Champions League week 2 preview
All the British teams in the Champions League got off to a very encouraging start, but can they keep it up?
Dave Harris
26-Sep-2005
All the British teams in the Champions League got off to a very encouraging start, but can they keep it up? If you're tempted to have a bet on any of this week's matches, it's worth remembering that bethilo are offering £25 cash to all new clients** (see details below.) If you're new to spread betting their jargon-free explanations will give you the ideal introduction.
Here are our thoughts on the big games:
Ajax v Arsenal
Arsenal have a good record at the Amsterdam Arena. A goalless draw in the 02/03 Champions League group stage was followed up by a 1-0 in the Amsterdam Tournament this summer. Although they will be without Van Persie (suspended) and Henry (injured), Reyes, Bergkamp, Pires and Ljungberg should still provide an effective counter attacking threat. Ajax are a club in transition and their squad is full of similarly average players. Although the Dutch club are the visitor's toughest test in Group B, the Gunners should have enough quality to sneak a win.
Arsenal have a good record at the Amsterdam Arena. A goalless draw in the 02/03 Champions League group stage was followed up by a 1-0 in the Amsterdam Tournament this summer. Although they will be without Van Persie (suspended) and Henry (injured), Reyes, Bergkamp, Pires and Ljungberg should still provide an effective counter attacking threat. Ajax are a club in transition and their squad is full of similarly average players. Although the Dutch club are the visitor's toughest test in Group B, the Gunners should have enough quality to sneak a win.
Man Utd v Benfica
United played quite well at Villareal, and an away draw against Group D's toughest opponents was a good result. Defensively, United have started the season very well, and should be well equipped to keep Nuno Gomes and Simao quiet. However, the loss of Keane is a huge blow to their already suspect midfield. They're creating too few chances, and will certainly miss the invention of Rooney (suspended). Even so, Benfica shouldn't pose too may problems. Their new manager, Ronald Koeman, is struggling to find a winning formula and a comprehensive defeat at Old Trafford should only add to his woes.
United played quite well at Villareal, and an away draw against Group D's toughest opponents was a good result. Defensively, United have started the season very well, and should be well equipped to keep Nuno Gomes and Simao quiet. However, the loss of Keane is a huge blow to their already suspect midfield. They're creating too few chances, and will certainly miss the invention of Rooney (suspended). Even so, Benfica shouldn't pose too may problems. Their new manager, Ronald Koeman, is struggling to find a winning formula and a comprehensive defeat at Old Trafford should only add to his woes.
Liverpool v Chelsea
Liverpool's victory at Betis has made them favourites to join Chelsea in the next stage of this competition. However, it's difficult to see them getting more than a point against the visitors. Liverpool have struggled to score in the Premiership, and Chelsea have a particularly miserly defence. This tie will probably be played at a frantic `derby' pace that won't suit the home side. Chelsea looked rather average against Anderlecht, and are tending to grind out results. Essien's impressive start for the Blues has compensated for Lampard's loss of form, but they are yet to click in the final third of the field. With both teams struggling to score, a draw may suit both sides.
Liverpool's victory at Betis has made them favourites to join Chelsea in the next stage of this competition. However, it's difficult to see them getting more than a point against the visitors. Liverpool have struggled to score in the Premiership, and Chelsea have a particularly miserly defence. This tie will probably be played at a frantic `derby' pace that won't suit the home side. Chelsea looked rather average against Anderlecht, and are tending to grind out results. Essien's impressive start for the Blues has compensated for Lampard's loss of form, but they are yet to click in the final third of the field. With both teams struggling to score, a draw may suit both sides.
Inter v Rangers
Although Inter are a slightly overrated side, they will be facing a weak Rangers team. The visitors were rather fortunate to beat Porto, and their domestic performances have been very disappointing. Inter are sweating on the fitness of Adriano, but even without the Brazilian and Veron (suspended) they should have far too much quality. This game is to be played behind closed doors, which could save Rangers fans from experiencing a comprehensive defeat first hand.
Although Inter are a slightly overrated side, they will be facing a weak Rangers team. The visitors were rather fortunate to beat Porto, and their domestic performances have been very disappointing. Inter are sweating on the fitness of Adriano, but even without the Brazilian and Veron (suspended) they should have far too much quality. This game is to be played behind closed doors, which could save Rangers fans from experiencing a comprehensive defeat first hand.
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