need to be at their best for the return fixture in Rome. The Blues remaining fixtures are a trip to Bordeaux, who they beat 4-0 at home, and a home tie with surprise package CFR Cluj, who were good value for their 0-0 home draw with Chelsea and won 2-1 in Rome. Given that Chelsea should pick up at least 4 points from these two games, a draw in Rome should be sufficient to secure the group, while a win should make it a formality.

Key Players

ROMA:

Doni
6ft 5in Donieber Alexander Marangon, or simply Doni as he is more frequently known, is a Brazilian international goalkeeper, who joined Roma in August 2005. His first team appearances were initially limited by the presence of Italian under-21 international ‘keeper Gianluca Curci, but a series of impressive performances in cup competitions soon saw him promoted to the starting line-up. He is now widely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A.

Alberto Aquilani
24 year-old Alberto Aquilani is an Italian international midfielder, who, ironically, was offered a lucrative contract by Chelsea at the age of 16. Aquilani turned down the Blues’ offer, as his dream was to play for Roma. He is renowned for his thunderous long shots and while his goalscoring record is unspectacular (15 in 136 appearances for Roma), he has scored twice in 8 appearances in the 2008-09 season. Aquilani is often employed as a “holding” midfielder, a role in which he excels, as Chelsea discovered recently.

CHELSEA:

Deco
It came as little surprise that Deco, real name Anderson Luis de Souza, was coach Scolari’s first signing for the Blues. He signed the Portuguese international midfielder following a particularly impressive Euro 2008 tournament. The 31 year-old attacking midfielder has exceptional passing skills, which can tear opposing teams apart.

Salomon Kalou
Salomon Kalou was a surprise signing from Feyenoord Rotterdam in May 2006. Kalou was born in Ivory Coast but failed in a bid to obtain Dutch nationality in order to play for Holland at the 2006 World Cup. His Blues’ career started slowly, but with continuous improvement he regularly features on the left wing, or as an impact-making substitute. A pacy and dangerous performer, he can play on the wing or in a deep-lying role, making him a versatile asset.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

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With 3 games played, Arsenal top Group G with 7 points, with Dynamo Kiev on 5 points and Porto with 3 points, while Fenerbahce languish at the bottom of the group with just 1 point. Arsenal are 1/10 favourites, with Stan James, to win the group, Dynamo Kiev and Porto are 10/1 and 25/1 respectively, with Paddy Power, while Fenerbahce are rank outsiders, attracting odds of 100/1 from William Hill. Prices to progress from the group phase are 1/100 Arsenal (Betfair), 1/2 Dynamo Kiev (Boylesports), while Paddy Power offer 2/1 about Porto and 10/1 Fenerbahce. Arsene Wenger’s troops now face a home tie with Fenerbahce on 5th November.

TV Coverage

Live TV coverage will be provided, from 19.30, by Sky Sports Xtra and Sky Sports HD3.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent clash in Istanbul, Arsenal and Fenerbahce had never met. Following a 5-2 hammering, Fenerbahce fans will probably be pleased that they hadn’t! It was the hosts’ first defeat in Europe at home in 16 matches. The Turkish side came close to drawing first blood in the fourth minute, with Gunners’ keeper Manuel Almunia having to rush out to smother Ugur Boral’s close-range shot. The (in)famous, intimidating Istanbul atmosphere was unmistakable from the kick-off, with every Arsenal attack greeted with boos and whistles from the Fenerbahce fans. However, Emmanuel Adebayor silenced the crowd in the 10th minute, springing the offside trap, collecting Cesc Fabregas’ pass and firing home for his third Champions’ League goal in as many matches. Fabregas replicated his defence-splitting pass a minute later and Theo Walcott rounded the goalkeeper, shooting inside the near post to put the Gunners two up. Fenerbahce were temporarily back in the game after 19 minutes, courtesy of a Mikael Silvestre own goal, but Abou Diaby restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead two minutes later. Both teams defended poorly, but Arsenal took their chances while Fenerbahce failed. Surprisingly, Spanish striker Daniel Guiza failed to convert two excellent chances just before the break. Four minutes into the second half, Alex Song volleyed in a fourth to make it 4-1. Guiza finally managed to find the net in the 78th minute, lobbing ‘keeper Almunia. However, in the fourth minute of injury time, substitute Aaron Ramsey fired in off a post to complete the 5-2 battering.

