Up to Soccer Props

posted April 28, 2008 at 19:14 in Soccer Props

Online soccer betting is heating up this week with the second leg of the Champions League semifinal round. The setting of the second leg of the Champions League semifinal matchup between Manchester United and Barcelona is the Old Trafford. After drawing 0-0 in Camp Nou, Barcelona’s home patch, Manchester United is faced with no other option but to beat Barcelona in their Stadium if they want to emerge as the Champions League finalists. With home edge, the betting markets favour the Reds to do just that.

BETUS SOCCER FUTURES

Barcelona To Qualify for Final +120

Manchester United To Qualify for Final -150

At the start of the semifinal round, Manchester United were favoured at -170, but after drawing the opening leg – even failing to score on a penalty kick – confidence in Man U has waned slightly as they moved down the favorite plane. However, they are still clearly favoured over Barcelona for the win, and I would wager on them to emerge triumphant.

Manchester United vs. Barcelona

Old Trafford – Manchester

Match Time: 11:30 AM Eastern Time, Tuesday April 29, 2008

Team: Manchester United

Spread: -½ Even

Money line: Even

Total Points: Over 2 -130

Total Team Points: Over 1 ½ +125 Under 1 ½ -155

Draw: +225

 

Analysis: Manchester United cannot afford to lose this match if they hope to keep their campaign in Champions League competition alive. After letting the opportunity in Barcelona slip through their fingers (when Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded a penalty in the first few minutes of the game), there is no alternative but to redeem themselves tomorrow. This time there has to be a winner and at Even odds, Manchester is a good play.

Betting Verdict: United is in form. They are bitter. They must redeem themselves.

Team: Barcelona

Spread: + ½ -120

Money line: +265

Total Points: Under 2 +110

Total Team Points: Under ½ +135 Over ½ -165

Draw: +200

Analysis: While Barcelona dominated the first leg of their matchup, the questions is whether they can do so again at the Old Trafford. If they bring their offensive game and take the initiative, they have the calibre to upset the favorites at home. But in order to do so, the big names on their squad will have to step up. Despite their offensive onslaught last week in Camp Nou, the star-studded line-up was unable to penetrate Manchester United ‘s defence. In the end, while entertaining, showy play does not win a match; scoring does, something they failed to do.

Betting Verdict: Barcelona is coming off a huge loss on the domestic front – a title loss to Real Madrid. They only have European Championship prestige to play for now. The stakes are high and the odds are against them.

Soccer Free Picks:

Total Points (Over/Under) Over 2 -130: There is no question but the calibre of both teams is deep in scoring talent. Both sides need to win. They need to score. I expect the attacking to be relentless and the scoring plentiful – as each side will try to improve the odds of advancement by pulling far ahead.

Money line Pick: Manchester United @ Even Odds: Manchester United is playing on home turf. They have the better chance of winning.

Spread: - ½ Even: With redemption on their minds, I like Manchester to cover the spread and win by more than a goal.

Future Pick: Manchester United -150

Join BetUS today for online sports betting, Free Plays, the Miss BetUS Girls Swimsuit Calendar & DVD, and the fastest payouts in the industry

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