Champions League

Napoli V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 22 November 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: San Paolo

Preview

It is all fairly simple for Roberto Mancini and Manchester City – in principle. Victory in Naples on Tuesday and a last-16 berth is theirs. However, a win for Napoli and the Italians would seize the initiative in this pulsating race to finish second, behind Bayern Munich, in the group widely perceived as the ‘Group of Death’ – Group A.

In all likelihood, Bayern Munich will top Group A. Victory in Munich over bottom-placed Villarreal, the La Liga outfit who have lost every group game thus far, would leave the Germans needing only to avoid defeat on Match Day 6 away to Man City in order to seal qualification as section winners. There is, however, no formality over who finishes second.

With Villarreal already eliminated, the race for second is between Napoli and Manchester City – and that basically turns Tuesday’s clash into a straight knockout… sort of. While a loss for City, whom have only been beaten once in eighteen matches this season, wouldn’t finish them off, what it would do is leave them requiring an awful lot on the final match day. Victory, however, and they would go through to the next round no matter what happens on Match Day 6.

Defeat in Naples and City would have to beat Bayern Munich in two week’s time AND require Villarreal to pull something off at El Madrigal against Napoli. That’s a scenario Roberto Mancini will be keen to avoid, obviously. Even a draw would shroud their last-16 participation in doubt.

So this is a monumental fixture for the Citizens, the current leaders of the Barclay’s Premier League, comfortably so, and, arguably, thee in-form team in Europe right now. Saturday’s clinical 3-1 victory at home to Newcastle was Manchester City’s ninth in succession in all competitions. And this was without star man David Silva, who wasn’t introduced from the bench until the 69th minute. It’s also worth pointing out that City have now scored 33 goals during this sensational run of theirs, taking their tally in all competitions to a staggering 55.

Italian teams are renowned for their robust defending, and few right now are more astute defensively than Napoli. The men from Naples have conceded just once in almost ten hours of football in Europe at the San Paolo Stadium, while domestically they have kept three clean sheets in their previous four Serie A matches. It almost sounds like the perfect match-up. Almost.

Although Napoli seemingly have the credentials to become only the second team in 2011/12 to claim the scalp of Manchester City, on current form their hopes of a famous win – one that would move them to the cusp of qualification – are very slim at best. Saturday’s goalless draw with Lazio, in Naples, meant it is now one win in seven for Walter Mazzarri’s charges, whose team’s only wins this season have tended to come against the big sides: AC Milan at home (3-1), Inter Milan away (0-3) and more recently Udinese (2-0), who were leading Serie A up till last weekend.

Furthermore, Napoli also held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in Naples on Match Day 3. They were also sightly unfortunate to go down 3-2 the following match day in Munich, at the Allianz Arena. There’s little doubt the Italian side have been a team for the big occasion in recent seasons, it’s simply a case of whether or not they can put their dismal recent sequence of results behind them to record not only a famous a win, but a win that would put them in pole position to qualify.

Match Pointers

- The result of this particular match could prove decisive with regards to who qualifies from Group A. Victory for Man City would guarantee their participation in the competition after the New Year, as they would then boast an unassailable five-point lead over the Italians. A win for the home side however, Napoli, would see them climb above City into second, a point clear of the Citizens heading into the final round of group games which will see City entertain Bayern Munich and Napoli go to rock-bottom Villarreal.

- Napoli have only won one of their last seven matches in all competitions, though they have been beaten just twice on their own patch in seventeen (W9 D6 L2).

- At home in European competition, Napoli are unbeaten in ten matches, since completing their return to the continental fold back in 2008. Their last defeat occurring way back in 1994.

- Bayern Munich are the only team to have scored at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples in almost ten hours of European football, with the Bavarians doing so on Match Day 3 in a 1-1 draw.

- Manchester City are enjoying a scintillating run of nine straight wins in all competitions, scoring 33 times – over 3 goals a game on average – whilst conceding nine.

- The Citizens’ only defeat in eighteen competitive games this season (W15 D2 L1) came on Match Day 2 in a 2-0 loss at Bayern Munich. They have scored 55 goals and conceded just 15.

Betting

When these two teams met for the very first time on Match Day 1, in a 1-1 draw in Manchester, Roberto Mancini wasn’t in the best bit pleased with how open the affair was as a contest. It was end-to-end from start to finish, with City monopolising most of possession, and in fairness creating the clearer opportunities, yet Napoli were a constant threat on the counter. It will be exactly the same in Naples, only Napoli should attack with more swagger and confidence in front of what is always a hostile, partisan San Paolo following.

Although their first meeting was thoroughly entertaining to watch, I am not so sure the sequel will be as riveting. Both sets of players will be wary of leaving themselves exposed, so there could be a distinct lack of conviction in their play. Napoli are always well-organised, but when they attack they do so with real purpose and a lot could depend on how well City contain playmakers Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who will both provide the main supply line to the prolific Edinson Cavani, the Uruguayan who opened the scoring in Manchester.

For City, there are numerous key players which could heavily influence the final result – which is why I fancy them to sneak a win. In terms of creativity, they ooze the stuff. The prospect of a fresh David Silva entering the fray is frightening, after the Spaniard featured only briefly in his side’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, City’s ninth victory in succession. Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli just haven’t stopped scoring in recent weeks and months, and Mancini will unleash the pair of them on a Napoli defence which has conceded just once in 573 minutes of European football at the Stadium San Paolo.

Napoli boast a formidable reputation for being incredibly well-organised at the back, combative and industrious in the middle of the park and very clinical in the final third – however, their opponents really are something else. Manchester City will take a wealth of attacking options to Naples and they should have too much quality up top for the Italian side, whom fired blanks at the weekend in a dour 0-0 draw at home to Lazio.

Match Outcome: Manchester City to WIN – 11/10 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Man City 2-0 (Correct Score) – 9/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Napoli – 3/1 StanJames

Draw – 5/2 PaddyPower

Manchester City – 11/10 WilliamHill

Manchester United V Benfica

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 22 November 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

We have a winner takes all contest at Old Trafford on Tuesday between Group C joint-leaders Manchester United and Benfica.

Both can almost reach out and touch the last-16; however, qualification as section winners is the real prize at stake in Manchester – a draw would send both clubs through to the knockouts provided FC Basel lose out in Romania to Otelul Galati, but victory at Old Trafford would secure top spot for the victorious party courtesy of a superior head-to-head, as their reverse meeting in Lisbon on Match Day 1 ended 1-1.

The hosts are firm favourites to secure all three points and the win that would rubber-stamp their inclusion in the knockout stage of the competition for the sixth season running, with visiting Benfica sizeable underdogs to become the first team since Besiktas, in November 2009, to win a Champions League match at Old Trafford.

