Champions League 
/ James Eastham / 22 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Super Mario, super form. Mario Gomez is a good bet on the 'to score' market
"Inter are a shadow of the side that won this competition last season although they’ve improved since Leonardo replaced Rafa Benitez as manager. Many of the players may be the same as last season but the side’s form has been unconvincing in European and domestic competition since the departure of Jose Mourinho. "
It's a repeat of last year's final but Inter aren't half the team they were and are up against a side who starteed poorly but are on a good run just now. James Eastham identifies the best betting options.
Introduction
Bayern goalkeeper Thomas Kraft and striker Mario Gomez ought to be fit. The pair picked up knocks against Mainz on Saturday.
Last season's two-goal Champions League final scorer Diego Milito looks set to miss out with a hamstring strain. Samuel Eto'o and Goran Pandev are expected to start up front. January signing Giampaolo Pazzini is ineligible.
Match Odds
Inter are a shadow of the side that won this competition last season although they've improved since Leonardo replaced Rafa Benitez as manager. Many of the players may be the same as last season but the side's form has been unconvincing in European and domestic competition since the departure of Jose Mourinho. Inter finished second in their opening-phase pool behind Champions League debutants Tottenham, and lie 3rd in Serie A, 5pts behind leaders AC Milan.
Bayern are in excellent form, winning six of their last eight Bundesliga matches to climb from seventh to second in the table. Much of this is down to the return from injury of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. The pair have been in sparkling form, with RIbery having a particular motivation on Wednesday night: he missed last season's Champions League final against Inter through suspension.
The pace and precision of Bayern's breaks gives the visitors as much chance as Inter of winning the game. I'd back Bayern at [3.4], or lay Inter at [2.3] if you want to cover the draw.
Inter are [2.1] to qualify, with Bayern [1.83]. Bayern look the better bet to me.
Both Teams to Score
If, as expected, Gomez is fit, Bayern's chances of scoring an away goal will improve: the giant Germany international has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 18 times in 22 league games and adding six in six Champions League appearances. A Bayern attack comprising Gomez, Ribery and Robben will be confident of getting on the scoresheet against an Inter defence that has conceded in 15 of its last 17 league games.
Inter are a free-scoring side, too, as their tally of 33 goals in their last 13 league goals shows. Back 'Yes' in Both Teams to Score market at [1.8].
To Score
Gomez would be my selection considering his outstanding form in the competition and this season in general. He's available at [3.2].
Best Bet: Back 'Yes' in Both Teams to Score market @ [1.8].
Other Recommended Bets: Lay Inter @ [2.3] and back Mario Gomez to score anytime @ [3.2].
It's a repeat of last year's final but Inter aren't half the team they were and are up against a side who starteed poorly but are on a good run just now. James Eastham identifies the best betting options....
Real Madrid have lost every game they have ever played at the Stade Gerland. Someone Special is needed if they are to do any better in Lyon on Tuesday night, says Tobias Gourlay....
There was upsets galore in week one of the round of 16 so how will the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid fare this week? asks Matthew Walton....
No comments:
Post a Comment