Betting Picks

Event: UEFA CUP Quarterfinal, 2^nd Leg

Bayern Munich at Manchester United

Wednesday, April  7^th, 2010; 14:45 EST

In April, the sportsbook is completely full of exciting sports action as spring baseball begins, adding to the already intriguing slate of games available. Two leagues head towards their regular season conclusion and await playoff matchups, and there is plenty of NHL betting and NBA betting for all fans. And though the NCAA tourney has finally come to an end, another momentous event is upon us in the golfing world.  Tiger Woods returns to action and the Masters odds have him as the favourite.

There is more, however, as European soccer showcases some of the best clubs in the world in the UEFA Cup Championships. aManchester United hosts Bayern Munich at Old Trafford Stadium on Wednesday for the 2^nd leg of their quarterfinal matchup. Last week’s tilt in Germany saw Munich prevail 2-1 to send the Reds back to England in a tough position. Manchester United has never beaten a team from Germany in two-legged competition.

Munich is expecting a bit of help on the field, however, as Arjen Robben, who missed last week’s game with a groin injury, has declared himself fit for return. 

While Munich has been receiving good news on the injury front, Manchester United is still having its share of problems. Wayne Rooney is expected to miss yet another game for the Reds as he tries to recover from an ankle injury suffered in the last minutes of the first leg of the competition.  The striker opened the scoring in the competition in what would be United’s only goal. Mind games seem to be creeping up between the opposing managers concerning the availability of Rooney, but all signs point to the striker being completely sidelined. Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted at the fact that Rooney may play as a substitute. Rooney, the team’s leading scorer, has missed training sessions all week.

The absence of Rooney has already been felt as the club fell to rival Chelsea this past weekend.  It was only the second time all year Manchester United has lost at home in Premiership play. With the loss, Chelsea leapt ahead of the Reds to move into first position in the table, dropping Man U to second and only one point ahead of Arsenal.  A loss on Wednesday to Bayern Munich, and the Red Devils will have been defeated in three straight matches, putting serious doubt into their championship plans this season.

 Betting lines: Despite the injuries and struggles of late, Manchester United is favoured to win and win handily. The Reds, however talented and superior, have not been playing with confidence lately and th ability to mentally prepare for a game should not be undervalued. Bayern Munich does not need a road victory to move on the semifinals, they simply need a draw.  Look for them to play strong defensively and protect the lead they established at home, and they should move ahead in the UEFA Cup with a draw at Old Trafford Stadium.