For starters, United have never been beaten by Tuesday’s opponents, who themselves have a rather lousy record on English soil (W3 D0 L9), with the reigning English champions winning six of the pair’s previous eight meetings. That isn’t all, though. Sir Alex Ferguson’s many different charges over the years have put together a formidable home record in Europe that has seen them lose only once at the ground dubbed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ in 34 Champions League games. A staggering 25 of those were victories.

However, United haven’t been at their fluent best recently. Saturday’s hard-fought win away at Swansea maintained their winning momentum, which was all-important, after winning for the fifth match in a row in all competitions, but it was yet another highly unconvincing display from the Red Devils, who have scored an uncharacteristic five goals in their last four games – though it has been over seven hours since they last conceded.

Solid and unspectacular would certainly be a fitting way to describe Sir Alex’s men of late, and while their efficiency can be lauded, because they have been winning games, you sense there is an element of vulnerability about them.

Defensively they have been very sound, thanks in no small part to Ferguson deploying Wayne Rooney in a deeper role in an audacious bid to add some steel and combativeness to a midfield which was overrun by Man City last month in that infamous 6-1 loss at Old Trafford; they’ve not conceded a single goal in five games since. However, going forward they haven’t been as menacing as they were in the early stages of the campaign, when they were blowing teams out of the water with their goalscoring prowess.

So a mixed bag really with United. If you’re a fan, you’ll be delighted with their response to the Manchester derby defeat in that they’ve since embarked on a five-game winning run, but the lack of goals – and entertaining football to some degree – will come as a frustration.

Benfica are ideal opponents for United as they look to gauge how far they have come since suffering their first loss of the season, as the Portuguese side remain undefeated in 2011/12, winning 13 of 17 in all competitions, and those include back-to-back away wins in the group at FC Basel (0-2) and Otelul Galati (0-1). And, like United, Benfica too have a knack for keeping clean sheets, doing so in six of their previous nine.

We should be in a highly competitive affair, then. Based on their respective statistics, one goal may settle this as a contest, and, ultimately, who goes through to the last-16 as Group C winners.

Match Pointers

- Victory for either at Old Trafford would seal top spot in the section, as well as qualification, with the two sides locked together at the Group C summit on eight-points. Their first encounter ended 1-1 in Lisbon, Portugal meaning a win would secure qualification as section winners via a superior head-to-head record.

- Manchester United’s record versus Portuguese sides at home in Europe, and especially Benfica, is exceptional: they’ve never lost to either, winning six of eight versus Benfica (W6 D2 L0) and eight of ten versus Portuguese teams in general (W8 D2 L0).

- Meanwhile, Benfica have succumbed to defeat on nine of their twelve visits to England, winning only three times (W3 D0 L9).

- Domestically, both teams sit prominently in the English Premier League and Portuguese Liga Sagres respectively, with Manchester United winning their ninth match of the season (W9 D2 L1) away at Swansea (0-1) on Saturday whereas Benfica weren’t in action and thus retained their unbeaten start of seven wins and three draws.

- United have lost just one of their previous 34 home UEFA Champions League matches, however, Benfica are unbeaten on their travels in this season’s competition winning both of their away fixtures in the group at FC Basel and Otelul Galati.

Betting

In the knowledge that qualification as group winners would be assured with victory on Tuesday, you’d like to think Sir Alex will field his strongest possible eleven. But the United legend tends to have his own unique way of thinking when it comes to group matches. Still, I’d expect most of the big names to be involved – which is just as well as Benfica are no mugs. The Portuguese sides are compact, extremely well-organised, fantastic on the ball and a huge threat on the offensive and they’ll be huge players in this fixture, make no mistake about it.

Having watched a lot of United during this five-game winning streak of theirs, it’s clear Sir Alex has gone to town on both his defence and midfield. Dropping Wayne Rooney back has had mixed results. Yes United aren’t conceded the alarming number of chances they were beforehand, but at the same time they aren’t creating a great deal themselves, either. Against Benfica, a side who retain their shape and will approach this crucial match with a clear game-plan in mind, United will far more guile and craft going forward if they’re to be successful.

Home and away, I haven’t been impressed with Manchester United. They’ve managed to ground out ugly victories, important ones, mind, but the fact they aren’t scoring many goals leaves them susceptible up against the sides who do actually know where the goal is, and how to locate it. Benfica do. They can also defend, which only adds to their appeal.

I feel there could be a shock on the cards here, although United always show tremendous character through adversity, so should Benfica take the lead, I’d expect to see a typically dogged fightback from Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges. A score draw in what I hope, and believe, will be a thoroughly entertaining contest.

Match Outcome: Draw – 10/3 SkyBet

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 20/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Manchester United – 4/7 WilliamHill

Draw – 10/3 SkyBet

Benfica – 13/2 Ladbrokes

Genk V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 1 November 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Cristal Arena, Belgium

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 4

Preview

They may have fallen off the bandwagon domestically but in Europe, Chelsea are still going hell for leather in their pursuit of Champions League glory. The Blues find themselves a point clear at the summit, marginally ahead of Bayer Leverkusen in second but four clear of third-placed Valencia, while after their 5-0 thrashing of Genk at Stamford Bridge a fortnight previous, only reigning champions Barcelona have plundered more goals than Andre Villas-Boas’ charges at this stage of the tournament.

A return to continental competition will come as a welcome relief to Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager who has endured his most forgettable week at the Stamford Bridge helm thus far. His team’s discipline and ethics have been brought into serious disrepute, with Ross Turnbull, Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba having seen red in recent games, while John Terry is still being probe by the FA for comments he made during last week’s 1-0 loss at QPR.

On top of all the avoidable off-pitch debacles, Chelsea’s form domestically has gone seriously awry. Progress in the League Cup clearly delighted Andre Villas-Boas; however, back-to-back defeats – in consecutive London derbies as well – has led to some questioning their title credentials this season, which is understandable when you consider the 2010 Premier League winners now trail early season pace-setters Manchester City by nine-points.

Fortunately for Chelsea, they’ve been presented with a glorious opportunity to leap straight back on the proverbial horse. A trip to Genk to face the reigning Belgian champions, whom they comfortably beat just two weeks prior to their second ever meeting, should be fairly straightforward – even for Chelsea, who have had a knack of doing things the hard way of late.

Against QPR last week, Chelsea had to play the entire second half down to nine men; later on in the week they were forced to play an extra 30 minutes during their League Cup tie with Everton, in which the game ended 1-1 after normal time. Then, at the weekend, in what was a pulsating affair with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, the Blues twice squandered a lead to lose 5-3 after a performance littered with high-profile errors. So who knows what handicap they’ll give themselves at the Cristal Arena in Genk, Belgium.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Chelsea’s opposition on Tuesday, Genk, notched five goals at the weekend, literally hours after Andre Villas-Boas’ side had shipped that very same amount at home to Arsenal. However, this is the same team which has won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions. Moreover, Genk, appearing in the group stage of the Champions League for only the second occasion, are still to score their first goal in this season’s edition, conceding seven goals without reply – though they did hold Valencia to a 0-0 draw in their only group game in Belgium thus far.

