IT was incredibly tight in the Champions League last week – with Arsenal providing the only home victory.
There were one-goal away wins for Spurs and Shakhtar while Valencia were held by Schalke.
Tonight it could be just as tight with Copenhagen hosting Chelsea and Lyon at home to Real Madrid.
Chelsea would normally be regarded as sure things against the Danes but I reckon they'll be happy to take a draw back to Stamford Bridge.
Carlo Ancelotti criticised most of his players after the FA Cup defeat to Everton and morale looks pretty low.
The Danes did superbly to reach this stage, giving Barcelona a tough time hoem and away, and are certainly no pushovers. But Chelsea have enough quality in their ranks to record a positive result.
The draw pays 12-5 with bodog and 888sport while Chelsea are 4-5 with William Hill and Chandler and the Danes 9-2 at Ladbrokes and Stan James.
A 0-0 at 9-1 (Skybet) is a possibility while 1-1 pays 7-1 (Stan James). It was Frank Lampard who fired Chelsea's opener at the weekend and he could again be the man who matters. Lampard is 13-2 at 888sport and Chandler.
Fernando Torres is eligible to play and the £50million man is 9-2 with Chandler to break the deadlock and his personal drought.
Torres is 8-15 with bet365 not to score and 40-1 to fire a hat-trick. He is 8-11 to be subbed and 1-1 to play 90 minutes.
In the other tie Lyon entertain Real Madrid with the Spanish gunning for revenge after last season's defeat.
Lyon have actually beaten Real three times at home without conceding – but none were against Mourinho's men.
And the fact shouldn't be taken lightly. Mourinho is a genius at extracting results from big games and I don't think Real will lose.
The Portuguese boss is likely to keep it tight so under 2.5 goals at 5-6 with Stan James is the best bet. Real, 10-11 at Chandler and Paddy Power,, could win but a draw suits them.
The draw pays 12-5 with William Hill while Real draw no bet is 2-5 with 888sport. Lyon are
7-2 at Ladbrokes and William Hill among others.
If there's to be a goal then Cristiano Ronaldo at 4-1 with Paddy Power would be my bet to get it.
Recommendations
- Lyon v Real Madrid (under 2.5 goals, 5-6, Stan James)
- Torres to be subbed v Copenhagen (8-11, bet365)