Lyon v Bayern MunichBarcelona v Inter Milan
Tuesday, April 27
Lyon v Bayern Munich
Verdict: In one of the biggest games in the club's history, Lyon will look to progress to a Champions League final for the first time. To do that, they must overturn a 1-0 first leg defecit suffered in Munich a week ago. Bayern Munich will travel to France with a strong belief that they can get the job done after performing heroics in Fiorentina and Manchester in previous ties.
Both sides have suspensions to worry about with Lyon missing midfielder Toulalan and Bayern with out the services of Ribery and Pranjic. On the injury front, Lyon have doubts over Cris and Bastos while the visitors have injury clouds hanging over Demichelis, Van Buyten, and Tymoshchuk. On the up side, Boumsong is likely to return for the home side while Van Bommels return from suspension for Bayern.
Bayern have shown to be very effective on their European travels this season. The Germans have amassed an impressive 12 away goals in Europe through out the group/knock-out phase. Lyon's home form in Europe is strong, winning all their games apart from a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Their success has been built on a solid defence, conceding only 3 goals in the six games leading up to this stage. In was is likely to be an interesting contest, I think the greater experience and fire power will win the day for the visitors.
Pick: Bayern Munich +0.25AH @1.84 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Lyon 0 - 3 Bayern Munich
Wednesday, April 28
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Verdict: The much anticipated 2nd leg clash between these two European football giants is upon us with Barcelona having a mountain to climb. The Catalans will look to overcome a 3-1 loss in Italy. Despite the result, It was a jaded performance by Barcelona which perhaps can be blamed partly on the unaccustomed travel itienary. Anyhow, Barcelona will have no such excuses this time round as they look to turn up the heat on the visitors.
Barcelona are without the services of captain Puyol (through suspension), while Abidal and Iniesta are doubtful. The visitors are boosted by the return to fitness of Dutch playmaker Sneijder while Stankovic is suspended, and Pandev is doubtful with a thigh strain.
Inter Milan's swift counter-attacking and efficiency in front of goal was evident in the first leg. Mourinho will look for more of the same as Barcelona go on the attack. I feel it is risky for Inter Milan to play an all out defensive game as Barcelona are more than capable of scoring at least two goals at Camp Nou. Therefore, I believe the visitors must score to progress into the final and who is to say they won't after Sneijder, Milito, and Eto'o got behind the Barca defence
almost at will in the first leg. Barcelona can't play any worse than they did at the San Siro and I expect a free flowing game as Barcelona go on the attack and Inter Milan fights fire with fire.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals @1.67 (10bet, 10 units)
Barcelona 1 - 0 Inter Milan
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