Didier Drogba is available to Villas-Boas for Tuesday’s trip to Belgium, with his current suspension limited to domestic action only. However, the Ivorian is unlikely to dislodge Fernando Torres from the team-sheet, the Spaniard who scored twice in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge and is quite clearly Villas-Boas preferred frontman, ahead of Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who are entering the twilight of their playing careers at 33 and 32-years-of-age respectively.

However, Chelsea’s Portuguese tactician may decide to shuffle his pack after seeing his team concede five at the weekend. Defenders Alex and David Luiz will both come into contention, with John Terry and Jose Bosingwa most at risk, as will Raul Meireles in midfield, who could replace John Obi Mikel in the starting line-up. Daniel Sturridge didn’t have a particularly good game either, so Nicolas Anelka could be drafted in to play on the right of a three-pronged attack.

Genk manager Mario Been doesn’t any any fresh concerns regarding injuries, which is just as well; the 47-year-old Rotterdam-born coach will need his strongest array of players if he’s to masterminded a result on Tuesday that would galvanises the club’s hopes of finishing at least third in the group.

Match Pointers

- Chelsea top Group E on seven-points, ahead of Bayer Leverkusen (6 Pts) in second, Valencia (2 Pts) in third while Genk (1Pt) prop up the table in fourth.

- The Blues began with a routine 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge at home to Bayer Leverkusen before drawing 1-1 out in Valencia, striker Robert Soldado equalising in the closing stages of the game for the La Liga side. However, Chelsea responded in winning fashion on Match Day 3, spanking Genk 5-0 in London.

- Genk, competing at this stage of the competition for only the second time, took their first points of this season’s competition on Match Day 1, holding Valencia to a goalless draw in Belgium. They were then beaten 2-0 in Germany by Bayer Leverkusen before slumping to a heavy 5-0 reverse at Chelsea on Match Day 3.

- The Belgian side scored five times at the weekend, in a 5-4 away at domestic rivals Club Brugge in the Jupiler League. On the same weekend, Chelsea just so happened to concede five at home to London rivals Arsenal in a 5-3 defeat in the Premier League.

Betting

Saturday’s humiliating defeat at home to Arsenal will have been a shock to the system for Chelsea, whom conceded five goals in a top flight match for the first time since 1989. Hopefully it will serve as a timely reminder that no team should be underestimated, as Genk, while they were no match for the Blues in London, should pose far more problems over in Belgium. Nonetheless, it’s difficult to envisage anything other than a Chelsea victory, one which could qualify them on the spot should Bayer Leverkusen avoid defeat in Spain away to Valencia.

So Chelsea for me, tentatively, as their odds aren’t great at all. There could, however, be some value in backing goals; Genk’s weekend fixture featured nine goals, five scored by them, while Chelsea’s epic encounter with Arsenal produced no fewer than eight.

Match Outcome: Chelsea to WIN – 1/4 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 13/8 Bet365

Match Odds

Genk – 14/1 Bet365

Draw – 5/1 Ladbrokes

Chelsea – 1/4 WilliamHill

Arsenal V Marseille

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 1 November 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2

Preview

Arsenal have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League in each of the previous eleven seasons and their hard-fought victory over in Marseille on Match Day 3 has left them on the cusp of their twelfth successive Round of 16 appearance. The Gunners top Group F, a point above Marseille who they face on Tuesday in north London, but are four ahead of Olympiacos with Borussia Dortmund a further two-points back.

Should Borussia Dortmund justify favouritism in Germany the same night, when they host Olympiacos at Signal Iduna Park, Arsenal would find themselves six-points clear of third-placed Dortmund with only two rounds of matches left to play. Looking at the bigger picture, though, topping the group will be of more concern to Arsene Wenger, as the Frenchman will be keen to avoid a situation similar to last season when his team drew eventual winners Barcelona in the very first round of knockouts.

High-scoring victories, domestically, for both teams at the weekend should mean we’re in for a competitive affair at the Emirates Stadium, which is just as well as Arsenal have been dominant in the north of London for a considerable period now. Focusing solely on previous group matches, Arsenal are without defeat at home for over eight-years, winning 20 of their last 24, including each of the previous eight.

If Marseille are to enhance their chances of qualification, particularly if they wish to finish as section-winners, then the 2008/09 & 2009/10 French champions must repeat the feat of Inter all those years ago and win in North London. That does seem a long-shot though; in ten previous visits to England for a continental fixture, L’OM have recorded just one solitary win. Last season, Didier Deschamps’ team slumped to narrow defeats at both Chelsea (2-0) and Manchester United (2-1).

Winning for the second weekend in a row, away at Dijon (2-3), back home in France will have raised spirits however, particularly as it stretched their unbeaten streak domestically to six matches (W3 D3). I’m pretty sure they will have taken some heart from Arsenal’s 5-3 victory at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday as well, despite seeing their opponents on Tuesday score five times at what is a notoriously difficult venue to even score at, let alone win.

Although Arsenal’s weekend win over London rivals Chelsea was hugely impressive, more so the number of goals they scored and how they counter-attacked with real fluidity and purpose, defensively it was another horror show. Chelsea were extremely wasteful, as they carved open the Arsenal defence times and time again. Johan Djourou and Andre Santos at full-back had terrible games; they were caught out of position on countless occasions, as was centre-half Per Mertesacker, the German defender who is set to be replaced in the team-sheet by a now fit Thomas Vermaelen.

Furthermore, Arsenal weren’t entirely convincing at home to Olympiacos on Match Day 2, while there were hairy moments over in France as well, although for both sides in truth. What I’m trying to say is that despite being the favourites, and rightly so, it is by no means a formality that this match should end in a home win.

However, Arsenal are beginning to race through the gears, with Saturday’s morale boosting win extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine, eight of which were wins, while the form of their three-pronged attack has been especially eye-catching. Gervinho has been a little indifferent since arriving in the summer but his quick turn of foot and the fact he attacks defenders with real purpose has impressed me, though not as much as a confident Theo Walcott. The England winger was exceptional at the weekend and was only narrowly beaten to the Match of the Match award because of Robin Van Persie’s hat-trick, the Dutchman who now has 12 goals for the season, scoring seven in his last four competitive games.

Marseille, though, have a couple of nifty individuals of their own who could catch the eye. Lucho Gonzalez pulls all the strings in the middle of the park, a player Arsene Wenger rates so highly he tried to sign him on the final day of the summer transfer window. French schemer Mathieu Valbuena is another tricky customer in the middle; however, it is the pace in behind of Andre Ayew and Loic Remy which could cause this leaky, hapless Arsenal defence problems.

