Three English clubs ride into battle in Europe this week but how many will be left standing by the end of it? It’s time to put loyalty to one side and pick some winners.
This column simply has to start with Arsenal. Tipster HQ shares a flat with a devoted Gooner and everything was supposed to actually go right for them this season in the Champions League. Instead, they fell 3-1 at home to Monaco in the first leg and only a miracle will save Arsene Wenger’s side. First up, we have to talk about the miracle situation. There’s no doubt Arsenal can attack and find ways to score but let’s be realistic here. Monaco can defend and defend well. On home turf, it’s just not plausible to see them leaking three goals.
Not that Arsenal won’t do everything in their power to prove me wrong. Heroics when behind in Europe are sort of the norm for this team. Arsenal may never reach the mountain top but they give it a really good go. That makes the outright particularly appealing tonight. I like the Gunners to find a way to win in Monaco, just not by enough for it to matter. Bet on Arsenal at 2.38 to win.
In theory, Man City’s European hopes are better than Arsenal’s. The deficit isn’t as significant and they have a serious line up. In theory, we should be seriously considering the possibility of City going to the Camp Nou and scoring twice. Then we remember just what they are up against. Barcelona have tuned up the band in recent weeks. While Real Madrid fail to impress, it’s the Blaugrana with legitimate treble ambitions as we hit the business end of the season. The outright is out of the picture here so instead we need to consider what type of approach City will take. They have to attack and that will leave gaps. That makes the Half-time/Full-time the smart play here. I’m taking Barcelona/Barcelona at 2.06.
Two English clubs up, two expected to go down. All that leaves is…Roberto Martinez’s house of fun. The Toffees hold a wholly unsafe 2-1 lead as they head to Kiev for the second leg on Thursday night. They really should be in trouble, heading to far off lands and facing a hostile crowd. You know I’m not buying that and neither should you. The Champions League anthem will be played in Goodison Park next season because Bob Martinez has decided this is what is going to happen. Normally my picks are based on form, need, tactics, quality, and the like. Not here. Just accept that Bob Martinez is going to win the Europa League because it’s barmy. That means Everton win in Kiev as well at 4.
