Betting Picks

Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 14:45 EST

As March winds down and spring heats up, the Sportsbook is full of exciting match up for every sports fan.  Hockey heads towards the playoffs with plenty of NHL betting options, and baseball spring training comes to a close. As well, the NCAA tourney is close to determining a champion and those final four odds are available.

What’s more, English League soccer and the UEFA Cup near exciting finishes.  Only eight teams remain in the UEFA Cup as the first leg of the quarterfinals get under way this week.  Arsenal hosts powerhouse Barcelona in the opening tilt at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal enters the match coming off a poor outing against Birmingham.  The Gunners allowed a late goal, squandering a victory and earning a mere point.  They have lost a bit of ground in the top of the League table, as they currently sit in third position, four points behind Manchester United, and three behind Chelsea.

The Gunners received more disappoint in the match as Captain Cesc Fabregas sustained a deep bruise on his leg and may be sidelined for the match against Barca.  Manager Arsene Wenger has made very clear that unless the Spanish midfielder is completely healthy, they will not take any chances of reinjuring the leg, and thus the Gunners will likely be without one of their top performers. “The medical staff tell me there is still a chance he will be available, but that will decided in the warm up tomorrow night, which tells you how late we will leave it,” said Wenger.

While Fabregas may be out of the match, centre William Gallas will be in uniform returning from injury.

Barcelona, meanwhile, has significant injury concerns of its own. Midfielder Andres Iniesta will not play, but manager Pep Guardiola says the club will not change its intense attack style of play, led by Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi.

The second leg of the match will take place in a week’s time in Barcelona, where ground will be very tough to make up for the Gunners should they fall behind. 

Betting:  Barcelona is the favourite coming into the match against a very good Arsenal squad, despite being on the road. Arsenal being at home gives them a very good shot at an upset, however.  Since they are playing in Emirates Stadium, it is important for them to not only win, but make sure to play well and keep Barca from netting too many away goals which carry weight in the second leg. Despite what the Arsenal manager has been saying, if Fabregas is close to healthy he will likely play in this important match. The Gunners have been playing well of late, and look for them to upset Barca and snatch a close and vital win at home. The over/under is at 2.5, and with these two clubs being able to put up lots of points, take the over.

Spring is one of the more exciting times for sports betting, with so many leagues in the playoffs or just getting started. There are a lot of matches to choose from, so stay organized and enjoy one of the best times of year in the sports calendar.