Match Pointers

- Arsenal (W2 D1 L0) top Group F with seven points, a point above second-placed Marseille (W2 D0 L1).

- The Gunners opened their accounts with a creditable 1-1 draw in Dortmund before securing back-to-back victories at home to Olympiacos (2-1) and away to Marseille (0-1).

- L’OM started with successive wins over Olympiacos (0-1) in Greece and Borussia Dortmund in France (3-0); however, a last-gasp winner from Aaron Ramsey sent them to their first reverse of the campaign last time out, losing 1-0 at home to Arsenal on Match Day 3.

- Unbeaten in 24 home group games in UEFA Champions League, Arsenal are seeking their ninth straight home win in the group stage with their last reverse coming against Inter Milan back in 2003.

- Marseille have been victorious on just one of their ten visits to England in continental competition, losing away at Chelsea and Manchester United in last season’s tournament.

Betting

In seasons gone by, Arsenal only had to turn up with their boots to win Champions League group games at home. If they were really geared up, they’d win at a cantor. With this current batch of misfits, that isn’t the case any more. The recent form of Gervinho, Theo Walcott and especially Robin Van Persie, who has been a goalscoring machine in recent weeks, certainly bodes well but defensively they still look alarmingly suspect. Plus Marseille don’t often suffer heavy defeats on their travels, they like to keep things tight when playing away from home in Europe under Didier Deschamps, hoping to catch teams out on the break.

Marseille’s pace on the counter could wreak havoc on an Arsenal defence which back home posts the third-worst defensive figures in the Premier League (conceding two-goals per-game on average). However, I’m putting faith in Arsene Wenger’s reinvigorated team and backing Van Persie & Co to outscore their opponents.

Match Outcome: Arsenal to WIN – 4/6 Bet365

Value Bet: Arsenal 3-1 (Correct Score) – 14/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Arsenal – 4/6 Bet365

Draw – 3/1 Boylesports

Marseille – 9/2 PaddyPower

Marseille V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 19 October 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: Stade Melodrome

TV Coverage: LIVE on ITV1

Preview

Despite their abysmal form domestically, Marseille have laid down the gauntlet to the rest of the teams in Group E following back-to-back wins over Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund and go into Wednesday’s home match with Arsenal knowing victory would put them on the cusp of qualification. However, the Gunners have never been beaten on French soil – winning four of seven – and they too recognise the significance of victory.

Sat second in Group E on four-points, just a couple shy of Marseille but three ahead of Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal would also make substantial ground on qualification with a win on Wednesday. And that will be the one and only thing on Arsene Wenger’s mind heading to the Stade Velodrome, a venue where domestic rivals Chelsea and Manchester United both failed to win at last season, this a man who believes playing away from home has little baring on the final result; if you’re good enough collectively, you’ll win no matter where you are, is the Frenchman’s mantra.

Achieving victory won’t be an easy task though, not for this current batch of Gunners who have been drawn together out of chance more than anything else. Most of Arsene Wenger’s last-ditch signings were made out of haste and panic due to the sudden departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who have definitely not been adequately replaced. Now the place is littered with numerous difference nationalities, making communication incredibly difficulty, establishing any sort of cohesion impossible, and winning results sporadic.

So far this season, Arsenal have managed just five wins in all competitions. Only three of those came in the league, where they currently lie 10th, a staggering 12-points off the pace of leaders Manchester City. It’s also worth pointing out that none of those five triumphs came away from home, all at their Emirates Stadium in North London, with the Gunners’ last away victory coming in their Champions League qualifier in Italy, a 2-1 win in Udinese.

Arsenal are, however, unbeaten in continental competition in France, winning four and drawing three.

It does say everything you need to know about Marseille that they would take Arsenal’s dismal start to the season. The 2009 & 2010 French champions have made a truly awful start to the new term, winning just one of their first ten fixtures. L’OM are a solitary point above the relegation zone as it stands, 14-points adrift of leaders PSG. Had it not been for their impressive start in Group F, Didier Deschamps may well be starring down the barrel.

So, in a strange sort of encounter between two beleaguered sides domestically but in-form continentally, Marseille and Arsenal will meet for the very first time at the Stade Velodrome. The hosts eager to build on successive wins over Olympiacos in Greece, where they battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory, and their 3-0 rout of Borussia Dortmund. The visitors keen to extend their seven-game unbeaten run in France and, at the same time, achieve what they were within minutes of in Dortmund on Match Day 1, which Is secure a priceless away Champions League victory.

Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermealen and Jack Wilshere all miss the trip to France while full-back Kieran Gibbs is rated doubtful, with Andre Santos expected to fill in. Central midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who sat out Sunday’s 2-1 win in the league over Sunderland with a minor hamstring problem, is available.

Match Pointers

- Marseille top Group F with six points after victories over Olympiacos (0-1) in Greece and Borussia Dortmund (3-0) in France, two ahead of Arsenal whose only dropped points came in Dortmund.

- The French side’s European fortunes this season are in stark contrast to their domestic form: Didier Deschamps’ team have already played ten league games but have triumphed only once (W1 D6 L3).

- The Gunners, meanwhile, have been similarly indifferent in the league: Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat of Sunderland was only their third in eight games (W3 D1 L4).

- Both Chelsea and Manchester United failed to win in Marseille in last season’s tournament; Chelsea losing 1-0 in the group stage while United were held to a goalless draw in the Round of 16.

- Arsenal, though, are unbeaten in seven European visits to France (W4 D3), though their last came way back in 2002.

Betting

I watched Arsenal last month make extremely hard work of what should have been a straightforward assignment against Greek outfit Olympiacos. I actually tipped them to struggle, and they did just that. Their narrow 2-1 victory was slightly fortuitous in that the Greeks created numerous opportunities that on another night would have found the back of Wojciech Szczesny’s goal.

Now Marseille aren’t renowned for their prolific qualities, however L’OM coach Didier Deschamps does posses a number of individuals with the ability to trouble an Arsenal defence which has been exposed and exploited and numerous occasions already this season – namely playmaker Lucho Gonzalez and a couple of athletic, agile forwards by the names of Andre Ayew and Loic Remy.

Nobody is convinced with Arsenal’s defence at the minute, especially Per Mertesacker, who has been found wanting against pace in the Premier League. So the prospect of Marseille scoring looks good. However, the Gunners will also fancy their chances up against a defence which has yet to concede in the competition thus far but has kept just three clean sheets back home in the league, against lesser opposition if we’re being brutally honest.

So I expect to see a few goals, for both sides, but at the same time I don’t think there will be much to choose between them. BUT… Arsenal do look very alluring at the odds and if they can produce a performance similar to that which almost earned them victory in Dortmund first time out, perhaps they could surprise a few? Namely, me.

