Well underway in Champions League now, feel I have a good read for some of these teams/what results teams will be looking for. Let's make some $$$!
I'm doing some write ups today because I have time to kill right not. I'll try and post write ups consistently moving forward, but they may be simpler and less extensive in the future.
Tuesday, October 23:
Chelsea/Shakhtar draw +220
Both teams are undefeated headed into this game. Shakhtar picked up a good result in Italy in the last round of games and they will carry that momentum into this clash with Group E leaders Chelsea. The Blues will have to be wary to concede as their defense has been less than impressive, often relying on Cech to bail them out. Shakhtar are on a great run of form, coming into the game having not lost in twenty straight matches. They also have twelve straight wins at home. Chelsea will have a battle on their hands in Ukraine and will be cautious moving forward on the attack as to not be caught on the counter. Shakhtar have quality players all over the pitch, ones who will make the Blues pay for any mental lapses. This will be a hard fought point for each team and both will have to be satisfied with obtaining a point, remaining in a tie for first in the group. Also, Chelsea at +170 is the books way of getting action on the ever popular Blues. This has draw written all over it.
Valencia +110
The hosts BATE will be riding high after a monumental win vs. Bayern last match day, but they must be careful not to be over confident against a Spanish side who are quickly rounding into form. BATE played a smart game vs. Bayern attacking a banged up back line on the counter, but that same style will not work against Valencia. Bayern were unlucky not to be up 1-0 or 2-0 against BATE a few weeks back as both Muller and Madzukic hit the woodwork in the first ten minutes. BATE were able to find an early goal which forced Bayern's hand, prompting them to attack in numbers. This left them vulnerable at the back and they paid dearly. Valencia on the other hand play a compact, possession game. They are very dangerous moving forward while maintaining their width on the pitch. Soldado and Jonas look incredibly dangerous up front and will prove to be too much to handle for BATE. Three points are crucial for Valencia as a draw would leave them in third place in the group after three matches. BATE will prove to be tough opposition, but Valencia has too much at stake. They're quality will show in a 1-0 or 2-1 win.
Benfica/Spartak over 2.5 -115
All or nothing for Spartak. Win or they're out. That means attack attack attack for the Russian side who have been scoring goals at will in European competition as of late. The problem? They've been conceding at an even higher rate. Spartak are in poor form which means Benfica will like their chances of stealing three points from the Russians. I expect a wide open, free flowing game with plenty of chances. So long as those chances don't go to waste, this game should fly over.
I'm doing some write ups today because I have time to kill right not. I'll try and post write ups consistently moving forward, but they may be simpler and less extensive in the future.
Tuesday, October 23:
Chelsea/Shakhtar draw +220
Both teams are undefeated headed into this game. Shakhtar picked up a good result in Italy in the last round of games and they will carry that momentum into this clash with Group E leaders Chelsea. The Blues will have to be wary to concede as their defense has been less than impressive, often relying on Cech to bail them out. Shakhtar are on a great run of form, coming into the game having not lost in twenty straight matches. They also have twelve straight wins at home. Chelsea will have a battle on their hands in Ukraine and will be cautious moving forward on the attack as to not be caught on the counter. Shakhtar have quality players all over the pitch, ones who will make the Blues pay for any mental lapses. This will be a hard fought point for each team and both will have to be satisfied with obtaining a point, remaining in a tie for first in the group. Also, Chelsea at +170 is the books way of getting action on the ever popular Blues. This has draw written all over it.
Valencia +110
The hosts BATE will be riding high after a monumental win vs. Bayern last match day, but they must be careful not to be over confident against a Spanish side who are quickly rounding into form. BATE played a smart game vs. Bayern attacking a banged up back line on the counter, but that same style will not work against Valencia. Bayern were unlucky not to be up 1-0 or 2-0 against BATE a few weeks back as both Muller and Madzukic hit the woodwork in the first ten minutes. BATE were able to find an early goal which forced Bayern's hand, prompting them to attack in numbers. This left them vulnerable at the back and they paid dearly. Valencia on the other hand play a compact, possession game. They are very dangerous moving forward while maintaining their width on the pitch. Soldado and Jonas look incredibly dangerous up front and will prove to be too much to handle for BATE. Three points are crucial for Valencia as a draw would leave them in third place in the group after three matches. BATE will prove to be tough opposition, but Valencia has too much at stake. They're quality will show in a 1-0 or 2-1 win.
Benfica/Spartak over 2.5 -115
All or nothing for Spartak. Win or they're out. That means attack attack attack for the Russian side who have been scoring goals at will in European competition as of late. The problem? They've been conceding at an even higher rate. Spartak are in poor form which means Benfica will like their chances of stealing three points from the Russians. I expect a wide open, free flowing game with plenty of chances. So long as those chances don't go to waste, this game should fly over.
hno:
