UEFA Champions League » May 05/06

[-Franky-]

Last home Arsenal's defeat in Champions League was 28 games ago, it was 6 april 2004!!!

My bet is Arsenal 1x 1.60!!!!!!!!!

[chiqo]

for me the Arsenal - ManU match is a nobet, despite of the fact that the odds are very interessting. but..

- Arsenal didn´t receive a goal in this season at home in premier league (2009)
- only two goals against London in the last 13 games overall

They´re very strong at home!

ManU with more experience in Champs league and Ferguson wanna win the 4th CL title in this year. ManU with the better single players especially Chr. Ronaldo. He can decide a match. ManU is infront 1-0 and know that they aren´t sure in the final. And they know that Arsenal have a great defense at home. So both coaches are excellent and know that they can be defensive and wait what happen or they attack the opponent. but i can´t see what they plan. the tatics are very important here I think.

Arsenal won the last time when ManU visit them in november of 2008 2-1 at home. ManU get the last win in the north of London in 2005 (2-4). But it´s the half final of champions league...

probably line ups

FC Arsenal
Almunia - Sagna, Touré, Silvestre, Gibbs - Song, Diaby - Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri - Adebayor Coach: Wenger
Manchester United
van der Sar - O'Shea, R. Ferdinand, Vidic, EvraFletcher, Carrick, Anderson - Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov, Rooney Coach: Ferguson

[Jackflash]

Arsenal V Manchester United - OVER 2.5 Goals

This could be a goal thriller. Arsenal chasing the game with the bonus of Van Persie back. Manchester have the incentive to get an away goal & essentially add nails to the coffin. If Arsenal score early & Manchester reply, we could expect more. Manchester have a poor record away at this ground, only one victory in ten visits here!

[Jase82]

I wouldn't like to pick a winner at full time between Arsenal and Manchester United. Both sides are at near full strength. The only important absentees for Arsenal I can see, that have the ability to change the outcome of a game, are Arshavin and Gallas. Otherwise, they welcome back Van Persie and Adebayor after Saturdays 3-0 away win over Pompey.

Not a bad way to prepare for a crunch CL game?

Manchester United should have everyone fit and raring to go. Ferdinand will return to partner Vidic in defence, whilst Rooney is likely to partner Ronaldo up front; after the latter was rested for the 2-0 win away to Boro early on Saturday.

I think for this game we can ignore all previous CL records that both teams currently hold this season, or past, and treat this contest as a normal EPL encounter.

If we look back at the previous encounter this season between the two teams at the Emirates, we see that Arsenal won that game 2-1. I think that is an interesting result considering Arsenal were under strength that day. No Adebeyor, Toure or Van Persie. Arshavin was merely a blip on Wengers radar at that time. It can be argued that there is much more at stake this time around.

I like the calls for under 2.5, because Manchester United hold the ace by being 1 goal ahead in the tie. However, I don't believe that United will play for a draw or be content with just the 1 goal. They are in a very precarious position. They posess the players capable of scoring, don't need to, but are in no way in the same position as Chelsea were in the previous round. For that reason I couldn't bet on under 2.5 because the odds of 1.66 don't represent value based on the possibilities. If Arsenal score first, United will need to score. If Manchester score first, Arsenal will need to attack....unless we are expecting this contest to finish 0-0.

Initially I was looking at the game to be a draw at half time. You can get just over evens on the draw. I think because the scoreline reads 1-0 to United over the 2 legs, the game will be pretty much played at the same tempo as a normal EPL game, where no one really wants to lose the game.

For those reasons I now see the following as a fairly decent bet.....Most goals second half @ 2.10. All but 1 of the 4 games played at the Emirates since it was opened at the beginning of 2006/07 have resulted in more goals being scored in the 2nd half, and I see no reason as to why that should change now because as things get desperate both sides will likely be trying to get one over the other.

I also like the look of Arsenal (AH) DNB at Half Time @ 2.00. Manchester Uniteds recent history away to Arsenal doesn't make that great reading. They have had some decent results, but in the main, Manchester United have only won 3 times away at Arsenal in 18 attempts and at the Emirates there are no wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. After reading that information, I must favour Arsenal slightly to at least get something from this game. Even if it is a score draw. With this bet I am covering the draw at half time because my money will be returned if both sides are tied at HT.

