Champions League
2012-09-19 - Bayern Munich vs Valencia
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : UEFA : Champions League
Wednesday, September 19th, 2012, 7:45PM GMT
PREVIEW
Last year's narrowly beaten finalists Bayern Munich open their campaign against Valencia, a side that once upon a time reached 2 consecutive finals of this competition, one of which ended in a penalty loss to ... Bayern Munich!
Bayern Munich lost last years final in heartbreaking fashion. Playing in their own stadium, where they had won 6 of their 7 home games, they were taken to ET and then penalties, and for once, the Germans did not win. Chelsea overcame the odds to knock them out, after a day to remember from Didier Drogba. It was tough to take, as just 2 year before the Germans had to suffer defeat in the finals to Inter Milan. The main thing is, this is a quality side, to get to the finals 2 of the last 3 seasons.
Valencia are no chumps though, looking strong at the start of the La Liga season, with some decent results. Barcelona only just beat them 1-0, while Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw. Valencia come in off a 2-1 win at home, against Celta Vigo. The edge get's taken away only due to the location of the game. Away from home, Valencia have lost to Barcelona and Real Sociedad 1-0 both times, and drawn against Real Madrid, in recent games. At home, they are better.
I can't get away from the fact Valencia have shown the same problems in their recent away games in Europe, failing to win any of their last 6 on the road, losing 3.
Bayern Munich have started their domestic season very strong, sitting top with wins, and of course, they banged in 20 goals over their 7 home games last season. They still have talent, as is evident from their strong start to the season, which includes a home win over German champions Borussia Dortmund, 2-1.
I hear Gago will be out of this one for Valencia, after his head injury, and the team will also be without Banega and Albelda. Absolutely no such problems for Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes, who will be able to count on another decent performance from his fit side.
BETTING VERDICT
I've got to go with Bayern Munich here, who will be brutal on defence with Neuer in goal.
I see this ending 1-0 or maybe even 2-1 and I think it's worth a gamble to forgo the straight win and opt for a bet on the winning margin.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayern Munich 1-0 Valencia
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Bayern Munich to win by a 1 goal margin @ 4.00 (Ladbrokes)
