Manchester City’s away form isn’t as big an issue in Europe

Aalborg/Man City, 8pm, Five, Free Bets, Best Odds

Manchester City have been waiting seven months for a domestic away win but they don’t have struggle anywhere near as much in Europe. Here are five key stats to bear in mind when betting on their trip to Aalborg tonight:

» Mark Hughes’ side have gone fourteen domestic matches on the road without keeping a clean sheet but have shut the opposition out in three of their six European away games.

» The Citizens have been beaten just once in their six UEFA Cup away games this season - winning four and drawing one. The loss came 3-1 away to Racing when City’s qualification from the group stage was already assured.

Posted: March 19th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Chelsea should win but need to be wary of away goals

Chelsea/Juventus, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Xtra, Free Bets, Best Odds

Juventus have waited three years to return to the knockout stages of the Champions League but must have been cursing their luck when they drew British opposition, considering their record is ever worse than Roma’s.

Claudio Ranieri has already suggested that Chelsea’s decision to change managers has hindered his chances of a victorious return to Stamford Bridge but the odds were stacked from the outset because of their recent results in England and Scotland.

One positive for the Bianconeri is that on six of their last eight visits they have scored, which means that even if they lose, they stand a strong chance of taking an away goal back to Turin with them and Chelsea have already been humbled in Italy once already this season.

Posted: February 24th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Betfair go 2.54 on tonight’s derby featuring over 2.5 goals

Everton/Liverpool, 8.10pm, ITV1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Goals have been in short supply in recent Merseyside derbies which is why under 2.5 goals is priced up as low as 4/7 tonight but if there is going to be a game where that run ends then it’s likely to be at Goodison Park. Here’s why:

» The last four Merseyside derbies, and five of the last six, have all featured two goals or fewer.

» All six of Liverpool’s games in 2009 have contained under 2.5 goals.

» Similarly, all six of Everton’s games so far this year have seen two or less goals scored.

Posted: February 4th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment