posted April 29, 2008 at 18:28 in Soccer Props

Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Barcelona today, the bettor’s odds-on-favourites, Manchester United, confirmed them as the first side to advance into the Champions League finals. Soccer bettors now know the Championship Cup final will be an all Premiership finale. The only question left to determine is which of the two remaining Premiership teams will earn the place opposite Man U. Chelsea hosts Liverpool tomorrow, and with them holding the upper hand in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final matchup, few would bet against them packing for the road to Moscow.

BETUS SOCCER FUTURES

Liverpool To Qualify for Final +160

Chelsea To Qualify for Final -200

The Champions League soccer futures market began with both teams tipped at -115 to advance into the final, but after the Liverpool own goal debacle at Anfield Stadium, deep into stoppage time, the soccer futures took a swing in favour of Chelsea, moving to -275 on the favorite plane, before slipping down to -200. So what does all this erratic movement on the futures market imply? Is the betting trend favouring the underdogs Liverpool, who found themselves last week at +190 disadvantaged odds, before moving up to +160 this week? Well ,let’s face it – the undeserved goal made Chelsea the favourites! Aside from Riise’s blunder, Liverpool was favoured to win and they are in my opinion still the better side. If anyone can wipe the smile of Coach Avram Grant’s face, then Coach Rafa Benitez – a brilliant tactician – can string together a game plan that is capable of taking Liverpool to the final. By no means is this matchup over yet!

Second Leg Soccer Line:

Team: Chelsea

Spread: -½ +125

Money Line: +125

Total Points: Over 2 EV

Total Team Points: Over 1 -120 Under 1 -110

Draw +200

Team: Liverpool

Spread: +½ -145

Money Line: +230

Total Points: Under 2 -120

Total Team Points: Under ½ +145 Over ½ -175

Draw +200

Analysis: The second leg is a must win for Liverpool and with redemption motivating them along, they have to take the initiative at Stamford Bridge. At +230 odds, they are tipped as the underdogs for the crucial away win; but aside from John Arne Riise own goal that saved the day for Chelsea at Anfield in the first leg, they were the better team. The own goal is just one of those small details that occur. If they can put the unfortunate incident behind them, and string together a winning game strategy, they may very well send seismic shockwaves at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea holds a remarkable home record and the last time Liverpool scored in Stamford Bridge was in 2004. In eight attempts, Liverpool has yet to find the back of the net. Liverpool will rely heavily on the tactical brilliance of their Coach and the combined force of Gerrard and Torres. No question, they will be tested in tomorrow's match; but this is an underdog I have to pick. I picked Liverpool at the start of the semi-final round; I must stick to my original pick. Here is hoping, betting faith and loyalty is rewarded.

Soccer Free Picks:

Liverpool To Qualify for Final @ +160

Money Line: Liverpool @ +230

Total Points: Over 2 EV

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