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are a home tie with Dynamo Kiev and a trip to Porto who they defeated 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. With Kiev’s other remaining fixtures being home ties with Porto and Fenerbahce, the showdown at the Emirates on 25th November looks the group decider.

Key Players

Arsenal

Theo Walcott
19 year-old Walcott set the Championship alight with Southampton, showing awareness, composure, confidence and ability beyond his years. Often coming off the bench to impress with his pace and skill, Walcott was a good “impact” player, but was often overawed by the big stage and could not hold down a first team place. However, with lightning pace, superb finishing, a brilliant footballing brain and good with both feet, Walcott possesses all the attributes for a striker in the modern game. He is now established at Arsenal and is a potent attacking threat.

Abou Diaby
Vassiriki Abou Diaby is a French international midfielder of Senegalese descent, signed from Auxerre in early 2006. Coach Arsene Wenger believed he could add a further dimension to the Gunners midfield. Such has been his success that he has earnt comparisons to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Lately he has been used on both wings for Arsenal, but appears better suited to a central midfield role. He has score 3 times in 10 appearances in the Champions’ League.

Fenerbahce

Gokhan Gonul
23-year-old Gokhan is a Turkish international right full back. He possesses abundant pace and is renowned for his ability to get forward, providing attacking scope. With his precise passing skills and the ability to beat defenders, he is a useful and versatile performer.

Ugur Boral
Ugur Boral is also a very gifted play-maker and surprises goalkeepers with his deceptively powerful shot. He is naturally left footed and is very versatile player, operating effectively as a left back, left sided midfielder or on the left wing. He was called up for the Turkish Euro 2008 squad, scoring the opener in the 3-2 semi-final loss to Germany.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Arsenal v Fenerbahce Odds

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Manchester United are joint leaders of Group E, along with Villareal, each side with 7 points. Celtic and Aab Aalborg seem to have no chance of progressing, having each gained only 1 point from three games. The bookmakers agree, with Manchester United attracting a quote of 4/9 to win the group from Paddy Power, with Villareal at 7/4 (Stan James), while Celtic are 125/1 (Paddy Power) and Aab Aalborg 500/1 (bet365). Odds to qualify from the group are 1/100 United (Betfair), 1/50 Villareal, 16/1 Celtic and 50/1 Aab Aalborg (all Paddy Power). United next visit Parkhead for the fixture with Celtic on 5th November.

TV Coverage

Live TV coverage will be provided, from 19.30, by Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent Group E encounter, honours were even between Manchester United and Celtic in Champions’ League encounters. In the 2006-07 competition, United triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford, while Celtic were victorious 1-0 at Parkhead. Since then, one of them has spent around £100 million and gone on to lift the Champions League. Any away win would do for the other, who have now lost 17 out of 18 games on their travels in Europe, and are the Champions League’s worst performers at away grounds. Manchester United contemptuously dismissed Celtic in their recent all-British encounter with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

The visitors were comprehensively outplayed and penned in their own half for long stretches. Dimitar Berbatov fired the home side ahead after 29 minutes, though seemingly offside. Celtic might have been level at the break when John O’Shea turned Shunsuke Nakamura’s free-kick towards his own goal. Thankfully for the Irishman, ‘keeper Van der Sar was alive to the danger. After 51 minutes, Celtic ‘keeper Artur Boruc failed to hold on to a fierce free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo, allowing Berbatov to complete his brace. Again, he looked suspiciously offside. Wayne Rooney joined in with a 76th minute goal, but even the 3-0 scoreline failed to reflect United’s total dominance.

Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably delighted with his team’s performance. However, he admitted that Celtic’s loss of Giorgios Samaras and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink was a major blow. Looking forward to the return fixture at Parkhead, he said, “We have to think a result in Glasgow will get us through. But Celtic have a very good record up there, so it will be a difficult game.” However, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan described Manchester United as the best team he had seen in Europe after they outclassed his side at Old Trafford. Strachan said that United were warm favourites to successfully retain their Champions’ League title.