Match Outcome: Arsenal to WIN @ 9/4 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Arsenal 2-1 (Correct Score) @ 12/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Marseille – 7/5 Boylesports

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Arsenal – 9/4 Ladbrokes

Chelsea V Genk

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 19 October 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: Stamford Bridge

TV Coverage: LIVE on Sky Sports 2

Preview

Having registered four points from their first two group games, Chelsea are well aware that back-to-back wins over arguably the weakest team in their sector would earn them a berth in the next round of the competition, the knockouts. Their opponents, though, know that should the worst case scenario happen – that they collect no points from their upcoming two matches with the Premier League side – then qualifying for the latter stages would become almost impossible, and they would then have to switch their objective to finishing third and at least prolonging their spell in Europe this season.

The onus and pressure will all be on the Blues, however, who are firm favourites to overwhelm their opponents on Wednesday inside what is expected to be a sell-out Stamford Bridge, after the club decided to hand out free tickets (some section of supporters were planning a protest at the huge inflation in ticket prices). But pressure isn’t anything new for Chelsea, nor their manager, who oversaw FC Porto’s thumping 7-2 aggregate victory over Genk in last season’s Europa League.

Chelsea began their European adventure, their pursuit of Europe’s most coveted prize, with a routine victory at home to Bayer Leverkusen. It was far from comfortable, though, for the six-time semi-finalists. The Germans caused them problems at the back while it took the Blues until the 67th minute before finally making the breakthrough, Brazilian defender David Luiz with an authoritative finish. Summer signing Juan Mata, a player the fans have taken an instant liken to – as well as every football pundit in England, added a second in the closing minutes after some wonderful play from Fernando Torres.

Speaking of Fernando Torres, who featured heavily in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw in Valencia on Match Day 2, the Spaniard is set to return to Andre Villas-Boas starting eleven after serving the second of his three-match domestic suspension at the weekend. Torres missed a host of gilt-edged chances at the Mestalla – which is no different from what he’s been doing all season, since his move to Stamford Bridge back in January in fact – but this does look a golden opportunity for ‘El Nino’ to once again recapture his scoring form.

Quite how Chelsea didn’t win in Valencia dumbfounds me. Although the draw was probably a fair result, a combination of chances created and the fact the Spanish side required a penalty right at the death, courtesy of Salomon Kalou’s inexplicable handball, meant it was a case of two points dropped for Andre Villas-Boas than one gained, even though the Portuguese maestro may have settled for a share of the spoils before the match got underway.

Three points on Wednesday, followed by another set in two weeks time away in Belgium, would more than make up for their profligacy and errors out in Spain. That’s because another six points would, realistically anyway, guarantee at least a top-two finish. And when you consider how tight the battle for second is likely to be, between Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia, we could even go out on a limb and say two victories over Genk, who are in dire form at the present; they’ve failed to win any of their last four matches, losing three, would secure top-spot in Group E?

Match Pointers

- Chelsea top Group E with four-points from two games, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home and drawing 1-1 with Valencia in Spain.

- Genk prop up the group, registering one point from a possible six after an opening day draw at home to Valencia and a 2-0 loss in Germany to Bayer Leverkusen.

- Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea have lost one of their eleven competitive games in 2011/12 (W8 D1 L1) and are unbeaten in their last five, winning four.

- The Blues have also plundered eight goals in their last two matches, seven in their last two at Stamford Bridge, where they’re unbeaten in 24 Champions League group stage fixtures.

- Belgian club Genk are without a win in four (D1 L3), three of which were away from home – they’ve yet to win an away fixture in the Champions League proper in four attempts.

Betting

The last time Genk were involved in the group stages of the Champions League, the Belgian side drew two of their away matches but were emphatically beaten in the other. If history is to repeat itself, they’ll snatch a draw here, as they’ve already tasted defeat on their travels, away at Bayer Leverkusen. To be brutally honest, I’m more inclined to back another away mauling cropping up. Chelsea are improving with every game; they’re starting to dominate teams, decent teams of a Premier League standard, which doesn’t bode well for the Belgians.

The return of Fernando Torres will also provide some fresh impetus, and the Spaniard will be determined to impress Andre Villas-Boas, the Portuguese manager who has seen his side notch eight goals in the two league games in Torres’ absence. The Chelsea number nine will more than likely spearhead the attack a much-changed Chelsea side, one likely to contain Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka on either flank, while Raul Meireles will replace the injured Ramires in midfield.

Match Outcome: Chelsea to WIN @ 1/8 StanJames

Value Bet: Fernando Torres First Goalscorer @ 3/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Chelsea – 1/8 StanJames

Draw – 19/2 VictorChandler

Genk – 33/1 VictorChandler

Valencia V Chelsea

Date & kick-off: Wednesday, 28 September 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: Mestalla, Spain

TV Coverage: ITV1

Preview

The UEFA Champions League has often been described as an ‘obession’ for Chelsea whom, after several near-misses in recent years, are still to get their hands on Europe’s most coveted prize. They have, however, got off to the perfect start in Group E, recording a clinical victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge first time out, but arguably their toughest assignment of the group awaits them on Wednesday – Matchday two of the group stage – when they pay an old adversary of theirs a visit.

Next on Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas’ agenda is a trip to the Mestalla, where waiting in the wings is a Valencia side who in their last home game held reigning Spanish and European champions Barcelona to a 2-2 draw. The Blues, though, can take heart from their flawless record at the Mestalla in the Champions League: The West London club have triumphed on each of their two previous visits, winning on both occasions 2-1.

Is a hat-trick of Mestalla wins on the cards for the visitors or will Valencia ensure Juan Mata’s homecoming is soured by defeat?

Valencia

Group E Position: 3rd

Group E Form: D

Disappointed with the start they’ve made to their European campaign, Valencia will be eager to make amends on Wednesday when they welcome Chelsea to the Mestalla. In order to do so, Los Che will need to end their miserable losing streak against English opponents – the La Liga outfit have lost their last three matches at home to English opposition, two of which were to this very opponent.

A goalless 0-0 draw with Belgian champions Genk, in Belgium, wasn’t what Unai Emery had in mind. The Valencia chief had hoped to make a similarly strong start to the previous campaign, when his team opened their accounts with a comprehensive 4-0 win in Turkey against Bursaspor last season. Instead, they are left with little choice but to be content with a point, although it has put pressure on their matches at home now.

Any team who takes nine points from their three home games are all but assured of a place in the knockouts, and that is what all the top teams in the competition strive to achieve. Valencia are no different and, after holding their own against Barcelona in their last home match, won’t be shy to test Chelsea’s resolve on Wednesday as they go in search of hree crucial points, and what would also be a famous victory over one of the competition’s most consistent teams in recent seasons.

