Live on ITV1 & Skysports 2: Wed 19.45: Man Utd are 5/4 favs with to beat Marseille in what should be a low-scoring clash.
Manchester United head to Marseille without a host of players, including Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-Sung and Anderson and given his side’s absentees, you have to wonder whether Sir Alex Ferguson would settle for a draw, priced by Boylesports at 23/10, in the Stade Velodrome.
Nevertheless, make United 5/4 favourites and after they won all three group matches away from home, keeping clean sheets in them all, that price will have plenty of takers. In fact Fergie’s troops conceded just once in the group stage and as the hosts have injury problems of their own in attack, Totesport’s 6/4 for another United shutout is undoubtedly tempting.
Bookies seem well aware that goals could be at a premium in the south of France and a tally of fewer than 2.5 is subsequently just 8/13 at 888Sport and those anticipating an away win can combine with a goal total under three at odds of 2/1 (Partybets).
However, the possibility of an uninspiring stalemate still nags at the back of the mind and so punters should tread carefully if risking their cash on United. Indeed safer bets are those less dependent on the eventual victor; Stan James’ 13/8 for what’s set to be a tight affair to be goalless at the interval falls in to that category but at slightly higher odds, a 1-0 victory either way and a 0-0 draw can be covered, Betfred offering 7/4 for the match to feature less than 1.5 goals.
In the San Siro there’s a re-run of last season’s final as Inter Milan and Bayern Munich renew hostilities. The Italian side are the defending champions having emerged triumphant in that clash last May and they’re 11/8 (Betfred) to run out winners here but they are nowhere near as solid as they were under Jose Mourinho and the fact that they shipped eleven goals in the group phase should set alarm bells ringing.
By contrast, Bayern’s form in the competition has been excellent while they’re also in decent shape domestically and they can certainly cause the hosts plenty of problems. The Bavarian outfit have been scoring plenty of goals and it’s 4/5 with 888Sport for both teams to find the net but punters willing to take a risk might be rewarded by opting for Stan James’ 9/4 marked against a Mario Gomez goal at any time. The Munich marksman has been in scintillating form and will be relishing coming up against Inter’s shaky defence.
Recommended Bets:
Under 1.5 goals in Marseille v Manchester United – 7/4 (Betfred)
Mario Gomez to score at any time for Bayern Munich v Inter Milan – 9/4 (Stan James)
Compare all Champions League odds and bet at the best price.
