CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING PICK - REAL MADRID V LIVERPOOL

Champions League

2009-02-25 - Real Madrid vs Liverpool

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

After hammering Real Betis 6-1 last weekend in the La Liga, Real Madrid will want to get the back of English side Liverpool who have not been impressive of late.

Interestingly we will see Rafa Benitez return to Real Madrid after where he had spent 15 years of his footballing career. The visitors will conduct a late fitness test on Captain Steven Gerrard as he is battling to overcome a hamstring injury.

For the home side Real Madrid their only inclusion from the side that beat Real Betis will be Rafael van der Vaart. Dutch compatriot Klaas Jan Huntelaar has dropped out of the side as he is ineligible to play in the Champions League as Madrid were only able to register one of their two winter signings who had already played in Europe this season, and the former Ajax man missed out as Madrid had favoured the ex-Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra.

Real Madrid have a number of absentees due to injuries and they include the likes of Royston Drenthe, Julien Faubert, Dani Parejo, Michel Salgado and Javi Garcia together with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ruben De La Red and Mahamadou Diarra who are out on long term injuries.

As for Liverpool, they will have the services of Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso but the focus of attention remains on Steven Gerrard if he is fit for this match. Alonso returns after a one match suspension which saw him miss the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Gerrard has travelled with the side, but chances are he will not be rushed back into the game if it is felt that he is not ready and not match fit yet.

Also out for the Reds are Danish defender Daniel Agger who has a a back injury. This means that Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel will resume their partnership at the back.

Take Real Madrid to win this match and give the 1/2 ball here due to their strong home form.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Real Madrid to win this match.