Betting Picks

As April winds down, playoffs and championships are heating up all around the world, as sports betting becomes ever more exciting with many leagues in play. NHL odds are available as the second round nears and teams vie for the Stanley Cup.NBA Championship odds are also up as the first round ends with some surprises. Meanwhile, you can look at the Kentucky Derby odds and pick your Kentucky Derby Winners for the annual big event this weekend.

In Europe this week, the UEFA Champions League concludes the semi final matches, as two teams will emerge to play for the Championship. Powerhouses Barcelona and Inter Milan play the second leg of their competition, as Barca looks to bounce back at home and triumph over the team from Italy.

In last week’s first leg of competition, Barcelona lost away 3-1 as Internazionale scored three unanswered goals after Pedro opened the scoring for Barca in the 19^th minute.  Inter-Milan prevailed despite possessing the ball less than 30% of the match.

Inter-Milan coach Jose Mourinho returns to Barcelona where he worked in the 1990’s, and is sure to be taunted by the fans. Owner Massimo Moratti assures that Mourinho will not be phased and is instead looking forward to the tough match.

Mourinho will receive a bonus as midfielder Wesley Sneijder looks to take the field despite a nagging thigh problem. He scored in the first leg, but was injured on Saturday playing in Serie A. Mourinho says he will play, though may not be 100%.

Despite the return of one of their top players, Inter-Milan will be playing a team that has excelled at home all season. In the Spanish Premier League, Barcelona sits at the top of the table with 87 points. In 18 matches at home, they have won 17 and drawn one.

Should they win, they will have to do so without Yaya Toure and Eric Abidal, both of whom are ill. Barca has other troubles, as doubtful for the game is star midfielder Lionel Messi who injured his leg on Saturday.

Inter-Milan will need all the help they can get, and as they become healthier and Barca continues to be nagged by injuries, they have a good shot at staying competitive and earning a spot in the finals in May.

Betting lines: Barcelona, playing at home, is the favourite despite trailing in the competition by two goals.  Inter-Milan was very opportunistic in the first meeting, capitalizing on their shots. They will face a determined club that knows how to win and a hostile crowd. Look for Barca to prevail at home, but a victory does not necessary mean they will move on to the finals.  If Inter-Milan can net a couple away goals, it may be too much for Barca to overcome.  They will win at home, but Internazionale will move on to the finals in a high scoring match.