Although the club has established a nasty reputation for being a selling club, having let the likes of David Silva, David Villa and Juan Mata – now of Chelsea – go in recent times, Valencia have this uncanny knack of nuturung talent. This current batch may be lacking a world-class player or two, but they’re still a quality team in their own right, arguably still the third-best in Spain. David Albeda, Ever Banega, Pablo Piatti and Roberto Soldado – the latter a ruthless finisher with figures of 23 goals in 38 appearances for Los Che – are just some of the wonderful talents on show.

Chelsea

Group E Position: 1st

Group E Form: W

It is true that they weren’t entirely convincing, but a win is a win and after dispatching of Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Matchday one, Chelsea go in search of their second maximum haul on Wednesday night that would consolidate their position at the top of Group E.

Boasting a 100% record at the Mestalla, Chelsea will head to Spain full of confidence, no doubt beaming after their weekend result. A crushing 4-1 win over promoted Swansea in London made it four wins from six in the Barclay’s Premier League, where the Blues currently reside in third. The one dampner was Fernando Torres’ dismissal, after the Spaniard saw red for a two-footed lunge shortly after notching the opening goal of the game. Torres will now serve a three-game domestic ban, although that doesn’t include continental fixtures meaning ‘El Nino’ is a certain starter in Spain.

The renaissance of Torres is a pleasing factor for Chelsea’s manager, but even more satisfying is the general performance of the team. A 3-1 loss to Man Utd at Old Trafford was a terribly unflattering scoreline when you consider just how much possession they enjoyed, not to mention the sheer number of chances they created – Torres and Ramires contrived to miss most of the gilt-edged ones. To their credit, the Blues did respond in their next league game, by slamming four past Swansea at the weekend, as has Torres; the Spaniard has now scored in each of his last two appearances for the club who shelled out £50Mil for his services last January.

Signs that everything is beginning to fall into place should be a valuable source of encouragement for supporters, although rumours of disharmony in the dressing room is a little disconcerting. Frank Lampard is reportedly no longer a first-team player under Villas-Boas, much to the displeasure and disbelief of the England midfielder, who has also dropped down the pecking order at international level as well. Will Villas-Boas throw the 33-year-old an Olive branch with a place in his starting line-up for Wednesday?

Match Pointers

- Chelsea have reigned supreme in Spain on their previous two visits to Valencia and the Mestalla, winning 2-1 both times.

- The Blues are also unbeaten in their last six visits to Spain for a European fixture, with their overall record there as follows: W3 D4 L5.

- Valencia have been beaten in each of their last three home European games with English opposition, two of which were versus Chelsea, with Los Che’s overall record in Spain against English opponents reading a healthy W7 D4 L3.

- Roberto Soldaldo plundered six goals in seven Champions League matches last season, and has netted five in all competitions this season.

Betting Verdict

Valencia just haven’t been a match for the English in recent times, and some of those were at a time when they boasted such stars as David Silva and David Villa. But their current batch should not be underestimated. This season alone they have record two outstanding results at home, beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 as well as drawing 2-2 with Barcelona, a match in which they led on two separate occasions and could have gone 3-1 in front had the usually clinical Soldaldo converted with the goal at his mercy.

So, we’ve established that the hosts are no mugs. Yet still I find myself hypnotized by Chelsea’s odds of victory; their third in a row at Valencia should they do so. The Blues were mesmerizing at times away to Manchester United earlier in the month, carving out numerous opportunities that on any other day they would have converted without a moment of hesitation, and they were just as awe-inspiring against Swansea at the weekend.

The Londoners are beginning to find their rhythm, particularly now that Villas-Boas has made a ruthless yet correct decision in axing Frank Lampard. In doing so, he’s injected pace into the side which in turn has boosted the performance Chelsea get from Fernando Torres tenfold. The Portuguese tactician would be foolish to revert back to default. If he doesn’t, I’m all over Chelsea like a rash at the Mestalla. However, he has stressed the importance of squad rotation so I expect to see Lampard’s inclusion in the team. A draw it is then.

Match Prediction: Draw – 23/10 Bet365

Value Bet: Fernando Torres First Goalscorer – 6/1 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Valencia – 21/10 bWin

Draw – 23/10 Bet365

Chelsea – 6/4 PaddyPower

Arsenal V Olympiacos

Date & kick-off: Wednesday, 28th September 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: Emirates Stadium

TV Coverage: SKY SPORTS 2

Preview

Having opened their UEFA Champions League accounts for the season with a creditable draw out in Dortmund, Arsenal go in search of three coveted points when they play host to Greek Super League champions Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium.

The visitors have been beaten on all nine of their previous visits to England – including a 2-0 reverse in North London to the Gunners two seasons ago – whereas Arsenal are without defeat in their last eleven home Champions League games and are yet to taste defeat at home in Europe versus Greek opposition, winning five of seven.

Ominous stuff, then. Fortunately for Olympiacos, this isn’t a vintage Arsenal team. However, the Gunners have played three times as many competitive games than their opponents already this season and their superior conditioning could pave the way for a sixth successive Champions League victory at the Emirates Stadium for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Arsenal

Group F Position: 2nd

Group F Form: D

Last season, Arsenal were dark horses for the Champions League. In the end, though, they were dumped out in the Round of 16 by eventual champions Barcelona, although not before claiming a famous 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg. This time around nobody is giving them a chance of going all the way, as they did in 2006, with what is a threadbare squad that doesn’t inspire much confidence.

The high-profile departures of influential midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have weakened Arsenal’s ranks considerably, not only in number but more importantly in quality, the latter considerably. Coupled with the long-term absences of injured duo Thomas Vermealen and Jack Wilshere, who are the spine of this Arsenal team, and it’s perhaps understandable why punters and pundits alike are steering well clear of the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger has brought in several new faces, his idea of like-for-like replacements, and as a result Arsenal are currently going through a transitional period – and it hasn’t been smooth, either. Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos were brought in to bolster an ailing defence, and both have been found wanting on numerous occasions already, while Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun are somewhat laughable void-fillers for Fabregas and Nasri.

Nevertheless, the situation is what it is, and Arsenal must get on with life post-key players. Arsene Wenger is refusing to dwell on matters, and the Frenchman will have been encouraged by what he has seen recently. A 3-0 victory over Bolton in the league came not long after the Gunners held German champions Borussia Dortmund to a draw at Signal Iduna Park, a really gutsy display from Wenger’s men. Plus, with victory over Shrewsbury last week in the Carling Cup, Arsenal are now on the verge of winning three successive games for the first time since February. It would be a timely tonic when you consider whose up next in the league – only Tottenham away in the North London derby.

