Champions League
2009-03-11 - Barcelona vs Olympique Lyonnais
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, 11th March 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
Pep Guardiola’s will go into today’s clash against Lyon as favorites, having secured a 1-1 draw against Lyon in Stade Gerland.
Barcelona was back in winning form defeating Athletico Bilbao 2-0 on the weekend, while Lyon suffered a defeat at the hands of Lille.
Barcelona has lost yet another defender to injury though, and this time its club captain, Carlos Puyol. However Daniel Alves will be recalled to right back after missing the weekend game through suspension.
Guardiola have been sticking with the almost the same starting eleven in recent weeks and I do expect that to continue. Valdes will start in goal, while Avles, Pique, Marquez and Sylvinho will start in defense.
In Puyol’s absentee, Xavi will be named captain and Toure and Busquets should partner him in midfield. Busquents netted a good goal in the weekend and I do expect him to start yet again instead of Ainesta. Up front, the partnership between Eto, Messi and Henry is certain to continue as Guardiola will bank on them to deliver the goals.
Barcelona will deploy a 4-3-3 formation and as we all know the threat basically comes from the entire team. The forward runs by their midfielders are so difficult to pick up and I cannot see how Lyon could hold Barcelona out today.
Eto who has been in red hot form this season was fairly poor in the weekend against Bilbao. He missed a couple of good chances and hitting the post. Messi who has already scored five goals in Europe this season, would want to keep scoring the goals as he wish to pursued the golden boot award and enhancing his chance in winning FIFA European player of the year award.
Lyon will be sweating over the fitness of key player Karim Benzema who limped off at half time during the 2-0 defeat against Lille. Benzema himself told reporters that he will not feature in this game if he was not a 100% fit. However, this is a big game and I believe Lyon are ready to risk Benzema on this game as he is a vital player in this Lyon side.
To make matters worse for Lyon, Lyon’s defense have leaked in an average of two goals a game for the past three games and this is likely to continue as they will be facing the dynamic trio of Eto, Messi and Henry.
Key players to watch out for would definitely be Lional Messi for Barcelona and Karim Benzema for Lyon. Both are currently on five goals each and both are trying to establish themselves at the big stage. Messi might not always be the goal scorer but his link up play and assist are priceless to this Barcelona side.
The Betting Verdict :
UEFA Champions League is all about results and progressing through the next stage and this is the business end of the season and the pressure will be on Barcelona to perform, and I believe they are more than capable of doing so.
Lyon’s away record against Spanish opposition have been poor, winning only once in six occasion and I expect this poor away record to continue for at least another season.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Barcelona to win the match at around 1.45. (Main Bet)
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Barcelona to give the 1 ball head start.