Key Players

Celtic

Shunsuke Nakamura
Shunsuke Nakamura is a Japanese international midfielder, who has scored 22 times in 81 international appearances. He became the first Japanese player to score in the Champions’ League. A natural left-footer, he is versatile in terms of position, effective in left, right and central midfield. Renowned for his vision and touch, he is also a free-kick specialist. Slightly built Nakamura has been criticised for lack of strength on the ball. However, he has flourished in the physical Scottish Premier League. Former Tottenham Hotspur player Steve Perryman once remarked that Nakamura was so good, he “could open a tin of beans with his left foot.”

Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov finally earned his dream move to Manchester United after a summer-long transfer saga. The Bulgarian has already been to a Champions’ League final, with Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. He had two stunning seasons in the Premier League, scoring 46 goals in 101 appearances for Spurs in 2006-07 and 2007-08. His class, grace, passing and goalscoring ability attracted a price tag of £30 million. Having taken some time to break his goalscoring duck for United, he has now scored four times in two Champions’ League appearances.

Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar, the most-capped Dutch international ever, signed for United in 2005. He moved to Old Trafford after spending four years with Fulham. Van der Sar showed in his first few months at Old Trafford that he is an immense goalkeeper, commanding in his area and athletic and agile for such a giant of a player. A goalkeeper with great agility for one so tall (6ft 6in), he is a reliable and commanding figure – a colossus between the sticks. Van der Sar’s age (37) means that United may soon be seeking a long-term alternative. However, following Mark Bosnich, Fabien Barthez, Tim Howard and Roy Carroll, the majority of United fans will be delighted to maintain the status quo for as long as possible.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Celtic v Man United Odds

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Liverpool’s next Champions’ League outing sees them host a Group D fixture with Atletico Madrid, with whom they recently drew 1-1 at the Vicente Caldron stadium, Madrid. Given their performance in Madrid, Liverpool will be hot favourites for the return fixture. The two teams, both unbeaten, top the group with 7 points each, and Paddy Power rate the Reds a 1/500 chance to advance from the group with Athletico Madrid at 1/40. With PSV Eindhoven having broken their duck with a 2-0 win over Marseille, it may not be a two-horse race, but the Anfield fixture must surely determine the group winners. Liverpool are currently 12/1 to win the Champions League with Bet365.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent encounter in Madrid, the two sides had never met. Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 15 matches, quickly settled into a decent rhythm and were by far the dominant force in the first half. After 14 minutes, skipper Steven Gerrard combined with Robbie Keane to unlock the Athletico offside trap, Keane slotting the ball home past ‘keeper Franco. The Reds, who looked like the home side, could have easily doubled their lead before the break. However, Irishman Keane missed a great opportunity from a Gerrard cross.

Atletico, coming off the back of three domestic league defeats, looked woefully short of attacking ideas in the first 45 minutes. The only first half excitement they provided for their fans was a 25-yarder from Diego Forlan after 40 minutes, which was just wide of Pepe Reina’s far post. Otherwise, the Liverpool ‘keeper could have safely read the evening paper for the majority of the first period. Under-pressure Athletico coach Aguirre substituted star striker Sergio Aguero for Luis Garcia at the start of the second half. The change lifted the Athletico side, who twice came close shortly after the break. Forlan actually had the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Within minutes, Simao produced a brilliant save from Reina. Liverpool became increasingly sloppy in the second half, and paid the penalty in the 83rd minute. Simao, unmarked in the Liverpool penalty area, was picked out by a precise Forlan pass and drilled home a low shot to level at 1-1. Indeed, Liverpool could have lost, with Reina producing another excellent save from a Miguel volley.

The result did not do just to the balance of play and Liverpool coach, Rafa Benitez, was deeply disappointed, considering it to be 2 points lost rather than a point gained. He is anxious to avoid the same scenario in the return fixture on 2nd November.

