MAN UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has performed one Champions League miracle – now he needs another.
Barcelona are tonight's visitors to Old Trafford and the Norwegian must be wondering how to stop Lionel Messi who is in top form with goals in his last six games.
That included a hat-trick at Real Betis so good home fans gave him a standing ovation.
Despite reaching the last eight United have lost to Juventus and PSG at Old Trafford and Barcelona are hot favourites at evens with McBookie to win tonight and no bigger than 2-7 to qualify.
United are 3-1 at boylesports for home joy and 3-1 at betfair to reach the semis.
Solskjaer will know he has to stop Messi and Luis Suarez to have a chance but having lost to Wolves last week that looks slim.
Messi will be well backed at 10-3 with Unibet to score first and 21-20 to net at any time.
One fact I read at betfair and which amazed me is Messi has failed to score in his 11 Champions League quarter-final ties – no wonder Barca have exited at this stage three years in a row.
It should be fourth time lucky though and I'm on Barca to win and Messi to score first.
Depending on Solskjaer's tactics there is a chance of the Spaniards covering the -1 handicap at 13-5 with McBookie.
The other tie between Ajax and Juventus is tougher to call simply because the Dutch were so good in hammering Real Madrid 4-1 at the Bernabeu. Juve have Cristiano Ronaldo but look too short at 2-7 with Coral to qualify.
Ajax will lean on star man Dusan Tadic who looks value at 5-2 to score – that's the same price as a home win.
I'm happy to take a chance on Ajax draw no bet at 7-5 with betfair as long as their younger players handle the occasion.
Recommended Bets
- Barcelona
- Messi to score first
- Ajax draw no bet
- Tadic to score
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
