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Champions League

Champions League Betting: Tight again for the next 'Battle of the Bridge'

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'Mystical' Mike Norman thinks Chelsea will shut up shop, so can Liverpool break down the Blues? Read his betting preview here

The 'PFA Team of the Season' was announced a few days ago, and not one Chelsea player featured in it. Already the Chelsea bias internet forums are crying foul and the Stamford Bridge faithful are asking why?

Because they are boring as hell, that's why!!!

As individuals, Chelsea have very few players that can entertain. As a team, Chelsea mirror their manager completely and can be summed up in one word - dull!

However, what can't be argued is their effectiveness. Joint top of the Premiership after stretching their unbeaten home run to 81 games, and on the brink of their first ever Champions League final proves that what Chelsea lack in entertainment value, they more than make up for in success.

The Blues have won plenty of trophies in recent years without being good on the eye, but the one trophy that has eluded them is the one that Roman Abramovich would love more than any other - the Champions League. They took a giant step towards achieving Roman's dream when John Arne Riise put through his own net in the very last minute of the first leg. Chelsea are now [1.56] to qualify to the final, while Liverpool can be backed at [2.74].

Chelsea's goal last Tuesday was the first time that there has been an away goal scored between these two teams in their seven previous Champions League encounters, so Liverpool will be hoping that the London bus syndrome kicks in - you get none for ages then two come at once. After all, Liverpool must score to keep the tie alive. I have a sneaky feeling that Liverpool will score, but with goals a rarity between these teams, and the stat about the lack of away goals, then I can completely understand anyone wanting to back a Chelsea clean sheet at [2.46] - a Liverpool clean sheet is available at [3.35].

Obviously, a Chelsea clean sheet means they progress to the final, but will it be good enough for victory on the night? You can back the home team at [2.32] to win the match outright, with the draw being on offer at [3.15] and a Liverpool victory at [3.95].

For the same reasons I outlined last week, I don't see why this game should be any different from the previous seven, and once again backing 'Under 2.5 Goals' looks the logical choice at odds of [1.56], with another tight cagey affair being most likely. All seven Champions League encounters between the teams have had under 2.5 goals, with only one (last week) seeing both teams score in the same game. The law of averages say that the trend will be bucked eventually, and if you think it will be here then you can get matched at [2.78] for 'Over 2.5 Goals' or at [5.8] for 'Over 3.5 Goals'.

I'd much prefer the team that entertains more to succeed, and I have a feeling that Liverpool will at least try to oblige in that department. If Chelsea progress by playing good attacking football then I will hold my hands up and say well done, but you just know that Avram Grant is going to field a back four, shielded by five holding midfielders, or something crazy like that as he attempts to get his 0-0. I'm sure there will be many of you willing to back the 0-0 ([7.6]) that will see Chelsea through, but I'd be more inclined to go for another 1-1 ([6.8]) and hope to see at least a bit of excitement via a penalty shoot-out.

The starting line-ups are not that important as both teams know each other inside out, but Chelsea will certainly be buoyed by Frank Lampard's return if he decides he is in the right frame of mind to play following the death of his mother. We all send our deepest condolences to Frank and his family. For Liverpool, Fabio Aurelio will miss out because of a groin injury and is likely to be replaced by John Arne Riise who will be desperate to make amends for last week's mishap.

Something I've noticed from previous European clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool is that the main striker has never scored. So if you're looking for a first goalscorer then how about taking the emotional angle by backing Lampard at [8.8]. Alternatively, because my 'Mystical' tag is hanging by a thread after Richard Walker's brilliant Derby v Arsenal preview, then why not go for Carragher at [50.0] - either that or send your brand new crystal balls to me via Betfair HQ!