Key Players

Liverpool

Robbie Keane
Much-travelled “second striker” Robbie Keane signed for Liverpool in July 2008. Keane boasts impressive career statistics of 171 goals from 455 appearances for Wolves, Coventry, Internazionale, Leeds, Spurs and Liverpool. He scored his first goal for Liverpool in the Champions’ League win against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield and doubled his Reds’ European tally with a 14th minute strike against Athletico Madrid.

“Pepe” Reina
“Pepe” Reina, real name Jose Manuel Paez Reina, was signed by Rafael Benitez in July 2005, as he continued his Anfield rebuilding scheme. Despite doubts surrounding Reina, ironically the son of famed Athletico Madrid stopper Miguel Reina, he answered all his critics with a string of solid performances, following his move from Villareal. Agile, confident and a dominant force in the penalty area, he is an excellent goalkeeper, described by Benitez as “the best goalkeeper in Spain.”

Atletico Madrid

Simao
Simao Pedro Fonseca Sabrosa, commonly referred to as Simao, a Portuguese international for nearly a decade is a gifted right winger. Prior to his late strike securing Madrid a point from their recent home encounter with Liverpool, his only other Champions’ League goals came in the 2005-06 season against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Liverpool at Anfield. Renowned for his dribbling ability, he is a free kick and penalty specialist. However, he can also be a valuable defensive asset.

Diego Forlan
Diego Martin Forlan Corazo is a Uruguayan international striker. A former English Premier League winner with Manchester United in 2002-03, he signed for Villareal in August 2004, becoming La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals and helping his team to their maiden Champions’ League qualification. He joined Athletico Madrid in August 2007 and has scored 26 times in 57 appearances, including 3 from 4 in European competition.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Liverpool v Athletico Madrid Betting

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Round three of the 2008-09 Champions’ League group stages sees Turkcell Super League runners-up, Fenerbahce, host Premiership 3rd-placed finishers Arsenal, in a Group G tie at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The two sides have never met before, so there is no head-to head form on which to base judgements. Get a Free £25 bet on Fenerbahce v Arsenal when you join either 888sport or Blue Square.

CURRENT FORM

Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce have made a poor start to their domestic season, having lost four out of six Super League matches to currently lie 12th in the table. Coach Luis Aragones’ worries have not been alleviated by his team’s opening matches in the Champions’ League. Fenerbahce were completely dominated by FC Porto in their opening tie. They were two down after 14 minutes, and despite Daniel Guiza getting one back, against the run of play, on the half hour, Lino’s injury-time strike sealed a straightforward 3-1 victory for Porto. Fenerbahce have boasted an excellent home record in European competition in recent seasons. However, their 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kiev was another lacklustre performance, with the Ukrainian side easily absorbing the pressure.

Arsenal
Arsenal have made a somewhat mixed start to their domestic season, amassing 13 points from 7 games to lie 4th in the Premiership table. However, losses at Fulham and at home to Hull tend to temper confidence somewhat. In the Champions’ League, Arsenal were lucky to escape with a point from their opening tie with Dynamo Kiev, in the Ukraine. The Gunners trailed to a Bangoura penalty after 65 minutes, but skipper William Gallas bundled in a late equaliser to save Arsenal’s blushes. Arsenal’s subsequent fixture against FC Porto at the Emirates Stadium saw normal service resumed, a brace each for Robin Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor securing a comfortable 4-0 win.

KEY PLAYERS

Fenerbahce
Punters will doubtless be familiar with the stars of the Arsenal team, but Fenerbahce’s influential players may be something less than household names. Skipper Alex (Alexsandro de Souza), former captain of the Brazil national side, was signed from Brazilian club Cruzeiro in 2004. Renowned for his playmaking, Alex is a skilful left-footed midfielder, who is a specialist at free-kicks penalties and corners. However, this has never stopped him scoring from open play and he is definitely one to watch. Another to note may be Spanish international striker Daniel Guiza, who became the Super League’s most expensive foreign player when signed from Mallorca for ?14 million, in July 2008. He has already scored twice in the current Champions’ League campaign.

