CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING PICK - F.C BARCELONA V SCHALKE 04

Champions League

2008-04-09 - F.C Barcelona vs Schalke 04

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Barcelona will no doubt start this match as favourites after winning the first leg 1-0 in Germany. But if you take a closer look at them aside from that 1-0 win, they were beaten 3-2 by Real Betis away from home and in their last match could only managed a goalless draw against Getafe in the league and failed to take advantage of Real Madrid’s draw with Real Mallorca in the La Liga.

It would be foolish to underestimate Schalke here as they did created several chances in the first leg and two years ago did managed a 3-0 win in this part of the city albeit against Espanyol in the UEFA Cup. This is their first appearance as well in the quarter-finals stage so they will not want to get beaten heavily here at the Nou Camp where Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 10 Champions League matches.

The home side will be without the services of Brazilian Ronaldinho who is also out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. The Catalan Giants are also unlikely to have Lionel Messi as well as Deco who are rated doubtful with their injuries.

Schalke apart from losing to Barcelona 1-0 at their own venue, have not lost in their last five matches in the Bundesliga and unbeaten in their last four games away in their domestic league. Their last match saw them beat Hansa Rostock to remain second in the league and other away games at home saw them drew with Karlrsuher 0-0, beat the likes of Hertha Berlin 1-2 and also Bielefeld 0-2.

For this stage of the competition the handicap of 1 1/4 is too high even though they are playing at home. Take Schalke and accept the handicap here for a slim win for the home side or a draw game.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Barcelona to win here. (Cover with the draw)