Olympiacos

Group F Position: 4th

Group F Form: L

The last time Olympiacos were paired alongside Arsenal in a group, they qualified for the latter stages with a second-place finish. A good omen perhaps, although crashing to a 1-0 defeat first time out at home to Marseille has left them with a mountain to climb already, and with their record in England atrocious to say the least, Ernesto Marinakis’ side are unlikely to get their qualifying bid back on track at the Emirates.

A distinct lack of games cost the reigning Greek champions severely on matchday 1, as they sunk to a 1-0 reverse at home to French side Marseille. It was a dour affair to tell you the truth, and the home side’s lack of match fitness certainly tolled. However, that was their first official game of the season and having played twice in the league since, recording narrow wins in both, The Red & Whites will feel they are better equipped to contest a Champions League match than they were two weeks ago.

Overcoming their appalling record in England is the first obstacle the visitors must hurdle. In nine previous visits to contest a European encounter, the most successful club in Greek football have never walked away with a result. In fact, they’ve seldom left with a goal. 29 goals conceded for just one in return makes for horrific reading, while it goes some way to emphasising just how shy Greek teams are outside of their comfort zone, which is anywhere in Europe bar their own country by the looks of it.

Nevertheless, Olympiacos can cause problems, and they’ll no doubt take some heart from their opponents’ lacklustre start to the season. This is, after all, a team packed with internationals, even if most aren’t from some of the more established nations. Striker Marko Pantelic could be one individual in particular worth keeping an eye on; the Serbian who earlier in the month netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Euro 2012 Qualifying victory over in Northern Ireland.

Match Pointers

- On matchday 1, Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Dortmund in Germany while Olympiacos went down 1-0 to Marseille in Greece.

- Arsenal had a 100% record at the Emirates Stadium in last year’s competition, notching 16 goals in just four matches, while they’ve not been beaten in a home Champions League game since their 2009 semi-final defeat to Manchester United, winning ten of their previous eleven in North London.

- Olympiacos have a miserable record tin England: The Greek title holders have lost on all nine previous visits, by a bewildering aggregate of 29-1.

- The Greek side have also played a meagre three competitive games in 2011/12, whereas Arsenal are already worn-in after contesting ten matches so far.

Betting Verdict

Olympiacos are the dominant force over Greece, and last season they romped to their 38th league title after winning 15 out of 15 at home. Away from home, however, they were beaten on five separate occasions, conceded twice as many goals and barely averaged one goal a game. Moreover, they aren’t the youngest batch either. But their experience could count for a lot against a team who are still finding their feet, while Greek teams are renowned for their defensive resoluteness and organisation. So it may not be the romp home fans are expecting.

This could be a tricky assignment for the Gunners, who haven’t been firing on all cylinders. Defensively they have been at sixes and sevens all season – only one team has shipped more in the Premier League than Arsenal – their midfield isn’t as domineering as it once was while going forward only Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie have looked threatening.

At 2/5 on a home win, I’d be inclined to go elsewhere. The draw could be a decent shout if you’re after value, as Olympiacos will certainly set themselves up with the sole aim of earning a low-scoring draw, playing mainly on the counter.

Match Prediction: Draw – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Draw at Half-Time (HT Betting) – 6/4 Bet365

Match Odds

Arsenal – 2/5 VictorChandler

Draw – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Olympiacos – 8/1 WilliamHill

Manchester City V Napoli

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 14th September 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: City of Manchester stadium (Etihad Stadium)

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2

Preview

The Champions League will be graced by several débutantes this season and two we shall see in action under one roof on Wednesday, with Italian side Napoli attempting to overhaul Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium in the first of several highly intriguing encounters in a group duly dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.

Thanks in no small part to Sheikh Mansour’s millions, Manchester City will finally complete their goal of playing in the UEFA Champions League. The fact they hadn’t competed amongst the best in Europe for some 43 years, or that they haven’t performed particularly well in either the UEFA Cup or Europa League recently meant they were also likely to be handed a tricky group. Even so, City have a job on their hands qualifying for the latter stages in a fierce Group A containing match day 1 opponents Napoli, Spanish side Villarreal and the most successful German club in history, Bayern Munich.

Because of the severity of their group, it’s important the Manchester club get out of the blocks fast and assert themselves as quickly as possible, in the process quashing any fears or concerns surrounding their lack of experience as a club at this level. On paper it would appear Roberto Mancini’s side have been presented with a glorious opportunity to do just that, but their opponents begin their first Champions League campaign on the back of their most successful league campaign for 20 years and simply cannot be underestimated.

Based in Naples, Napoli enjoyed their best season in the Italian top-flight for a considerable period when finishing behind only the two Milan clubs last term. Their three-pronged attack of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani notched over 50 goals in all competitions and this multi-dimensional forward line boasting craft, guile, invention, pace and a ruthless finisher – which combined is a proven recipe for goals – warrants the utmost respect, and I suspect City chief Roberto Mancini will show them plenty of that.

At the same time, however, you do wonder how on earth the visitors, who didn’t win a single one of their four Europa League contests outside of Naples, despite plundering a decent tally of eight goals (which should say everything you need to know about how many they let in), can contain an irrepressible Manchester City attack that has averaged three-goals-per-game so far this season.

Roberto Mancini has assembled arguably the strongest group of players on the continent, certainly in terms of quality in depth, and the Italian is expected to utilise his embarrassment of riches on Wednesday. Adam Johnson and Carlos Tevez started their first games of the season as City comfortably saw to Wigan at home, with a Sergio Aguero hat-trick doing all the damage. Expect Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko to return to the first-team fray however as Mancini seeks to keep his team fresh ahead of a critical few months of the season.

One player whose Champions League debut is in doubt is midfielder Gareth Barry, who would almost certainly come into contention if fully fit. The destructive midfielder picked up a knock to his ankle while on international duty with England and will be assessed ahead of the game after sitting out his side’s weekend victory. Nigel De Jong is definitely out a foot injury while Owen Hargreaves and Kolo Toure are lacking in match fitness.

Match Pointers

Manchester City will be making their first appearance in the Champions League, their first amongst Europe’s elite for 43 years.

Won all four of their opening league games, scoring 15 and conceding 3.

The Citizens have lost only one of their previous 19 home games, winning 17.

Keeper Joe Hart has conceded just two goals in City’s last 15 home games.

The Sky Blues are also unbeaten in 12 home games in Europe, winning five of their six at home in last season’s Europa League.

Napoli, too, will make their Champions League bow on Wednesday.

Played just one competitive match so far this season; a 3-1 defeat of Cesena on the road at the weekend.

The Azzurri failed to win any of their four away encounters in the Europa League last season, drawing two and losing two.

However, they did manage to win 9 of their 19 away Serie A fixtures in 2010/11: W9 D3 L7.