Arsenal
Arsenal captain William Gallas has proved especially valuable in the 2008-09 Champions’ League, scoring twice against FC Twente in qualification, along with the equaliser against Dynamo Kiev. Signed from Barcelona in 2003, Cesc Fabregas has established himself as a technically gifted playmaker in the centre of the Arsenal midfield, and one of the most coveted young players in the game.

TEAM NEWS

Fenerbahce
Influential midfielder Emre Belozoglu and defender Gokhan Gonul picked up injuries during Fenerbahce’s 4-1 Super League home defeat by Kayserispor and have withdrawn from the Turkish national side’s World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Estonia. Early indications are that the Arsenal tie will come too soon for both players, who are likely to take some 3 weeks to recover. Emre, rated by some as one of the most accomplished Turkish players ever, is renowned for his dribbling and passing skills. 23-year-old Gokhan is a right full back, with pace in abundance. He is well known for his ability to get forward to aid in attack, precise passing and the ability to beat defenders. The balance of the Fenerbahce side will be upset by the absence of both players.

Arsenal
Cameroon international centre back Alex Song will be fit, having played a full 90 minutes against Sunderland recently. French midfielder Abou Diaby may also have recovered from a thigh injury, and as Arsenal have no new injury worries, coach Arsene Wenger should have a fully-fit squad for the trip to Istanbul.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Fenerbahce v Arsenal Betting

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The third round of 2008-09 Champions’ League fixtures sees an all-British clash in Group E, between Manchester United and Celtic. Get a Free £25 bet on Man United v Celtic when you join either 888sport or Blue Square.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Honours are even between Manchester United and Celtic in Champions’ League encounters. In the 2006-07 competition, United triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford, while Celtic were victorious 1-0 at Celtic Park.

CURRENT FORM

Manchester Utd
Manchester United have made their customary unhurried start to the domestic season, occupying 8th spot in the Premiership table. United began the defence of their Champions League crown against with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Villareal at Old Trafford. The home side came no closer than a Jonny Evans header that came back off the post. In a poor contest, the visitors created little in the way of chances. However, they nearly escaped with the points. A Franco backheel from a Lopez cross seemed goal bound, until rebounding off the woodwork into the arms of the stranded ‘keeper. Alex Ferguson will need no reminding that on the previous occasion that the Spanish side drew at Old Trafford, United failed to progress from the group stage. United’s subsequent Champions League encounter, a trip to AaB Aalborg of Denmark, was a different story entirely. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after 22 minutes and Dimitar Berbatov broke his duck with a second-half brace, as the Red Devils swept aside the Danish minnows 3-0.

Celtic
Celtic have made a good start to their domestic season, amassing 19 points from 8 games and topping the Scottish Premier League on goal difference. The only blemish on their domestic record is a 4-2 home defeat by Rangers in the “Old Firm” derby. However, their performances in the Champions’ League leave something to be desired. Their failure to collect 3 points at Celtic Park against AaB Aalborg immediately dented Gordon Strachan’s hopes of leading his team to the last 16. Barry Robson had a 29th minute penalty saved in their 0-0 Champions’ League Group E opener. In a nervy performance, the Scottish champions could not break down the visitors defence and came close to conceding on a number of occasions. Manager Strachan fully realises that his team will now have to make club history by winning a Champions’ League match away from Celtic Park if they are to progress for the third successive season. For their second match, away to Villareal, Celtic’s bold line-up promised a more attacking game than in recent away trips in Europe. However, a brilliant 67th minute free kick from skipper Marcos Senna consigned the Bhoys to yet another away defeat, Villareal triumphing 1-0. Celtic surely need a minor miracle if they are to progress from the group.

KEY PLAYERS

Manchester Utd
Given that the United players are household names with punters, a discussion of their key players seems redundant.

