Werder Bremen won't conquer Sampdoria
Faced with a choice of keeping hold of Mesut Ozil and enhancing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League group stage, or accepting £16.5 million for their star man from Real Madrid on the eve of the home leg of their qualifier with Sampdoria, Werder Bremen opted to take the money.
Most clubs would have made the same decision, so don't think we're judging Werder, however we do expect them to pay the price on Wednesday night, where the home win can be laid at [1.85].
Thomas Schaaf's men disappointed their fans on numerous occasions at the Weserstadion last season, failing to defeat any of the other teams who finished in the top eight of the Bundesliga.
Sampdoria, on the other hand, consistently delivered on their travels in the final stages of the 2009-10 campaign, most notably by coming from behind to beat Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in April to cost the Giallorossi the title and end their 24-match unbeaten run.
The coach that led them to fourth, Luigi Del Neri, left for Juventus earlier this summer but the key protagonists on the pitch are still present, not least forwards Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Cassano.
In addition, the new man in charge, Domenico Di Carlo, organised Chievo so well that they had the best defensive record in Serie A outside of the top four, despite boasting only the 14th finest squad.
So while our best bet is a lay of the German hosts at [1.85], under 2.5 goals also appeals at [2.0]. Those eager to take a risk on longer odds should consider both the away victory at [5.0] and, if really ambitious, the Blucerchiati to triumph 1-0 at [15.5].
Werder Bremen v Sampdoria
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports 2
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Published: 18 Aug 2010
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