Champions League Opta Stats: Draxler to see Schalke through

"Galatasaray have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 away games in the Champions League."
Recommended Bet: Back Julian Draxler to score @ 3.9n/a

Using Opta's insights, Christian Crowther provides some tips to go with the midweek Champions League second-leg action...

Barcelona v AC Milan, Tuesday 19:45, ITV

AC Milan's last seven goals in the Champions League have all been in the second half
AC Milan's domestic resurgence culminated in the best result of the knockout stages so far when they managed to beat Barcelona without conceding an away goal. In light of a trip to the intimidating Camp Nou, the tie is far from over, with qualification possibly hinging on one vital away goal. Five of the last eight goals that the Spaniards have conceded arrived after the break so, if the Italians are to notch, it seems likely to be reserved for the second 45.
Recommended Bet: Back second half to contain more goals @ 2.26/5 

AC Milan have conceded at least three goals in four of their last six away games in the Champions League knockout stages
Stats such as these do not bode well for Milan who have a bad habit of going down in flames when making away trips in the latter stages of the competition. On this occasion, Milan's healthy advantage could see them home but you'd expect Lionel Messi and co to register at least a couple. The Catalans have averaged over three goals a match in the nine home games since they last drew a blank against Benfica.
Recommended Bet: Back Barcelona to score three or more goals @ 2.1211/10  

Schalke v Galatasaray, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2

Galatasaray have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 away games in the Champions League
This tie is hanging on a knife edge following a tense 1-1 draw in Turkey. The slight advantage lies with the Schalke and the German hosts will be buzzing after completing their third straight Bundesliga win in a row against second-placed Borussia Dortmund at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday. With attacking midfielder Julian Draxler hitting scoring form with three goals in his last two starts, you'd expect to see a confident Schalke side register a few more goals, despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's absence.
Recommended Bet: Back Julian Draxler to score @ 3.9n/a  

Galatasaray have scored only eight goals in seven Champions League games this season, the lowest among the 16 teams still left in the competition
Clearly, one of the hindrances to qualification for the Turkish visitors is their inability to score multiple goals. In stark contrast to their hosts, Galatasaray have warmed up for this one with two really poor results in which they have twice failed to trouble the scoresheet. Joint top scorer in this year's competition Burak Yilmaz appears the only man capable of scoring for the Turks, after notching seven of their eight goals to date.
Recommended Bet: Back Schalke to win to nil @ 3.39/4

There are no comments on this article.

Product Review Center

Schalke v Galatasaray: Under 2.5 goals is the way to go

"Two of the Turkish side's last three games in this competition have gone under the 2.5 mark, whereas Schalke's previous three went south of the line."
Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.3211/8

Christian Crowther previews the Champions League round-of-16 second leg between Schalke and Galatsaray, making a case for a low score...

Schalke v Galatasaray, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Schalke 1.758/11, Galatasaray 5.39/2, The Draw 4.1n/a

While most of the world's eyes will be transfixed on Barcelona's Camp Nou for their glamour tie against AC Milan, Schalke and Galatasaray have some unfinished business to settle in Germany too.

In contrast to matters over in Spain however, this tie has much finer balance to it, on paper at least.

The first leg in Turkey produced an entertaining affair though the scoreline finished 1-1 to leave the hosts with the slight advantage as they head back to the Veltins-Arena.

With no previous history between the two sides other than their recent meeting, the answers to the identity of eventual winner may well be found in their recent form.

When the sides met a fortnight ago, it was the Germans who were scratching around like chickens in the dirt for a win on the domestic front. 

However, they managed to stay as only one of three unbeaten in this year's Champions League by securing the draw in Turkey and that result appears to have applied the defibrillators to a flat-lining domestic campaign.

Spurred on by the goalscoring exploits of Julian Draxler and Klaas Jan-Huntelaar - who will miss this game through injury - Schalke went on to win their last three Bundesliga games. 

Saturday's triumph over second-placed Borussia Dortmund provided the perfect platform for this encounter and closed the gap on Jurgen Klopp's side to just seven points. 

Meanwhile, Galatasaray slumped to a shock home defeat to Genclerbirligi at the weekend, following up a disappointing stalemate the week before.

Under/Over 2.5 goals

Neither side has been prolific in this season's Champions League games and, judging by the first leg, this one doesn't scream 'goalfest' either.

