Group G: AC Milan (Bettorlogic rank 9) v Ajax (40) (Weds, 19:45)
The Europa League spot is there to play for in Group G. AC Milan go through second while a win for Ajax will ensure they finish third. The visitors lost manager Martin Jol on Monday night and they will be without the services of key-striker Luis Suarez. Since the start of last season, AC Milan have won just 1/5 home group games and they haven’t led at HT in any of them. The hosts have also been level at HT in all of their last six home group matches against teams with a Bettorlogic rank of 31-50. Ajax have a poor away record in this competition. Since 2003/04, they have won just 1/11 away group fixtures although they have been tied at the break on five occasions.
Recommendation: No bet
Group G: Real Madrid (2) v Auxerre (56) (Weds, 19:45)
Real Madrid are likely to rest most of their stars for his encounter and Auxerre will be hopeful they can benefit and move above Ajax in their bid for a Europa League spot. If they get a draw at the Bernabeu and AC Milan beat Ajax then they will finish third. It comes as no surprised that Madrid are strong at home at this stage of the tournament with 13 wins from 17 games since 2005/06 and nine victories by two clear goals. Auxerre have lost 4/5 away group matches since 2002/03 although they did win their only game against a side in the top-10 when they won 2-1 at Arsenal.
Recommendation: No bet
Group H: Shakhtar Donetsk (10) v Braga (37) (Weds, 19:45)
Although they don’t have a great history in this competition Shakhtar Donetsk are proving they are a force to be reckoned with this season. The hosts are much improved in recent years and look a formidable home side. They have won 7/14 home group games since 2004/05 and have beaten both Arsenal and Partizan already this season. Both teams have scored in just 5/14 of the fixtures. Braga bounced-back from consecutive defeats at the start of their debut Champions League campaign with three wins-to-nil. Exactly one team has scored in all of their matches so far.
Recommendation: Exactly one team to score 2.00, Sportingbet
Group H: Arsenal (7) v Partizan Belgrade (94) (Weds, 19:45)
Arsenal need to beat Partizan Belgrade to guarantee progress to the knockout stages although they can also advance if other results go their way. Fortunately for Arsene Wenger’s team they are an excellent home side in this competition. Since 2004/05, they have won 16/20 unbeaten home group games with 12 W/W doubles, 12 wins by two clear goals and eight by three or more. Over the same period, they have defeated the -2.5 goal handicap in 4/7 games hosting sides ranked outside the top-50. Further, they have already beaten Shakhtar Donetsk and Braga at home in this campaign, both of whom are much higher ranked than Partizan. The visitors are still searching for their first point in Group H, while they have netted just once in their five games (in their 3-1 home loss to the Gunners). This is the Serbian’s second-ever Champions League campaign and in 2003/04 they also lost all three away fixtures.
Recommendation: Arsenal Win -2.5 1.95, Various