Betting Verdict

If ever a team was better equipped to handle a livewire of a Napoli attack, it is Manchester City. The Citizens kept a staggering 22 clean sheets at home in all competitions last season while goalkeeper Joe Hart, the current England No. 1, has conceded just two goals in City’s previous 15 home games. Now that’s a couple of incredible statistics, especially when coupled with their new found love for scoring goals in large quantities.

The Italian side will give anyone something to think about going forward, but you have to question their ability to nullify this cohesive, free-flowing and free-scoring City attack. David Silva is arguably in the top five players in world football on current form, while Sergio Aguero, who has five goals in two appearances at the City of Manchester Stadium for his new club, cannot be too far behind. Then there’s Samir Nasri, who was in inspired form two weeks ago on his début, instrumental in dismantling Tottenham in a 5-1 win away from home, a match Edin Dzeko netted four in. Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson are all viable alternatives should either of this awe-inspiring attacking set-up misfire.

Just too many options, too much fire-power really to oppose Manchester City. It could be a rout, seriously, if Roberto Mancini’s men get their noses in front early on, as Napoli are susceptible at the back. But if the Italians do somehow manage to get their noses in front, and they are certainly capable, then it could be a different story altogether, as Walter Mazzarri’s team do work tirelessly for the cause when they can smell an upset.

I’m not ruling out the possibility of Napoli grounding out what would be a stunning point with a draw in Manchester, not so sure they are capable of registering all three, but I’m going to play the percentages with this one and keep faith with those imperious hosts, Manchester City.

Match Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 2/5 PaddyPower

Value Bet (More like an alternative, really): Napoli/Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 22/1 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Manchester City – 2/5 PaddyPower

Draw – 4/1 bWin

Napoli – 9/1 Bet365

Benfica V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 14th September 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

TV Coverage: LIVE on ITV1

Preview

Neither Benfica or Manchester United will want to relinquish their winning habits having made terrific starts in the new term, but something will have to give on Wednesday when the two domestic giants meet in Lisbon for their Group C opener.

The Estadio da Luz in Portugal is the venue, while ITV1 is where everyone will have the opportunity to catch these two in action in what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining and competitive encounter between two in-form, confident sides eager to show exactly why they’re favoured to progress into the latter stages of the tournament at the expense of their section rivals, FC Basel and Otelul Galati.

However, the home side will not kick-off proceedings as favourites. That honour goes to early Premiership pacesetters Manchester United, who recently broke a Premier League record with their astonishing exploits in the early part of the season after scoring a remarkable 18 times in their four victories over Arsenal (8-2), Bolton (0-5), Tottenham (3-0) and West Brom (1-2).

An inspired and rejuvenated Wayne Rooney has been the catalyst to United’s superb early season form, the England forward who also set a new Premier League record by plundering eight goals after just four rounds of fixtures – including back-to-back hat-tricks in his last two league appearances. WilliamHill go 40/1 on a Rooney hat-trick of hat-tricks! I wouldn’t dare deter anyone from chancing their arm.

Rooney will spearhead a flawless United once again on Wednesday as the Red Devils seek to make it five wins on the spin in all competitions and get their Champions League campaign off to a flyer. He could, however, be joined by a few old faces with Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson lamenting the importance of experience in this competition, particularly away from home.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Park Ji-Sung and Ryan Giggs will all come into contention for the trip to the Portuguese capital, with Sir Alex eager to extend his team’s magnificent away record in this competition. Not since their narrow 2-1 defeat in Munich to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals two seasons ago have United been beaten on their travels in the Champions League, winning five of six away from home in last season’s competition, an exceptional run made a great deal more impressive by the fact a defence which was marshalled by the now retired Edwin Van der Saar didn’t concede a single goal in 540 minutes of football.

What chance of the home side breaking the visitors’ resistance? Well, Jorge Jesus’ team have not failed to score in a home match of any kind since November 2009, netting at least once in each of their last 50 at the stylish Estadio da Luz which can house up to 65,000 fans of the most supported club in Portugal. Moreover, individuals such as Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola and in particular Oscar Cardozo, who has six goals in his last four appearances against English opposition, can be a real handful and are capable of capitalising on any mistakes or complacency shown by their opponents.

Make no mistake about it, this is an incredibly difficult venture for Manchester United, who are bidding to make their fourth final appearance in five seasons. That very statistic goes some way to emphasising just how consistent Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have been in continental competition in recent years, and how they respect every opponent and treat every match with the utmost professionalism.

United will be a tough nut to crack in Lisbon, as ever, but they’ll also be targeting all three-points against the team who appear most likely to challenge them for group supremacy. Ground out a win here and United will be well and truly in the driving seat as far as securing top spot is concerned.

Match Pointers

The current champions of England have made a flawless start to the defence of their title, winning their first four league games of the season whilst scoring a Premier League record 18 goals in the process.

Competing in their sixteenth consecutive group stage campaign and are aiming to make their third final in four seasons.

Went unbeaten on their travels in Champions League last season, en route to the final, winning five of six.

Didn’t concede a single goal in any of their six away matches in this competition last season.

Won six of the pair’s seven European encounters.

Benfica are second in their domestic league after three wins and a draw from their first four games, scoring nine and conceding four.

The Portuguese side have triumphed in their previous seven European home games, though most of those were in the Europa League.

Made the semi-finals of the Europa League last term, before losing out to Portuguese rivals Braga.

Lost just two league games at home in 2010/11, winning 11 of 15 with a goal differential of 36-14.

Scored in each of their last 50 competitive home games.

Betting Verdict

Manchester United will be delighted with the timing of this fixture. Benfica are without question the second strongest team in an otherwise feeble Group C, and probably the only team capable of contesting top-spot with the English powerhouse, so to face their trickiest match during a period where they are in imperious form, literally winning games at a cantor, couldn’t of worked out any better. But it’s imperative a red hot United continue in the same vein and don’t let off the gas, which may well be the case if Sir Alex does decide to inject experience and nous into his starting line-up at the expense of youthful exuberance and zest.

I’m not saying it’s a straightforward scenario of Sir Alex dropping a few and his team going on to lose their flawless start to the season, as those who could be drafted in are high calibre individuals who are proven and reliable performers at this level. I’m just a little sceptical about doing so against this opposition, a Benfica team who have been incredibly consistent when it comes to winning games and do posses the players in the attacking third to cause United and their inexperience goalkeeper problems in Lisbon, where the hosts have a knack of scoring.

Who am I to prejudge Sir Alex’s tactics, though. He’s a tactical genius and no doubt he’ll have a system in mind for this very task, to nullify what is a very dangerous opponent. Even so, I’m on the draw. I must be mad to oppose United in their current form, but this is a difficult venture for them and a point from their visit to Lisbon would by no means be a drastic outcome.

Match Prediction: Draw – 11/4 Skybet

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer – 11/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Benfica – 10/3 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 Skybet

Manchester United – 10/11 Bet365