Five must-know Barcelona v Man Utd stats
Regardless of how many different clubs have contested them, there are several similarities between almost every Champions League Final. We've picked out five that could help you make money on the Wembley showdown...
There will be a goal before the break
The only of the last dozen Champions League Finals to have been 0-0 at half-time was the bore draw between AC Milan and Juventus in 2002-03. Of the seven to have taken place since, the deadlock has been broken at some stage between 31-40 minutes three times. It's [8.2] that it happens again.
Half-time/full-time doubles come recommended
The draw is favoured in the half-time result market at [2.26], but just two of the last 12 finals have been level at the interval, so that looks like a price worth laying. In addition, the team that have led at the break have gone on to win on six of those ten occasions, so consider a half-time/full-time wager on the side that you fancy. Barcelona are [3.55] to dominate, with Manchester United at [8.4].
Don't look too far afield for the first goalscorer
It's been Sol Campbell and Paolo Maldini in the past, however the fact Pippo Inzaghi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito have broken the deadlock in the last four finals indicates that more often than not, the first goalscorer is an obvious candidate. Lionel Messi ([5.9]) and Wayne Rooney ([10.5]) are the most fancied options for this year's opponents.
Extra time is rarely the end
This is a hint chiefly for in-play backers but that may also help those expecting a 90-minute draw: the last five finals that have gone to extra time - and nine of the last ten - have been decided on penalties without a winner in two hours of general play. Barcelona and Manchester United are currently both [14.0] to deliver in a shootout, and [11.5] and [16.5] respectively to do so in extra time.
Barcelona finals are often one-sided
In just one of Barcelona's last five Champions League Finals have both teams got on the scoresheet, with them the only club to find the net in their clash with Manchester United, losing without scoring against AC Milan and being 0-0 at the end of normal time against Steaua Bucharest and Sampdoria. Both sides striking can be opposed at [1.89].
What bets have you got planned for Saturday's game? Tell us below...
Published: 27 May 2011
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