Champions League Betting Preview

This year’s Champions League looks like one of the most competitive competitions in recent times, with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs in with a good chance of taking the most sought after prize in club football.

The betting markets for the outright winner have last year’s winners Barcelona as 9/2 favourites. This is not surprising given their star studded squad, and the way they eased past Man Utd in the final. Second favourites are Barcelona’s rivals, big spending Real Madrid at 5/1, followed by English sides Man Utd, Chelsea, and Arsenal with odds ranging between 6/1 and 8/1.

Barcelona Champions League Odds - Best odds 9/2 with Betfred

Barcelona proved their class when winning the competition last season. Not only did they win the Champions League, the also eased to victory in their domestic league and look justifiable favourites for this season’s competition. However, they were arguably lucky to defeat Chelsea in the Semi Final when clinching a last minute away goals victory.

Real Madrid Champions League Odds - Best odds 5/1 with Blue Square

With a massive summer spending spree which included the capture of Christiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid are one the bookies fear for the Champions League this year. There is no doubt Real Madrid have the firepower upfront, but their defense is still suspect, and their will be a lot of pressure on Real as they are certainly the team to beat this season. Having failed to get through to the Quarter Final stage of this competition for the last 5 seasons, we don’t think they will win this season’s Champions League, although the fact the Final is in Madrid is obviously an advantage.

Chelsea Champions League Odds - Best odds 13/2 with Coral

Chelsea are our pick for the 2009/10 Champions League. They were unlucky to be knocked out by eventual winners Barcelona last season, and have a quality squad that is experienced enough to go all the way this time out. New Manager Carlo Ancellotti is also vastly experienced in the Champions League, having won the competition twice with Milan. At best odds of 13/2 Chelsea are definitely worth an each-way bet.

Man Utd Champions League Odds - Best odds 8/1 Sportingbet

Man Utd were outclassed in last season’s Champions League final, and have lost arguably their best player in Christiano Ronaldo. However, their record in the Europe is fantastic, and look set to make a strong challenge again this year. They still have a lot of quality in defense and upfront with the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Ferdinand, but look a little light in midfield with the likes of Scholes and Giggs arguably past their best. Odds of 8/1 look about fair, and are likely to attract lots of betting interest.

Arsenal Champions League Odds - Best odds 10/1 with Blue Square

Arsenal’s free flowing, passing football is well suited to the Champions League, and they are capable of tearing teams apart. The Gunners are often criticised for their lack of strength in tough physical matches which won’t be a problem in Europe. The lack of depth in their squad, and the way they were thoroughly beaten by Man Utd in last seasons competition means they are not great value at odds of 10/1, and we wouldn’t even suggest an each-way bet.

Inter Milan Champions League Odds - Best odds 12/1 with Bet 365

Inter Milan have a lot of quality, and with Joes Mourinho as manager are definitely capable of challenging for this seasons Champions League. They have failed to live up to expectation in recent seasons, but the Italian Champions are quite generously priced up at 12/1, and could definitely be a shrewd each way bet. The only negative is the disappointing performance by all Italian teams in the Champions League over the last few seasons.

Liverpool Champions League Odds - Best odds 12/1 with Bet 365

Liverpool have over performed in the Champions League in recent years, and are well suited to the competition with Rafa Benitez’s style of play. It would be no surprises to see them do well again this season, but their reliance on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres is a major concern, an injury to either of these two would seriously damage their chances. Liverpool are definitely not one’s to write off, and could be of interest at odds of 12/1.

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