[Jase82]

Originally Posted by -Franky-

Last home Arsenal's defeat in Champions League was 28 games ago, it was 6 april 2004!!!

My bet is Arsenal 1x 1.60!!!!!!!!!

CL history is irellevant because both sides are EPL sides. This will be more like a derby match. Recent history between the two sides is strong and emotions run high in both camps at the mere prospect of playing eachother.

[grieksen]

I'm not sure.. man utd have the experience to put a hold on this game. They are going to defend and counter with the fast wings...
perhaps a +2.5 and ronaldo to score but I'm not sure

[Mahno]

Both teams to score @1.83 bet365

Man.Un only need 1 away goal to kill the game as i don't think Arsenal can win 3-1.I think man.Un will go for a quick away goal and then just hold on for the final wistle.

[Jonesy Knows]

Arsenal v Man Utd - Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg

The Stats Favour United

Man United go into Tuesday’s Champions League semi final second leg with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. However they do so knowing that history is on United’s side when analysing previous 1-0 first leg wins in the competition.

Since the Champions League started back in 1992, there have been 14 occasions in knock-out ties where the first leg home team has won 1-0. 10 times the team has gone on to progress into the next round. However three of the ties have gone to penalty shoot outs with the first leg home team progressing on two occasions.

There have been three semi finals that have finished 1-0 to the home team after the first leg, and twice this team has gone on to qualify, with the exception being Chelsea losing on penalties to Liverpool in 2007.

Man United have never won a knockout tie 1-0 at home in the first leg in the Champions League and so this is unchartered territory for them. Arsenal have lost a knockout tie 1-0 away first leg just once before – against PSV in 2007 in the last 16 and they ended up going out, drawing at home in the second leg.

Year	Round	Home	Away	2nd leg result	Outcome
1996	QF	Real Madrid	Juventus	Lost 2-0	OUT
1997	SF	Borussia Dortmund	Man United	Won 1-0	THROUGH
2002	QF	Liverpool	Bayer Leverkusen	Lost 4-2	OUT
2003	QF	Inter	Valencia	Lost 2-1	THROUGH
2004	Last 16	Deportivo	Juventus	Won 1-0	THROUGH
2005	Last 16	Real Madrid	Juventus	Lost 2-0	OUT
2005	Last 16	PSV	Monaco	Won 2-0	THROUGH
2006	Last 16	Benfica	Liverpool	Won 2-0	THROUGH
2006	SF	Arsenal	Villareal	Drew 0-0	THROUGH
2007	Last 16	PSV	Arsenal	Drew 1-1	THROUGH
2007	SF	Chelsea	Liverpool	Lost 1-0	OUT (on pens)
2008	Last 16	Schalke	Porto	Lost 1-0	THROUGH (on pens)
2009	Last 16	Arsenal	Roma	Lost 1-0	THROUGH (on pens)
2009	Last 16	Chelsea	Juventus	Drew 2-2	THROUGH

However Arsenal have yet to concede a goal at home in five Champions League ties so far this season and have yet to lose at the Emirates in 14 Champions League matches.
Their last home defeat in the Champions League was to Chelsea in 2004.

Tonights's Referee - Roberto Rossetti

He Ref'd the Semi Final 2nd leg of last season v Chelsea & Liverpool which went to extra time. In the 90 mins he only gave 1 yellow card out to Xabi Alonso after 41 mins and then the 2nd yellow in the 99 mins in extra time to Alvaro Arbeola.

UEFA have considered all the implications here of players being on yellow cards and the possibility of some missing the final what has happened previously and hence why they have appointed Rossetti. It all boils down to a very lenient Referee and we can profit from this angle!

Predictions:

Card Index
Yellow Card=10 Points
Red Card=25 points.
Up To And Including 40 points @2.00 Paddypower *****

Draw @3.25 Paddypower ***
No Booking @26.00 William Hill *

[Jenno99]

Originally Posted by Jase82

I wouldn't like to pick a winner at full time between Arsenal and Manchester United. Both sides are at near full strength. The only important absentees for Arsenal I can see, that have the ability to change the outcome of a game, are Arshavin and Gallas. Otherwise, they welcome back Van Persie and Adebayor after Saturdays 3-0 away win over Pompey.

Not a bad way to prepare for a crunch CL game?

Manchester United should have everyone fit and raring to go. Ferdinand will return to partner Vidic in defence, whilst Rooney is likely to partner Ronaldo up front; after the latter was rested for the 2-0 win away to Boro early on Saturday.