Celtic
Celtic skipper, 26-year-old Stephen “Mick” McManus is a Scottish international who plays at left and centre back. McManus is a product of Celtic’s youth academy and has risen through the ranks to become first team captain. Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry described him as “the last of an ancient breed”, insofar as his no-nonsense defending style is rare in modern football. He is currently Celtic’s longest-serving player with 8 years at the club. Despite Celtic’s poor start, 6ft 4in Greek international striker Georgios Samaras is definitely one to watch. Having spent most of last season on loan at Celtic Park, Samaras signed permanently in July 2008. He has scored 12 times in just 8 appearances in the SPL this season.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester Utd
Paul Scholes suffered knee ligament damage early in the Group E victory over AaB Aalborg and is expected to sit out the forthcoming double-header against Celtic, along with the trip to face Villarreal on 25 November. Wayne Rooney and right-back Rafael both picked up knocks, though neither is serious.

Celtic
Celtic’s vice-captain, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, faces a fitness battle to be ready for the United game. The Dutch international striker limped off after only a minute of the recent win over Hamilton. He may be unable to play for up to a month, having strained an adductor muscle in his groin.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Man United v Celtic Betting

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The third round of Champions’ League Group A fixtures sees Chelsea hosting AS Roma of Italy’s Serie A. The teams have not met before, so there is no relevant “head-to-head” form. Get a Free £25 bet on Chelsea v Roma when you join either Blue Square or 888sport.

CURRENT FORM

Chelsea
Chelsea have made an impressive start to their domestic campaign, topping the Premier League with 17 points from 7 games. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari must have also been delighted with Chelsea’s start to their Champions League campaign, at home to Bordeaux. Frank Lampard headed the hosts in front after 14 minutes, with Joe Cole doubling the lead in the same fashion, on the half-hour. Late goals from Florent Malouda (82 minutes) and Nicolas Anelka (90 minutes) gave a scoreline that reflected the Blues superiority. Chelsea’s second outing was a visit to CFR Cluj of Romania, 3-1 conquerors of Roma. Chelsea escaped a distinctly uncomfortable night in Transylvania with a 0-0 draw. Chelsea could not break down the resilient CFR Cluj defence and the battling Romanians were good value for their draw. Cluj are enjoying a dream debut season in the Champions League, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Roma and now sit level with Chelsea on top of Group A.

Roma
Roma have made an uninspiring start to their domestic season, with just 7 points from 6 games, currently occupying 14th position in Serie A. Despite their stuttering start, Roma were confidently expected to win their opening home Champions’ League fixture against CFR Cluj of Romanian Liga I, debutants in the competition. Roma led via a 17th minute strike from Christian Panucci, but Emmanuel Culio equalised for the Romanian side on the half hour and put them in front 4 minutes after half-time. CFR Cluj held on to deservedly take all 3 points in, on the face of it, one of the biggest Champions’ League shocks ever. However, a subsequent 0-0 home draw with Chelsea suggests that the win may not have been the fluke it appeared. Roma managed to get their campaign under way in their second outing, away to Bordeaux. In a scrappy encounter, the Italian side had a poor first-half, falling behind to a 20-yarder from Yoann Gourcuff after 15 minutes. However, Bordeaux were reduced to 10 men shortly before half-time, with the dismissal of centre back Henrique. Mirko Vucinic equalised on 64 minutes and a further brace from substitute Julio Baptista sealed a 3-1 win for Roma. Doubtless, the Italians will be relieved, but prospects look bleak for Bordeaux, with no points from their first two games.

KEY PLAYERS

Chelsea
Chelsea skipper, John Terry plays at centre back position and also captains the English national side.
Terry was voted best defender in the 2005 Champions’ League, PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2005, and was included in the FIFPro World XI for 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team. In August 2008, he was awarded the Defender of the Year award by UEFA, at the Champions’ League group draw in Monaco.

Chelsea’s vice-captain, midfielder Frank Lampard, is the leading scorer amongst active players, with 115 goals, the highest ever for a Chelsea midfielder. Lampard has started the 2008-09 season strongly, scoring five goals in his first 10 matches.

Chelsea ‘keeper Petr Cech is the Czech Republic goalkeeper who has been at the club since July 2004.
He received the individual award of Best Goalkeeper in the 2004/2005, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons of the Champions’ League. Additionally, he was named in the Champions’ League “Team of the Season” for 2006.