Galatasaray represent the lowest scorers still involved in the competition and rely far too heavily on Burak Yilmaz, who has scored seven of their eight goals.

Two of the Turkish side's last three games in this competition have gone under the 2.5 mark, whereas Schalke's previous three went south of the line. 

Schalke have only scored more than twice on a solitary occasion in their last eight games in all competitions. 

Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.3211/8

There are no comments on this article.

Product Review Center

Europa League Multiple: Plucky Plzen to make Schalke stumble

Europa League / Michael Lintorn / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Jubilant celebrations followed Plzen's recent draw at home to AC Milan

"Plzen have lost just two home league or European matches in the last 30 months."

Michael Lintorn has picked out three bets from this evening's less fashionable Europa League encounters that might be worth combining in a treble...

Lay Schalke away to Plzen @ [2.02]
For Plzen, there was no shame whatsoever in finishing third in a Champions League group featuring Barcelona and AC Milan, and they even claimed a point against the latter. The Czech champions have lost just two home league or European matches in the last 30 months, so it's difficult to escape the conclusion that Schalke, who have suffered three defeats in six on the road, are being overrated.

Back both teams to score @ [1.93] in Hannover v Club Brugge
Hannover's last eight Bundesliga fixtures all had under 2.5 goals, but four finished 1-1 to satisfy the above criteria, while their Europa League games have been more open, both sides netting in four of their last five. Club Brugge will crank up the entertainment value, having fired eight and leaked two in their last two domestic outings. Their last four away Europa League ties have featured 20 goals.

Back under 2.5 goals @ [1.73] in Wisla Krakow v Standard
Based on both group-stage performance and current form, there is appeal in backing the visitors at [3.05], however with multiples, caution is advisable and under 2.5 goals looks even likelier in Poland. For starters, Standard haven't conceded in any of their three away games in 2012, while six of their last seven have featured two or fewer. Five of Wisla's last six at home have contained just one goal.

A treble on those recommendations using the Betfair Coupon provides odds of [6.05], so for a £10 stake, you would record a £50.50 profit if they all deliver.

New Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has transformed the team's fortunes by revamping their playing style, and Kevin Hatchard thinks his work could bear fruit in the Italian capital....

Udinese have built this season's success on a miserly defence, but they've been far more generous of late, writes Kevin Hatchard....

Under-fire Besiktas coach Carlos Carvalhal returns to his home town for this Europa League clash, but Kevin Hatchard suspects he won't have an enjoyable evening at the Estadio AXA....

Amazon Watches Center

Champions League Betting: Manchester United v Schalke

Champions League / James Eastham / 03 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring against Schalke in the first leg in Germany last week

"Half of Man Utd's 26 fixtures in all competitions at Old Trafford, including three of five in this competition, have had under 2.5 goals. That gives you a touch of value about the [2.14] on unders."

This tie may appear a foregone conclusion, but some excellent betting opportunities will still be available on Wednesday night, writes James Eastham.

Introduction

Manchester United go into the game without serious injury problems. Michael Owen may be handed a rare start, with Ryan Giggs expected to be rested.

Schalke centre-back Benedikt Howedes returns to the squad after missing the last three games although is not certain to start.

Match Odds

I'm always reluctant to back sides when they don't need to win, as is the case with United here: they can afford to draw or even lose by one goal and still qualify for the final. It's worth noting the last two sides to win Champions League semi-final first legs away from home - Barcelona in 2006, and Real Madrid in 2002 - both failed to win the return fixtures.

Yet the gulf in class between United and Schalke in the first meeting last week, plus United's remarkable unbeaten home record this season (W23-D3-L0), suggests the hosts should win in 90 minutes. The price of [1.48] on United will be too short for most, but there are no reasons to support either Schalke [8.6] or the draw [4.8].

Under / Over 2.5 goals

United still have a reputation for playing open, attacking football and recording high-scoring victories in home games, but this season's stats don't bear that out. Half of their 26 fixtures in all competitions at Old Trafford, including three of five in this competition, have had under 2.5 goals. That gives you a touch of value about the [2.14] on unders, with overs an unappealing [1.85].

United to win to nil

While Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs deservedly hogged the headlines following their performances in the 2-0 first-leg win last week, it is United's defence that has provided the foundations for their run to the brink of the final. They have kept clean sheets in eight of 11 matches in the competition so far, which is testament not only to the brilliance of Edwin van der Sar but also the depth of talent in front of him, with United using no fewer than nine players in their starting backs fours in those games.

