Aside from the Chelse
a and Arsenal fixtures, there are some intriguing Champions League matches on Wednesday. The pick of the ties sees Marseille entertain German champions Borussia Dortmund in Group F, with the French side looking to make it two wins out of two in the tournament.
Marseille v Borussia Dortmund (7:45pm)
Didier Deschamps’ team picked up an impressive 1-0 away win in Greece on Matchday One and it’s normally at home where they pose the biggest threat. The Stade Velodrome is an intimidating place to play and they conceded just one goal at home en route to the last 16 last season, before being eventually knocked out by Manchester United.
Dortmund looked good in spells in their group opener against Arsenal, but only secured a point after a dramatic late equaliser. They look like a tough side to beat at home, but their inexperienced squad may struggle on their travels.
The German side have not scored in their last three visits to France and will struggle to break down a well organised Marseille.
Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6.
BATE Borisov v Barcelona (7:45pm)
The 2011 champions made a stuttering start to their defence, being held to a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp by AC Milan. That could well inspire Pep Guardiola’s squad to response in their usual comprehensive fashion so, with that in mind, watch out BATE!
The Belarusians will have a sell-out 39,600 crowd behind them and will go into the match full of confidence, after a club record nine-match unbeaten run in Europe which stretches back to last December. BATE are also 16 games unbeaten at home in all competitions, although they have lost both their previous meetings when hosting Spanish opposition.
Suggested Bet: Barca to win (-1 Handicap) @ 1/3.
AC Milan v Plzen (7:45pm)
Milan have started the season well, losing just one of their first five domestic and European games, including a 2-2 draw at Barcelona a fortnight ago. Goals have been a problem, though, in recent weeks for an injury-ravaged squad, so don’t expect a glut of scoring in this game.
Plzen have already gone through three rounds to get to this stage and the Czech champions have won three successive away games en route to the group stage.
There are no overseas players in their whole squad, who secured a 1-1 home draw with BATE Borisov last time out.
Suggested Bet: Draw HT / Milan FT @ 7/2.
Zenit St Petersburg v FC Porto (5pm)
Having slipped up to APOEL on Matchday One, expect a backlash from Zenit when they return home on Wednesday. Three-quarters of their way through the Russian Premier League, Zenit have not lost at the Petrovsky Stadium.
Portuguese sides are notoriously bad travellers in Europe and although Porto have genuine quality in their side, with the likes of Hulk and Joao Moutinho, they may find a trip to Russia too tough.
Suggested Bet: Zenit to win @ 2/1.
Bayer Leverkusen v Genk (7:45pm)
Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up started their group campaign with defeat at Chelsea, but they will prove to be a much tougher nut to crack on home soil. Leverkusen are looking to continue a three-match unbeaten run against Belgian opposition, although their league form does give Genk hope.
The Germans have lost their last three matches, scoring just one goal and conceding nine and scoring just one, including a 4-1 home drubbing to Koln. Genk will look to build on a useful draw at home to Valencia in their first Group E clash.
Suggested Bet: Draw @ 4/1.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Apoel Nicosia (7:45pm)
Shakhtar started Group G with the formidable task of a trip to Porto, and were predictably beaten 2-1. But the Ukrainians achieved four straight home wins in last season’s UEFA Champions League, before losing to Barcelona in the quarter finals.
Apoel won 2-1 against FC Zenit St Petersburg in their opening game and enjoyed a decent record away from home in the Champions League two years ago. On that occasion they earned draws at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, while losing 2-1 at Porto.
Suggested Bet: Shakhtar HT/FT @ 5/6.
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Marseille have issued a firm hands-off warning to Liverpool over their interest in boss Didier Deschamps as the Reds look to replace Rafa Benitez (Liverpool 10/1 – Premier League Outright).