UEFA Champions
League: Barcelona v Manchester United odds and preview
The
first leg matches from the UEFA Champions League semi-finals are
underway with the all-English game today and the Barcelona v
Manchester United on Wednesday night. We have already taken a
deeper look into the first semi-final game, now it's time to
focus on the upcoming Champions League match between the Spanish
Barcelona and the English Manchester United. Looking at the
betting odds offered on the Champions League at the
British-licensed online bookmaker
Bet 365 (sorry, no USA wagers),
FC Barcelona is a small favourite, sitting on odds 6/4 (2.50) to
win the first leg of the semifinals, but either way the payout
for the punters will be big, with Manchester United underdog at
2/1 (3.00) and a draw would pay on 21/10 (3.10) odds. At the
North-American sportsbook
BetUS (new window) Barca is
+150 favourite, while Manchester Utd. holds odd +185 to win the
first leg of the Champions League semifinal. Live betting on the
Barcelona v Manchester United game will be available at both
bookmakers.
The 2/1 odds on Manchester United could
turn out to be a golden opportunity for the Red Devils fans,
considering the squad is in perfect condition. Veteran
goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is deemed fit to take part in the
Champions League semi-final, first leg, after recovering from a
groin strain, while Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson
have all recovered from their injuries sustained during the
Premiership games. According to the latest reports, Gary Neville
and Darren Fletcher will also join Manchester United for the
Champions League game. Meanwhile information on the Barcelona's
health is worrisome for Barca's fans and bettors. French striker
Thierry Henry missed Monday practice suffering from a fever and
Ronaldinho, Lilian Thuram, and Jose Edmilson also missed
practice. Barcelona's captain Carlos Puyol will miss out the
first leg of the Champions League semi-final due to suspension.
Overall tough game to predict,
considering that Barcelona and Manchester United have met just
seven times in European competitions and each squad made out
with two victories, while three games were drawn. The last time
Barca and Manchester Utd. met was twice during the the 1998-99
season, both games finishing with a draw. Barcelona and
Manchester United are both unbeaten this Champions League
season.
The UEFA Champions League first leg
semi-final game Barcelona v Manchester United will start on
Wednesday, April 23rd, at 18:45 EST from Nou Camp, Spain.
Published on
04/22/2008
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