Lyon and Celtic providing the value in this weeks Champions League

Lyon and Stuttgart take each other on in an important Champions League contest. Last years winners of the respective German and French leagues play in a clash that could well decide second place in their group. Both have had slow starts to the European season, but Lyon has won eight of their last nine domestically, whereas Stuttgart has struggled in the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart, after showing much promise last year in their barn-storming campaign in the league, should have consolidated their position. Instead, they have lost the services of the heroes that brought them up so high, and replaced them with players of average quality. This is showing, with the only points coming in wins at home against Cottbus, Duisburg and Bochum. They are currently languishing in 14th position in the Bundesliga.

Lyon is going well in the league as always, but they are struggling in the European scene. They would be disappointed with their results so far, with two outings and two losses to Barcelona and Rangers. This match is crucial if they are to remain in the hunt for the elimination stages. They are without their influential captain Cris, and French national team Goal Keeper Gregory Coupet, but regain the services of Fred to join the devastating Benzema in attack.

Attack is where this game will be won, as both teams have attacking mindsets with exceptional strike forces. But Lyon has the advantage all over the park and their midfield pressure will win them the game. Sportsbet are currently offering 2.55 for a Lyon victory. I think this is clearly the value bet of this weeks Champion's League games.




This is it for Benfica and Celtic. The next two weeks will decide whether these two perennial domestic powerhouses go through to elimination stages of the Champions League. They hold a double header with the first leg in Portugal

Celtic has been in good form as of late, although their 3-0 loss to Rangers will leave a bad taste in their mouth. Celtic will want to atone for that effort, but will need to be at 100% to get a result in Portugal. Gordon Strachan will be pleased to have three of his stars back in Stephen MacManus, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley. All three have trained and subsequently flown to Portugal for the game.

Benfica will be looking to this game to provide some points for their campaign. They lie last in Group D and are already in their worst Champions league form ever, with their last three results being losses. However, they are a talented team and will take heart in the fact that Celtic have never won away in the history of Champions League football (1 draw, 13 losses). They will need to be on their game to keep that unwanted record afloat.

Celtic is a surprise second place in the group and I feel they can break their record with the returning personnel and a consistent effort. The key battle is one of the #10s, if either Shunshuke Nakamura or Ricardo Quaresma grabs a hold of this match, expect their teams to follow. I think Celtic provide the value in this match, with 3.65 available at Sportsbet.

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print