If you think United will win but the [1.48] is too short, United winning to nil is a viable alternative, especially as the stats are in your favour: 14 of United's 23 home wins, and 15 of their 26 home fixtures overall, have seen United keeping a clean sheet.

Both Teams not to Score

Backing both teams not to score an alternative to the selection above. This way, you cover not only United winning without conceding a goal, but also the possibility of a 0-0 final scoreline, which is worth having on your side considering United don't need to win the game. The price of [1.92] look excellent value based on United's home stats in all competitions and home and away stats in this competition. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have kept a clean sheet in 15 of 26 fixtures at Old Trafford and eight of 11 games in this competition. On both counts, the figures suggest [1.92] is too big.

Top Stat: United are unbeaten in 26 matches at Old Trafford this season.

Best Bet: United to win to nil @ [2.46].
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [2.14].

United are as good as through to the final after a superb performance in a comprehensive win over Schalke....

Schalke's quarter-final tie produced 10 goals and Sir Alex Ferguson often proclaims himself an attacking coach, but Tobias Gourlay is not convinced Manchester United's latest trip to Germany will be much fun for the neutral...

We can now 'officially' look forward to Barca v Real after the Lilywhites bow out of the competition...

Play Casino & Poker here

Champions League Betting: Valencia v Schalke

Champions League / James Eastham / 14 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Raul has scored plenty of goals at the Mestalla during his Real carerr but his Schalke side have their work cut out

"Valencia are [1.67] to go through and [1.72] to win on the night. The second price looks too big considering Valencia have won eight of 12 home league games so far and thrashed Rangers (3-0) and Bursaspor (6-1) when those two sides visited the Mestalla last autumn."

Valencia are favourites to progress and unsurprisingly odds-on to win the first leg but the price on offer is a good one, all things considered, says James Eastham.

Match Odds

In theory Schalke ought to be favourites as they topped their opening-phase group whereas Valencia finished second. Yet the Germans landed in one of the weakest pools, whereas Valencia faced Manchester United. The Spaniards picked up only two points fewer (11pts) than Schalke (13pts).

Valencia's league form has been far better all season: they're third in the Primera Division with 47pts from 23 matches (effectively making them the 'best of the rest' considering the gulf that separates Barcelona and Real Madrid from the division's other 18 sides). Lying 10th, Schalke have already lost nine of 22 Bundesliga matches, including four of 10 away from home.

Valencia are [1.67] to go through and [1.72] to win on the night. The second price looks too big considering Valencia have won eight of 12 home league games so far and thrashed Rangers (3-0) and Bursaspor (6-1) when those two sides visited the Mestalla last autumn.

Under / Over

Twelve of Schalke's 22 league games have featured over 2.5 goals, although six of their last seven matches have had under 1.5 goals. Two of their three Champions League away games have also featured under 1.5 goals. These low-scoring stats go against the general Bundesliga trends, but the price of [1.69] on under 2.5 goals isn't big enough to offer much value.

Nine of Valencia's 17 (53%) home games in all competitions have had over 2.5 goals, including 2/3 in the group phase. Putting together the two clubs' stats, few strong patterns emerge.

To Score

The Champions League all-time top scorer Raul has been in fine form since moving to Germany last summer: the former Spain striker has netted 10 times in 22 league games and added a further two goals in six Champions League appearances. He's [4.5] to score anytime on a ground he knows well from his 16 seasons at Real Madrid.

Valencia strikers Aritz Aduriz (seven league goals plus two UCL goals) and Roberto Soldado (the club's five-goal leading scorer in this competition) are trading around [2.7] to find the net. As these two have scored between them more than half of Valencia's goals in the tournament, you might like to consider splitting your stakes across the pair. Should one of them score, you'll make a profit.

Best Bet: Valencia to beat Schalke @ [1.72].

Other Recommended Bet: Back Aritz Aduriz [2.7] and Roberto Soldado [2.7] to score anytime (split your stakes)

Valencia are favourites to progress and unsurprisingly odds-on to win the first leg but the price on offer is a good one, all things considered, says James Eastham....

AC Milan, Roma, Valencia and Barcelona are all in action this week and go into this round as favourites to progress. Which of these are likely to be the victims of an upset though, asks Matthew Walton....

The Champions League and Europa League draws have thrown up plenty of exciting betting opportunities, says Matthew Walton....

Play Casino & Poker here