Posted on 4/1/2008 8:01:47 PM

Soccer Betting - Champions League Odds - Arsenal vs. Liverpool

By Nila Amerova

In this all-Premier League affair, Arsenal FC prepares to host Liverpool FC on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in the first leg of their quarterfinal of the Champions League. This will be the 200th match between these two clubs, but their first-ever European meeting. Five-time UEFA Cup champions Liverpool is the most successful English side in European competition history. The last time they lifted the coveted silverware was in the 2004/05 season. But they face stiff opposition in Arsenal, who advanced to European Champions Clubs Cup final for the first time last season (2005/06).

This is the first of three matches the two English Clubs will play against each other over the next six days, as in between the two legs of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup, they will contest a Premiership match on Saturday. So as the focus switches to London on this English showdown between two clubs, who own an illustrious history, who will advance into the semifinal round of the Champions League? Care to bet on it?

Future Odds:

Arsenal to Qualify for Semifinals -115

Liverpool to Qualify for Semifinals -115

Check out the Champions League Odds currently live at BetUS and bet on the last eight clubs as they set their sights on a place in the final four. To get you started here is a breakdown of the blockbuster matchup of Arsenal vs. Liverpool and several free soccer picks to consider.

Soccer Odds: Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Arsenal Stadium, London

Match Time: 02:45 Eastern Time, Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Team: Arsenal

Spread: - ½ +125

Moneyline: +125

Total Points: Over 2 -115

Team Total Points: Over 1 -140 Under 1 +110

Draw: +210

Analysis: Current Premier League form may be a cause for concern for Arsenal as once again they let Manchester United run away with the Premier League lead and allowed Chelsea to move into second place. Title aspirations without their reach on the domestic front, Arsenal has an opportunity keep its European campaign alive against a home side they know very well.

Arsenal finally ended a five-game winless streak (4 draws and one loss to Chelsea) when they defeated Bolton in Premiership action 3:2 – even more encouraging was their ability to turn the score over after the rivals took a 2:0 lead, a reassuring sign that their spirit is still alive.

Arsenal plays an attractive football game, but against Liverpool, it will need to do more than strike an attractive pose on the field. With the first leg in their home stadium, they are slightly favoured for the win over visiting Liverpool. Key for Arsenal securing the home win will be the contribution of their deep bench, particularly Fabregas and Adebayor, who haven’t played to their potential of late.

Team: Liverpool

Spread: + ½ -145

Moneyline: +215

Total Points: Under 2 -105

Team Total Points: Under ½ +140 Over ½ -170

Draw: +210

Analysis: Coach Benitez’s side does not have the quality or depth necessary to secure the Premiership title, with only two stars Torres and Gerrard, the bench is not very deep. But in European competition, the Reds have fared better. It really comes down to the pair whether Liverpool will get on the scoreboard or not – the pair have combined for more than half of Liverpool’s goals, proving how much rests on their shoulders. Adding to the pressure is Gerrard’s one yellow card already booked; he will have to be conservative on the field in their away game, to be able to appear in the second leg at Anfield.

Betting Verdict: Going into this match, Arsenal has the edge in head-to-heads (3-1), which includes two back-to-back victories that saw Liverpool out of both FA Cup and Carling Cup competition. But Liverpool is brimming with confidence. And with the psychological boost, they would be a good play to avenge their losses against their Premiership rivals.

Although Arsenal seems to have turn-around just in time with their win over the Bolton Wanderers, ending a five-match losing streak, they are but a shadow of the team who has left better results behind them. Their top scorer Adebayor is on a six-match goalless streak. They cannot hope to win and advance into the final four without their top players contributing.

Soccer Free Picks: Benitez is a brilliant tactician and with his best player yellow-carded already (Gerrard), they will bring a conservative but solid front to Arsenal Stadium. And his experience with such duels will allow him to manoeuvre successfully his team to take the lead in Liverpool. In their last five Premiership matches, Liverpool has conceded just four goals. Taking the draw for the first leg at (+210) or the win for Liverpool (+215 on the money line) would be a good play; as I see it, Liverpool will remain unbeaten.

Future Pick: Liverpool -115

Money line Pick: +215 Liverpool

Over/Under: Under 2 goals

Other Soccer Betting Odds: Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Team Spread Moneyline Total Points Team Total Points

Arsenal Over 1½ -180

Liverpool Under 1½ +160

Arsenal PK -165 Over 2½ +160

Liverpool PK +145 Under 2½ -180

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.

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