I think for this game we can ignore all previous CL records that both teams currently hold this season, or past, and treat this contest as a normal EPL encounter.

If we look back at the previous encounter this season between the two teams at the Emirates, we see that Arsenal won that game 2-1. I think that is an interesting result considering Arsenal were under strength that day. No Adebeyor, Toure or Van Persie. Arshavin was merely a blip on Wengers radar at that time. It can be argued that there is much more at stake this time around.

I like the calls for under 2.5, because Manchester United hold the ace by being 1 goal ahead in the tie. However, I don't believe that United will play for a draw or be content with just the 1 goal. They are in a very precarious position. They posess the players capable of scoring, don't need to, but are in no way in the same position as Chelsea were in the previous round. For that reason I couldn't bet on under 2.5 because the odds of 1.66 don't represent value based on the possibilities. If Arsenal score first, United will need to score. If Manchester score first, Arsenal will need to attack....unless we are expecting this contest to finish 0-0.

Initially I was looking at the game to be a draw at half time. You can get just over evens on the draw. I think because the scoreline reads 1-0 to United over the 2 legs, the game will be pretty much played at the same tempo as a normal EPL game, where no one really wants to lose the game.

For those reasons I now see the following as a fairly decent bet.....Most goals second half @ 2.10. All but 1 of the 4 games played at the Emirates since it was opened at the beginning of 2006/07 have resulted in more goals being scored in the 2nd half, and I see no reason as to why that should change now because as things get desperate both sides will likely be trying to get one over the other.

This sums up my feelings on it. I think Man U will try to keep things tight and look for chances from set plays or on the break. As the match wears on Arsenal will need to push forward more and more which will result in them either scoring or leaving space at the back for Man U to exploit. Alternatively if Arsenal score, Man U may need to push forward so I think more goals in the second half is a very decent shout.

[boyd]

I have decided to go for both teams to score at 5/6 with Bet365 for the Arsenal v Man Utd game.

It is not often that teams can shut out United for 90 mins and i believe that they have more than enough talent to get at least one goal with Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo likely to start from the off. Arsenal will need to chase the game to try and overturn the first leg deficit and will look to continue there good recent form. With the return of Fabregas recently, as well as the form of other key players they should be able to create enough chances to score too.

If Arsenal do take the lead i don't they will sit on their lead to get the game to extra time, all they do is look to play football which could lead to a very open game. I think the final result may be 1-1, or 2-1 for either team which is the reason of my choice for both teams to score rather than over 2.5 goals.

Selection - Both teams to score at 5/6 Bet365

[western skies]

I'm a little bit surprised at the price for overs on tonight's match - would have expected it to be nearer evens. The most obvious fact about the game is that Arsenal have to score at least once. The second most obvious fact is that if Man U score, Arsenal will need 3. Bearing all that in mind, I'm prepared to punt on there being an early goal for either side, which will inevitably open the game up. It's a value punt mainly, but I'm taking over 2.5 goals @ 2.3 on Betfair.

[carlin12]

mostly live betting for me tonight, Will lay the team that scores 1st because i think the match will swing result. Will also play over1.5 in the 1st half, 3.30 is a great price for a second leg game.

[corvus corax]

I was thinking about this match and all various things were in my mind. But all in all, I think we will not see a winner here, both teams, ManU and Arsenal will use some cautious... Recent stats are irelevant here, IMO.

So my picks are draw, both teams to score and CS 1:1. Small stakes of course.

[chiqo]

I guess a really tight half final second leg in London. Can´t decide myself for a bet so I leave it and will have some beer and watch the match on ESPN.

good luck to all

[Teabag]

Arsenal vs Man Utd

Both teams evenly matched but I think Arsenal will miss the little Russian fella. Cannot seperate the sides therefore

Draw

[aj2702]

arsenal

[carlin12]

my main bet is already won and ive just placed a lay bet on man u at 1.20

[skinnyman9000]

Tonight i went for a live treble from Paddypower.

Utd win, 10 corners or less and 40 or less booking points at 11/1. 37mins in and we're well on track

[Mahno]

Well done all "both teams 2 score" and over 2.5 backers


Fingers crossed for Barca game...

[JackJarvis]

Well done Utd backers, they have been different class tonight.

Arsenal have been very dissapointing, shocking atmosphere for a CL semi final aswell.