Champions League Preview - Olympiakos vs. AZ Alkmaar

Olympiakos will welcome UEFA Champions League debutants AZ Alkmaar to Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens for their Group H opener. Olympiakos are obviously the favourites to win the match, having more experience at this level than the visitors. Seasoned though they might be, AZ Alkmaar are a good side. They qualified didn’t they. And they should not be underestimated even if we don’t really know whether they have the depth and quality to mastermind the upset.

Soccer Betting Line:

Olympiakos -½ +105 +105 2½ O +125 U -145 1 O -125 U -105 Draw +230
AZ Alkmaar +½ -125 +260 2½ O +125 U -145 1 O Ev U -130 Draw +230

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday September 16 2009

Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium - Athens - Greece

Soccer Betting Verdict: Olympiakos enter this match tipped short at +105 to AZ Alkmaar at +260 to win outright. Conspicuously, Olympiakos are not cast in the favourite plane (the negative digits). ‘Tis surprisingly conservative of the bookies considering AZ Alkmaar are rookies at the highest level of European football.

Olympiakos have been dominating the domestic table over the last decade but they have been unable to carry the momentum into the bigger European arena and transcend European football. Their away form has been the bane in their campaign. They are nevertheless a regular feature in Champions League and with all the experience they have one would think they would have the edge in this match.

AZ Alkmaar are coming off an impressive Eredivisie season when they won the title. The new season is six cycles deep and they are currently fifth after dropping in the table last week when their four-match winning streak was snapped by a 2:1 loss to Ado Den Haag Overall, they are 4-0-2 on the season.

Soccer Free Picks: Olympiakos play inspired football on their home patch, which makes them the better play at +105 to win the match. The odds are not bad so soccer bettors would do well to take them. AZ Alkmaar have a lot going for them but they are yet to prove they can mastermind the upset. That they are coming off a loss probably doesn’t help their odds to beat the Greeks who are solid at home. Better avoid the away win. Added recommended plays Over 2.5 goals +125.