Champions League Betting Update

Now the group stages are behind us, the last 16 in the Champions League enter the knock-out stages. The list of names has a familiar ring to it. British teams especially have fared very well so far this season.

Manchester United once again took their fans to the brink on Wednesday evening. Fergie's reds fell 0-1 behind to Benfica and as half time began to loom things were looking bleak at Old Trafford. Step forward unlikely hero Nemanja Vidic to equalise in first half stoppage time. A point was enough for United but they eased through the gears in the second period to run out 3-1 winners and top their group.

Despite a defeat in Copenhagen, Celtic also made the last 16. With Arsenal squeezing through, alongside the already qualified Chelsea and Liverpool, things are looking very bright for the big British five in Europe.

So, how have the bookmakers reacted?

Manchester United are now 8/1 with Bet365 to lift the famous trophy. United's away form in Europe could prove costly in the long run, however. Defeats in Copenhagen and Glasgow hardly make United an attractive proposition. Should they draw a tough tie in their first knock-out game then more European disappointment could await the Old Trafford faithful. Blue Square are offering a more generous 10/1.

Arsenal are also unconvincing of late. Hit and miss Premiership form and rumours of rifts between Arsene Wenger and his squad make the 14/1 on offer a fair price.

Chelsea are now the current 10/3 favourites. Rarely have the blues entertained, as their squad of talent suggests they should, this season, yet they clearly have enough to challenge for every competition they enter.

Liverpool (20/1) and Celtic (80/1) appear to have a mountain to climb.

The current prices for the Champions League crown from Blue Square are:


Barcelona 10/3
Chelsea 10/3
Lyon 8/1
Real Madrid 9/1
Manchester United 10/1
Inter 10/1
Arsenal 14/1
Milan 16/1
Valencia 20/1
Liverpool 20/1
Bayern Munich 20/1
Roma 25/1
PSV Eindhoven 50/1
Porto 50/1
Celtic 80/1
Lille 80/1

The draw for the last 16 takes place on December 15th.

Ed note: Make all your Champions League bets at Blue Square

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