Roma
Roma Captain, Francesco Totti, plays as a striker or an attacking midfielder, but is best known for playing as a second striker. Totti, who has spent his entire career at Roma, is the number one goalscorer and the most capped player in Roma’s history, including 37 appearances and 12 goals in the Champions’ League.

Versatile Brazilian Julio Baptista is another to look out for. A technically gifted player, he is effective as a holding or attacking midfielder and as a striker. He has only made 11 appearances for Roma, but has scored 8 times including 2 in the 3-1 defeat of Bordeaux.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Chelsea v Roma Betting

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The third round of Champions’ League group fixtures includes a Group D clash between Athletico Madrid and Liverpool, with both teams defending a 100% record. There is no head-to-head form as the sides have never met. Get a Free £25 Bet on Atletico Madrid v Liverpool when you join either 888sport or Blue Square

CURRENT FORM

Atletico Madrid
Madrid have made a quiet start to their domestic season, in 7th place in the Spanish Primera Liga, with 9 points from 6 games. However, their Champions’ League form has been somewhat more inspiring. Their Group D opener was a visit to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. The Spanish side started well, taking the lead via a 9th minute strike from Argentinean midfielder Sergio Aguero. Aguero doubled the lead after 36 minutes and Nuno Maniche killed off the game shortly after the interval, for an impressive 3-0 success. Athletico Madrid took a big step towards the last 16 of the Champions’ League after seeing off Marseille 2-1. All the goals came in an action-packed opening period, with Sergio Aguero again opening the scoring, after 4 minutes. Mamadou Niang levelled for the home side after 16 minutes, with Raul Garcia’s winner coming on 22 minutes. The victory gives Atletico a maximum 6 points, while Marseille now have a mountain to climb having also lost their opening game at home to Liverpool.

Liverpool
Liverpool are unbeaten in 7 domestic fixtures and lie second, on goal difference in the Premier League. They have also made a successful start to their Champions’ League campaign. Steven Gerrard played a captain’s role as the Merseysiders opened their Champions League Group D campaign with a 2-1 win in Marseille. Marseille led after 23 minutes through skipper Lorik Cana, but Gerrard equalised within a few minutes with an exquisite 25-yarder. Just after the half-hour, a twice-taken Gerrard penalty gave Liverpool the lead. The French team battled well after the interval but Liverpool hung on for a deserved success. The Reds’ second outing was a home tie against PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch champions were totally outclassed at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring in the 4th minute, with his 10th goal in 16 Champions’ League games for the club. Robbie Keane broke his Liverpool duck in the 34th minute, following his £20 million move from Spurs. In the 76th minute, Steven Gerrard grabbed his 100th Liverpool goal to leave his side with their Champions League destiny in their own hands. Danny Koevermans scored a consolation goal for PSV 2 minutes later, but Liverpool were impressive 3-1 winners. Liverpool have now won their first two group matches for the first time. The back-to-back games with Atletico Madrid will, after the Spanish side’s win over Marseille, almost certainly decide the group winners.

KEY PLAYERS

Athletico Madrid
Maniche, real name Nuno Ricardo de Oliveira Ribeiro, is a Portuguese international midfielder. Renowned for his teamwork, stamina and powerful shot, he received his nickname after Benfica’s 1980s legendary Danish forward Michael Manniche.

Luis Garcia plays in the “hole” position behind the striker. A greatly skilled player, but he does have the unfortunate “ability” to give the ball away in dangerous areas. Though predominantly a left-footer, he is any thing but a “one-footed” player. His confidence with both feet makes him a versatile attacking asset, and for a player of 5ft 9in, his heading ability is remarkable.

Liverpool
Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard, is an influential and versatile midfielder. He is generally used in a central midfield role, though has often been employed on the right side of midfield and occasionally as a second striker. He has also captained the English national side. He is renowned for his shots from distance and recently scored his 100th goal for the club from 25 yards.

Spanish international striker Fernando Torres, ironically, signed by Liverpool from Madrid, is a prolific goalscorer. He has scored 38 times in 57 appearances for the Reds, including 6 from 15 in European competition.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool Betting

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