Group C: Rangers (Bettorlogic Ranking 75) v Bursaspor (121) (Weds, 19:45)
Although Rangers fought hard in their goalless draw at Old Trafford, they created little and will need to be more attacking if they are to win here. Gers are now winless in 11 Champions League fixtures since they won at Lyon in October 2007. Since 2005/06, they have won just 2/9 home group stage matches and they were also unsuccessful in their two games against lower-ranked opposition. First-time entrants Bursaspor were thrashed 4-0 at home to Valencia in their opener and they will be need a quick reverse in fortune if they are to avoid an early exit from Europe’s elite club competition. Turkish teams are notoriously weak on the road; since 2005/06 they have won just 1/18 away group matches and within that sample have lost on 11 occasions.
Recommendation: No bet
Group C: Valencia (13) v Man Utd (2) (Weds, 19:45)
Valencia picked up just one point from their three home matches in their 2007/08 campaign but gained nine in the previous year. Spanish sides have won just 2/9 home group stage matches against English opposition, but they have shared the points in five of the games. Man Utd were unimpressive in their 0-0 bore-draw with Rangers in their opener. Fortunately for United fans, the visitor’s have a good record on the road in this competition. Since 2007/08, they have won 6/9 unbeaten away group stage games, including all three last season.
Recommendation: No bet
Group D: Panathinaikos (34) v FC Copenhagen (82) (Weds, 19:45)
Panathinaikos were thrashed 5-1 at the Nou Camp in their opener, but that result will be all-but-forgotten if they can gain up maximum points here. Since 2004/05, they have won 4/9 home group matches with three W/Ws and both teams have scored in seven of the games. Copenhagen recorded an impressive 1-0 win hosting Rubin Kazan in their first game and they will know that a draw here will put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages. Teams ranked 21-50 have won 9/13 home group stage matches against teams ranked 51-100 since 2005/06 and six of the victories have been W/W doubles.
Recommendation: No bet
Group D: Rubin Kazan (38) v Barcelona (1) (Weds, 19:45)
Rubin Kazan will have nothing to fear against Spanish heavyweights Barcelona after they took four points off them last season. Supporters will be rekindling their 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp for decades to come, but since that eventful evening they have failed to score in each of their four Champions League matches, three of which were goalless at the interval. Although Barca have lost just 1/15 away group stage fixtures since 2005/06, they have been tied at the break on nine occasions. 10 of the games have seen fewer than three goals and seven were goalless at half-time. Over the same period, 8/16 of the games in which a team ranked 26-50 has hosted a team ranked 1-5 have been level after 45 minutes.
Recommendation: HT 0-0 3.00, William Hill